Log Tags

Log Tags

Objectives

The Process

Conditions

OBJECTIVE:
Log tags are used to identify a tree log from the time it is cut down until it is sawed at the mill into dimensional lumber, converted into other products, or shipped overseas. Specific objectives include:

1. Track logs from cutting locations through the scaling station onto the mill or shipping dock.

2. Improve processing of log information by creating automatic data capture, available through remote scanning or by removing sections of the tag for key entry at a later time. This will result in:

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Improved log inventory processing at mills by converting intensive, error-prone paperwork processing to automated, accurate data collection via bar code scanning.
Reduced time needed to gather and process inventory movement information at the mills, resulting in reduced transferring and loading times and hence higher productivity.
Improved mill inventory management through accurate information processing of logs for first-in first-out use. First-in first-out processing usually results in processing more aged logs first, thereby reducing kiln drying time.
Reduced or minimized inventory shrinkage and/or degrade through the use of complete and accurate inventory data.
Better inventory yield in production through the accurate matching of dimensional lumber requirements to log specifications.
Assure tag survival in a difficult application environment.

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THE PROCESS:
The log tag is stapled to the end of the log immediately upon cutting the tree down. Once cut, logs are transported via trucks to a log scaling station.

1. Log Scaling:
This is a receiving function. Logs arrive in trucks and must be measured and graded on the truck or as they are off-loaded. At the scaling station, the bar code on the log tag is scanned to create an inventory number. The following information is captured through voice recognition systems (much faster and safer) or keyed into a portable terminal: species, length, diameter (at both ends), grade, defects, deductions, wood lot, crew, trucker, landowner, scaler, date, and other information deemed important. All of this information is tied to the bar code number for each log. With this information, the value of each log can be determined. In some cases the log information for each truckload is transmitted automatically via wireless Internet access to an office. This information makes it possible to:

Create payment data to the owner of the timberlands. Scaling data can be downloaded directly into accounting for payment processing.
Notify the mill or the port to which the logs are going as to the specifics of the shipment. Specific data about log loads can be forwarded to the recipient before the shipment arrives.
Maintain a history of all scaling activity.

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2. delivery:
Upon delivery of the load, the recipient already knows what to expect via the Internet transmission. They can scan the bar codes on individual logs to confirm receipt and in the case of overseas shipment the port can generate the shipping manifest from the downloaded data for exporting.

3. storage:
At the mill the logs may be stored outside for up to 6 months. If the logs are stored in stacks, they are sprayed regularly with water to promote natural aging and/or drying. In some areas like the Northwest, the logs are sometimes stored in water (rivers or lakes).

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CONDITIONS:

1. Logs are cut and transported in all types of weather, ranging from -35 degrees and dry to snow or rain, to 95 degrees and very humid

2. Logs are exposed to heavy moisture through regular spraying or water submersion.

3. Bar codes could be scanned immediately or at a later time.

4. Contact wand or non-contact CCD or laser scanner could be used.

5. There is probably direct and sustained sun exposure.

6. Rough handling of product is involved.

7. Logs are transported via roads on unprotected trailers.

8. Handlers wear heavy safety gloves.

9. There is usually other equipment operating in the background including cranes and tractor-trailer trucks.

PRODUCT DESIGN:
The tag must be survive rough handling, outdoor exposure, strong air currents (from highway transportation), significant moisture and direct sun exposure, and continue to read bar codes flawlessly.

1 Part Roll Tag
Rite-In-The-Rain

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1. materials:
There are a variety of materials available which will sustain the conditions to which the tags are exposed. Most of the time the chosen material is synthetic. PVC is a common option for this application. It will withstand at least one year in these conditions. HDPE is a less expensive option, but will not perform well after 6 months exposure. Some areas are concerned about the capability of the tag to go through the repulping process. In this case, a repulpable product must be used and will not be laminated but will be varnished. If a repulpable product is desired, Permafibre is a paper-based product that will last at least a year in these conditions. Rite-In-The-Rain is another paper-based material that is repulpable, however it is not durable enough in most instances.

In most cases, over lamination is recommended to protect the information on the tag. With the rough handling and conditions, the bar codes could be scuffed beyond use. With repulpable choice materials, varnish is used instead of lamination. It provides inferior protection compared to lamination, but is better than no protective cover.

Because of the extended exposure to direct sunlight, fade resistant inks are recommended.

1 Part Tag

2 Part Tag

3 Part Tag

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2. construction:
Most log tags are single sheets, with roll product used rarely. Tags are usually manufactured as one, two, or three part tags. The two and three part tags are achieved through the use of perforations.

Special tear-away perforations allow handlers to remove tag sections. Because handlers are always wearing safety gloves, it is awkward to remove sections of perforated plastic with conventional perforations.

3. size and section options:
Log tag size is optional, however most range from 5" x 3" to 4" x 1". It largely depends on how many parts are in the tag. Log tags usually have one, two, or three parts. One part remains on the log until it is processed in the mill. Within a two-part tag, one part remains on the log (until it is cut off in the mill processing). The second part is used in locations, which do not have portable scanners. The second part is removed and taken into an office for processing. In a 3-part tag, parts one and two are used as described in a 2-part tag. Part 3 is used primarily used for export documentation. The third part is removed at the port and retained there for proof of shipment.

4. printing:
Most of these products are preprinted for manual use since it is difficult to have a printer in the outside that could produce a durable tag. Color changes and/or prefix (alpha) changes are used to identify season-to-season changes. Sections can have bar codes, human readable or preprinted information or a combination of these.

5. numbering:
Conventional and bar code numbering can be of any size or orientation, within the physical limits of the tag dimensions.

Conventional and bar code numbering can be the same on all sections or vary on sections based upon user requirements for convenience. Traditional numbering methods use alpha/numeric characters in the human readable but numbers only in the bar code.

This is a restriction based upon the traditional use of Codabar bar code symbology in the industry. Codabar symbology only utilizes numbers.

Because of the increased interest in incorporating alpha characters in the bar code, users are switching to Code 39 and/or Code 128, which can encode alpha characters.