LogTracking Manager

LogCom’s tracking software is called LogTracking Manager (LTM).

LTM’s framework is developed on the same platforms and designed using the same technology as LSM. The handheld software is written in Visual Studio 2005 – Visual Basic .NET; running a Microsoft SQL Mobile 2005 database.  LTM Lego mirrorThe handheld software works in conjunction with a web based application that is written in Active Server Page (ASP). Once transferred from the handheld, the data is stored in a secure SQL Server 2005 database. Both LTM and LSM utilize the same database and access many of the same tables; thus enabling information sharing between systems (e.g. after a log is scaled with LSM, its details can be viewed once added to a bundle with LTM). The system can be run in a real-time manner by utilizing a wireless infrastructure, or be used in an “almost” real-time mode, by synchronizing the handheld to the main database periodically throughout the day via a USB connection to the internet.

LTM is a complete log inventory tracking tool. It will track the life of a log from the time it arrives at a sort until it reaches its final destination. As logs are added to packages (such as bundles or booms) the system will monitor the logs being added to ensure they belong to the correct sort code and that the paint marks match the sort code that was entered during the original scale.

Combined with a wireless solution, LTM can provide managers and/or users with critical information in real-time. Given that data from each of the logs’ original scale is available, the strapping crew can also monitor the size of the bundle in real-time, ensuring that bundles are being produced as close as possible to the optimized size (e.g. transport constraints). This could facilitate the addition or removal of logs as required. This live data link back to the log information can also provide managers and/or users with critical statistics such as:

  • piece count
  • average piece size
  • volume (and corresponding weight)
  • mean, min & max log lengths
  • tag loss ratio (on tagged sorts)

The system is designed with a sophisticated reconciliation process. Based on the preferences set up by a manager, the system will automatically assign logs based on either a first in – first out (FIFO) or last in – first out (LIFO). The process can gain complexity when the strapping crew deal with an EUS that has tagged logs. At the time of scanning tags, the user has the ability to record some basic log characteristics (such as length and diameters) for any logs missing a tag. Then using the web application part of LTM, managers or scalers are able to associate the unidentified log with a probable match based on basic measurements the strapping crew (or a scaler) collected. If an exact match is not made, an assumed match will be generated, and used until proven incorrect (e.g. the assumed log is scanned in another bundle).

 

 

Coming Soon…

We are also working on adding a comprehensive boom mapping module. This module will give users the ability (both spatially & aspatially) to inspect & record booming gear and create an inventory of bundles within a boom. Users will also be able to conduct  boom & bundle quality inspections. Users will be provided with an interactive display that has the framework of a boom. They will have the ability to add booming gear (e.g. chains, swifter wires, tie-ups, etc.) to the framework. Bundles will be spatially added to the framework, at which time the bundle ID can be scanned or typed in. This could be used for both outgoing and incoming booms.

With the addition of a GPS receiver (built into the handheld or connected with a Bluetooth connection), LTM can have the ability to capture coordinates for the location of each boom. This location combined with our spatial mapping component, will be able to overlay the boom location onto an ortho photo and provide an informative way of locating the boom for such tasks as inspections or towing.