Flexible reporting

Report options can be pre-defined, so that only the information actually required by the user is generated.  Standard reports and charts are available, or report tables can be saved in other formats including Excel and .csv.

Operations scheduled to occur at the right time.

Silvicultural operations can be scheduled to meet specified management objectives and constraints  by using appropriate growth models and functions.

Decisions based on using the correct models and functions.

Appropriate combinations of functions and models can be pre-defined, simplifying the process and reducing user errors.  Models available have been developed by industry research consortia as well as individual research providers and companies.  Users can implement their own local functions in most cases.

Management options analysed for effects on yields

Forecaster can simulate the effects of genetics, site and management on yields and quality of log products over time.

Future-proofing

The underlying stem model can include more wood quality parameters as the research becomes available; site and stem properties that may be required by future models can already be included.

Wide range of options explored quickly and efficiently

Forecaster can process a large number of scenarios in batch mode and the information collected can be reused and shared.  Multiple scenarios can be compared simultaneously in reports.

Detailed modelling of silviculture

Tree list projection allows more complex stem selection criteria for pruning and thinning to be modelled, as well as variable lift pruning and catch-up pruning.

Compatible with Microsoft products

Windows-based; reports exported to Excel; uses MSDE; built on .NET technology.

Extensibility

The Application Programming interface allows for complete encapsulation of Forecaster within other applications and systems in corporate systems.