TOPSAW Sawing Optimization Analysis Using Grid Computing

TOPSAW program has been developed and successfully used in the replication of sawmill cutting to determine the optimal cutting pattern for a log to get the maximum value for lumber in terms of dollars based on National Hardwood Lumber Association grading rules. Currently Live sawing, which is one direction sawing, can be simulated for only one rotational orientation and one depth of opening cut using a single workstation. The optimal rotational orientation and depth of the opening cut significantly affects the value of lumber produced. The optimal rotational orientation and the opening position outperformed the mean of 432 possible combinations by 14.7 percent. However the computational time involved in simulation of all the 24 different log orientations and 18 different ways to choose the opening depth for a log proves costly and is not effective for sawmill industry. In order to cut the simulation time we collaborate the TOPSAW and Grid Computing technology to leverage this sawing optimization. In this paper we propose a problem solving environment which makes TOPSAW Grid- enabled. The applicability of this solution is shown by a case study.