Outsourcing in furniture sector: The case of optimization in wooden panel sizing

Optimization programs are used in sizing in order to use wood-based boards effectively and efficiently with the least waste in furniture production. In this study, the importance of outsourcing and wood panel sizing optimization, which are widely used in furniture production, is revealed and explained with examples. Information was given about what materials are used in the furniture production phase, which machines and processes these materials are passed through, the importance of panel sizing optimization in outsourcing production, and the situations that manufacturers and customers may encounter. Suggestions are presented on which material can be selected at all production stages. Considering the results of the optimization of the sample cabinet sizes used in the study, it was concluded that the size of 2800x2100x18 mm is suitable for solid color panels, while the size of 3660x1830x18 mm is more suitable for patterned panel cutting. In addition, it was found that patterned surfaces yield more wastage than solid color surfaces for all panel sizes.