Stakeholder Perspectives on Aligning Sawmilling and Prefabrication for Greater Efficiency in Australia’s Timber Manufacturing Sector

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Abstract

Improving alignment between timber sawmilling and prefabrication, defined as the coordination of information, materials, and decision-making across the supply chain, is critical for sustainable construction. This study examined integration through semi-structured interviews with 15 industry practitioners. Using framework analysis supported by NVivo, eight interlinked themes were identified: supply chain fragmentation and market cycles; data-driven forecasting; inventory and moisture management; digital integration; smart planning and production; quality assurance and workforce capability; circular economy and residue utilisation; and systemic enablers and constraints. The findings show that technical capabilities such as optimisation, grading, and QR-based traceability are often undermined by organisational and policy barriers, including distributor-mediated purchasing, limited interoperability, outdated standards, and uneven skills pathways. Integration was considered more feasible for mass timber prefabrication, where batch planning, tighter quality assurance, and vertical integration align with mill operations, compared with frame-and-truss networks that rely on just-in-time project workflows. The study provides empirical evidence of practitioner perspectives and identifies priorities for action that translate into sustainability gains through improved material efficiency, waste reduction, higher-value residue pathways, and supportive policy settings.

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