World-first prototype gives logs a permanent digital identity [NZ]Friday 18 Sep 2026
The Automated Log Identification project, known as Log ID, is part of the Forestry Work in the Modern Age partnership between FGR and the Ministry for Primary Industries. This research is being co-funded by the Forest Growers Levy Trust, the Ministry for Primary Industries, and industry partners and collaborators. This technology will reduce the cost involved in manually marking logs and attaching export log tags. It will also improve stock records, making it easier to verify where timber has come from as it moves through the supply chain. FGR Research Programme Manager Keith Raymond says the prototype addresses a practical challenge for forest growers, processors and exporters. “Forestry still relies on paint marks and physical tags to identify logs. This system creates a permanent code directly on the log end and links it to information about where and when the log was produced,” Raymond says. “For growers, that could mean less manual work, lower marking and tagging costs, and an easier way to provide the traceability increasingly expected by customers and overseas markets.” The Dcode™ system developed by Deeplai creates a unique mark directly on each log. The mark can then be read using a standard mobile phone without relying on a label or electronic tag, or data connectivity. Raymond says the demonstration proved that all the parts of the system, log marking, reading and data management, can work together. “The system can connect with the data already produced by harvesting machinery, allowing it to be introduced into existing forestry operations and data systems.” Deeplai Chief Executive, Swapan Chaudhuri, says already established identification systems, like VIN numbers for vehicles and GTIN barcodes for retail products, have transformed the way goods are tracked around the world. “Giving timber its own permanent identity creates the opportunity to manage and verify it in the same way,” Chaudhuri says. Deeplai is now leading the commercial development of Dcode™ in New Zealand, supported by FGR. For more information contact Keith Raymond at Forest Growers Research Ltd (keith.raymond@fgr.nz) Source & image credit: Forest Growers Research (FGR) | ||
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