ABSTRACT Log yards are an important component of the forest value chain. Yet, the performance of log yards, which are a specific case of warehouses, has not been thoroughly studied. The aim of this paper was to investigate log yard efficiency, explore the relationship between efficiency and operational conditions, and identify management practices that lead to best/worst performance. A benchmarking analysis of technical efficiency of 38 log yards in Quebec, Canada, was conducted by means of a Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) approach. Three input factors (area, equipment, labor), and one output factor (annual volume), were considered in an input-oriented model. Technical efficiency scores were analyzed using a complexity factor that expressed the combined influence of seasonality, shape, and number and sort to be handled. The average technical efficiency of log yards is 61%, and 81%, when assuming constant and variable returns to scale respectively. Inefficient log yards operate under increasing returns to scale and the source of inefficiency is both technical (inefficient transformation of inputs into output) and managerial (inadequate scale of operations). The results suggest possible median reduction in input consumption of 17%, 20%, and 14%, respectively for area, equipment and labor utilization. Log yard technical inefficiency is mainly due to an inadequate utilization of area and moving equipment.

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使用数据包络分析对原木场进行性能分析

摘要 原木场是森林价值链的重要组成部分。然而，作为仓库特定案例的原木场的性能尚未得到彻底研究。本文的目的是调查木场效率，探索效率与运营条件之间的关系，并确定导致最佳/最差绩效的管理实践。通过数据包络分析 (DEA) 方法对加拿大魁北克 38 个原木场的技术效率进行了基准分析。投入导向模型考虑了三种投入因素（面积、设备、劳动力）和一种产出因素（年产量）。使用复杂性因素分析技术效率得分，该因素表示季节性、形状、数量和要处理的种类的综合影响。原木场的平均技术效率为 61% 和 81%，分别假设规模报酬不变和可变。低效率的原木场在规模报酬递增的情况下运作，低效率的根源在于技术（投入转化为产出的效率低下）和管理（运营规模不足）。结果表明，在面积、设备和劳动力利用率方面，投入消耗的中位数可能分别减少 17%、20% 和 14%。原木场技术效率低下主要是由于面积和移动设备利用率不足。低效率的原木场在规模报酬递增的情况下运作，低效率的根源在于技术（投入转化为产出的效率低下）和管理（运营规模不足）。结果表明，在面积、设备和劳动力利用率方面，投入消耗的中位数可能分别减少 17%、20% 和 14%。原木场技术效率低下主要是由于面积和移动设备利用率不足。低效率的原木场在规模报酬递增的情况下运作，低效率的根源在于技术（投入转化为产出的效率低下）和管理（运营规模不足）。结果表明，在面积、设备和劳动力利用率方面，投入消耗的中位数可能分别减少 17%、20% 和 14%。原木场技术效率低下主要是由于面积和移动设备利用率不足。