DIGITAL solutions to better plan, respond and communicate in forestry will be on show at Interforst. 

Exhibitors in Munich will get the chance to see how digitalisation is becoming part of the business strategy for forests and woodlands through digital terrain models, simulated growth processes, and sensor technology. 

A host of guest speakers will offer their take at the show, which is one of the largest in the continent, with the results of several research projects dominating discussions. 

READ MORE: Strategies for wood will take centre stage at Interforst

A spokesperson for Interforst said: "A study recently published by the Arbeitsgemeinschaft Rohholz e.V. shows that many aspects of the digital value chain are still in the implementation stage.

"There is awareness among many players in the forest and wood industry; in fact, 94 per cent of respondents say they are open to digitalisation.

"Particular advantages are expected in paperless data management, transport cost optimization, a just-in-time flow of goods, and improved machine utilisation." 

While a number of digital tools exist in forestry - such as John Deere's TimberMatik Maps - and research is continuing to grow in this area, equipment is not widespread in several sections of the industry. 

This, Interforst organisers say, is mainly due to insufficient mobile network coverage and a lack of standards in forestry/wood communication.

During the show, experts, such as Professor Jürgen Roßmann and Prof Erik Findeisen, will explain the possibilities for cloud-based navigation in timber logistics, among other advancements in digital technology. 

Forestry Journal: Thousands of exhibitors will head to Munich for Interforst Thousands of exhibitors will head to Munich for Interforst

A spokesperson added: "Presentations during the Interforst 2022 supporting programmes will provide a glimpse into the future and clarity on how close integration in the forestry and wood value chain can be advanced in the future." 

Returning from July 17 to 20, Interforst 2022 will occupy around 80,000 square metres — 11,000 m² of hall space in B6 and 69,000 m² of outdoor space. In total, around 450 exhibitors and more than 50,000 visitors are expected.