Commercial Workshops

Commercial Workshops


Title	Optimizing Forest Road Planning & Design with Path Explorer AI
Presenter	Softree Technical Systems specializes in developing innovative software solutions for forestry and civil engineering. Known for our flagship product, RoadEng, we empower professionals to design sustainable, efficient roads while minimizing environmental impact. With decades of experience, we focus on tools that simplify complex workflows, integrating data like LiDAR to optimize road alignment and resource management in forestry operations. Our solutions are trusted by forestry professionals worldwide to balance operational needs with environmental stewardship.
Description	In this workshop, participants will explore Path Explorer AI, an innovative tool integrated within RoadEng Forest Engineer, that leverages artificial intelligence to revolutionize forest road planning and design. This session will focus on how Path Explorer AI automatically identifies optimized road alignments, minimizing earthwork and surfacing costs while addressing key environmental and engineering factors, including hydrology and terrain. Through a hands-on lab session, attendees will gain practical experience by using the tool to generate optimized road designs. Participants will apply real-world environmental and engineering considerations to produce efficient road alignments in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods.
Facilitator		Matthew Dickie is the Applications Engineer and Training Manager at Softree Technical Systems. With a professional engineering designation (P.Eng) and extensive experience in the forestry and mining sectors, Matt has developed expertise in designing access infrastructure and managing complex engineering challenges. His background enables him to provide exceptional training and support to clients while also contributing valuable insights to the ongoing development of Softree’s innovative software solutions.

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Title	Harnessing Intelligent Planning to Improve Harvest Scheduling and Product Allocation with Remsoft Operations
Presenter	Remsoft is a global leader in intelligent planning solutions for the forestry supply chain. Combining advanced analytics with deep industry expertise, we empower forestry organizations to plan with precision, act with confidence, and adapt to change. Our software enhances decision-making across the value chain, optimizing performance and profitability. With Remsoft, every decision is powered by intelligence, ensuring sustainable growth in an ever-evolving landscape.
Description	In this workshop, participants will explore Remsoft Operations, a cloud-based forest operations management solution that centralizes data, plans, and analytics to improve decision-making, collaboration, and efficiency in forestry operations. This interactive, hands-on session will immerse attendees in the core functionalities of Remsoft Operations. Through a blend of instructor-led demonstrations and guided exercises, participants will learn to leverage advanced tools for harvest scheduling, product allocation to mills, and financial analysis, driving operational efficiency and profitability. Using real-world scenarios, attendees will gain valuable practical experience in making informed decisions to achieve optimal outcomes in harvest scheduling with Remsoft Operations.
Facilitators		Pablo Asiron is a Chemical Engineer with over 28 years of experience in Optimization and Advanced Process Control. As VP of Sales and Marketing at Remsoft, he is passionate about driving digital transformation and leveraging connected data intelligence to modernize business planning and execution. Pablo brings a wealth of experience in using technology to power organizational performance, and a proven track record of fostering growth and innovation.
		Sandy Loder is a forestry professional with a B.Sc. in Forestry and Environmental Management. Sandy has held diverse roles at Remsoft, including Technical Support Lead, Solutions Analyst and Sales Engineer. With extensive global experience in forestry planning, Sandy is known for his deep expertise in optimization modelling and forest operations management using Remsoft solutions.

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Title	A platform designed for digitizing measurement processes
Presenter	Timbeter is a digital platform designed for the forestry industry, offering innovative solutions for measuring timber and managing and optimizing the timber data. Using AI and machine learning, Timbeter allows users to measure timber stack volume, log diameters, and pile density through a smartphone or tablet and manage it all in a cloud based data management system. By digitizing timber measurement processes, Timbeter helps forestry companies improve productivity, lower costs, and support sustainable practices.
Description	In this workshop, Timbeter will showcase how its innovative technology helps forestry professionals streamline workflows, improve accuracy, and enhance operational efficiency. Through an online presentation and software demonstration, you'll see Timbeter in action and learn how it integrates seamlessly into existing processes. The session will also feature success stories from industry leaders and practical guidance on adopting digital solutions to optimize your forestry operations. Whether you're focused on increasing productivity, ensuring compliance, or advancing sustainability, this workshop will provide valuable insights tailored to your needs
Facilitator		Braien Kasser is the Head of Sales at Timbeter and brings extensive experience in the forestry and technology sectors, specializing in helping businesses leverage innovative solutions to streamline operations and achieve greater efficiency. He works closely with forestry companies, sawmills, and logistics providers worldwide, guiding them in adopting digital tools to improve log measurement accuracy and operational transparency.

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Title	Microforest—New developments
Presenter	Forest IT is a Mauritian-based company and developer of the Microforest suite of applications. Microforest is a leading, all-inclusive forestry management solution used by more than 40 organisations worldwide, covering approximately 2 million hectares.
Description	The workshop will cover new developments such as the activity scheduler, EUDR required data storage & reporting, mobility solutions, plantation valuation functionality and carbon volume reporting. Current and interested users of Microforest will find these new developments an exciting enhancement to the already diverse functionality of this leading software program.
Facilitator		Lee Cunningham will be leading the Forest IT team for the workshop. He is the General Manager of Forest IT and has wide forestry experience from greenfield developments to large corporates. His skills and expertise help guide the development of enhancements within Microforest. Joining him will be Bennie Brönn and Esmari Wessels, two colleagues who are essential parts of the support and training team.

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Title	Robotics demonstration
Presenter	The Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Stellenbosch University
Description	This presentation delves into the parallels between agricultural and mining robotics, highlighting shared challenges, technologies, and design philosophies in these two vital industries. We will explore how automation, sensing, and machine learning principles enable both sectors to tackle harsh environments, optimize operations, and ensure safety. A live demonstration will showcase advanced robotic systems developed at the ESL (Electronic Systems Laboratory), including autonomous ground vehicles and drones. These robots exemplify how technologies like precision navigation, environment mapping, and task automation can seamlessly transition between agricultural and mining applications, underscoring the potential for cross-disciplinary innovation. Join us to witness cutting-edge robotics in action and discover how solutions in one industry can inspire breakthroughs in another.
Facilitator		Dr. Callen Fisher received his PhD from the University of Cape Town (UCT) in 2021. He joined Stellenbosch University in 2019, where he is currently a senior lecturer focusing on control systems. As a member of the ESL (Electronic Systems Laboratory) research group, he contributes to cutting-edge research in autonomous vehicles. He also holds the Enaex Africa Research Chair in Mining Robotics, focusing on innovative solutions to advance automation and safety in the mining industry.