Digitization in Serial Timber Construction Manufacturing: A Model-Based Approach for Sustainable and Efficient Production

Progressing climate change and growing resource scarcity call for innovative and sustainable manufacturing concepts in serial timber construction. A central challenge is the seamless integration of design and material data into production to enhance material efficiency, reduce waste, and ensure environmentally responsible manufacturing. Integrated modelling techniques enable the incorporation of design and logistics information into production, supporting optimized material use, minimal offcuts, and the targeted selection of sustainable resources. Real-time data and intelligent information and communication technologies (ICT) further improve process control, lower energy consumption, and prevent rework. Achieving these efficiency and sustainability gains requires comprehensive digitalization across the value chain. This paper presents a systematic, model-based framework for assessing the digitalization level in serial timber manufacturing, identifying existing gaps, and providing targeted recommendations to support a data-driven, resource-efficient, and low-emission production process.