A heuristic approach to the lumber allocation problem in hardwood dimension and furniture manufacturing

Abstract The allocation of lumber is a perennial problem in hardwood dimension and furniture manufacturing. A heuristic approach to the problem is discussed in this paper. An algorithm called select was developed for this approach. It embodies linear and nonlinear programming techniques including the techniques of level bin packing and column generation. Unlike existing techniques, select can be used across grading rules and is sensitive to lumber sizes, grades and species. Also, it generates cutting patterns for individual types of lumber. Results of a case study involving a hardwood cabinet manufacturing operation indicate that substantial cost savings are attainable through better lumber allocation with select . In this case, the company could realize lumber input cost savings of about 26.5% mainly as a result of increased blank yield and a consequent reduction in lumber input volume of about 28.8%.