Danubia Wood is an Austrian trading company for logs, sawn timber and fuelwood. We had an interview with Gernot Mayer, CEO and Lars Matthies, Log Purchasing Manager at Danubia Wood to understand how Timbeter has helped them optimize and improve their daily operations.
What originally drew your attention to Timbeter?
We met the Timbeter team at a trade fair in Munich and we had some really great discussions around their product and how it could help us streamline and improve our processes. Peter from their sales team followed up with us afterwards, and we were really impressed with their product and overall service so decided to take it on board.
What problems did you want to solve with the help of Timbeter?
We use Timbeter to solve two main problems; the first is simply using the product as a tool for photo-optical wood and volume measurement, which in turn helps us solve a second problem of helping us better manage our workload. Solving these two problems has allowed Timbeter to streamline our processes, making our operation much more efficient, cost effective, and safe.
What do you use Timbeter for?
We use Timbeter for photo-optical wood measurement and volume control of piles and diameters. By allowing us to effectively and simply measure the size of individual logs as well as log piles digitally, Timbeter has reduced the need for a more hands-on approach.
Can you give us an example of how Timbeter made your processes more efficient?
One place that we’ve seen a real increase in efficiency is in the measurement of wood that’s loaded onto a truck or container. With a manual system there is a lot of effort involved, which takes a lot of time in itself, in addition to the time required to verify manual counts. In addition, it significantly reduces risk to our employees by minimizing the amount of time they physically need to spend around the heavy loaded wood.
What are the main processes in your company that have benefited from using Timbeter?
Aside from measuring loaded timber, we have seen a real benefit in Timbeters ability to measure individual logs without significant effort. This is normally a much more complicated process, and Timbeter has again sped this up and reduced risk, increasing both efficiency and safety.
Can you name any other advantages?
The other advantages from Timbeter come from the logistical side. We now find it much easier to manage and control our inventory, and the coordinates of measured timber are displayed immediately in the system. This helps us optimize our operations greatly.
How did your team find the implementation of Timbeter and how was switching from your previous manual methods?
So far we’re only using Timbeter for parts of our operations, meaning other parts are still done manually. But so far, we’re really happy overall with the ease of use and implementation of the product.
What is your experience with the Timbeter team?
The Timbeter team have been great. Ever since we met them at the Munich trade fair, they’ve been really hands on and always available with a quick and useful response via phone and email whenever we have needed help. Even on weekends.
Based on your experience, would you recommend Timbeter?
We’d really recommend Timbeter to any company working in wood processing, forestry, sawmills, and the timber trade in general.
How was the product onboarding phase for you?
The product has been really easy to onboard so far, and we’re hoping to expand it further across our business in the future.
