In collaboration with QWEB and CIFQ, FPInnovations developed an Excel tool to help analyze overseas export options for a sawmill. Optitek simulations were performed by log diameter and length class to establish different product baskets, depending on the target market. The simulation results were compiled in the Excel tool. The North American market, as a baseline scenario, can be compared to the markets of Great Britain (for 38 and 45 mm), Israel, and the Middle East. The Excel tool allows users to customize the analysis based on the log class distribution specific to a sawmill. Users can see the types of product baskets their mill can generate, along with their value, and observe the various impacts on the mill, such as changes in material yield. The tool was presented at the RISF/Webinar on September 23, 2025, and at a workshop at the CIFQ Conference Workshops on November 20, 2025.

The tool can be used to perform an initial analysis and select potential overseas markets. Users can then narrow down the number of market diversification scenarios and focus on those with the greatest potential for their situation. FPInnovations can assist the mill in further analyzing these scenarios by performing Optitek simulations, benchmarked on its own equipment and log scans. Simulations on the impact of drying pieces of different sizes than those found on the North American market can also be performed, thereby suggesting more suitable drying schedules. FPInnovations also offers support in the form of sawing parameter audits and drying audits to help plan the transition of the mill’s operating parameters (optimizer settings, saw types, drying schedule, planing, etc.). To learn more, simply discuss it with your account manager.