This study explored the relationship between the productivity produced using two methods of data collection: Time Study – manual Time Study following the Standards for Time Studies for the South African Forest Industry and Stem File – using the machine archive data in the StanForD Stem Files. Additionally, the study assessed the validity of using Stem File data to calculate and model productivity.
This was done by comparing the tree Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) and volume, as well as the productivity model estimation using the two methods. The study objectives were: (i) to calculate the productivity, and develop productivity models for CTL harvesters using data collected from two study methods (ii) to compare and develop a relationship between the Time Study productivity and the Stem File productivity, (iii) to assess whether statistically equivalent productivity models can be developed using two methods of data collection (iv) to identify sources of potential deviation in parameters measured using two different study methods.