From Trees to Trends: AI-supported market analyses in the timber sector

The timber market is under pressure. Climate change, bark beetle infestation, wars and other crises are shaping the development of many commodity markets and making reliable estimates increasingly difficult.

This is exactly where the presentation “From Trees to Trends: AI-supported market analyses in the timber sector” by Sandra Heckmann (Consultant – Data Scientist, Syncwork AG Berlin) and Julia Kemmerer (Sales Management Specialist, Bayerische Staatsforsten AÖR Regensburg) at the Controlling Competence Spaces at Metaverse comes in.

“For our customer, Bayerische Staatsforsten AöR (BaySF), it is of economic interest to understand these fluctuations on the timber market. In addition to the maintenance and management of the Bavarian state forest, BaySF’s tasks also include the sale of the harvested timber. The price for this timber is the focus of our work. The aim is to predict three months in advance whether the price will have a rising or falling trend,” explains Sandra Heckmann. With this knowledge, BaySF gains a strategic advantage in order to achieve an adequate price.

“We don’t have a crystal ball with which we can look into the future. But we can create an approximation of such a predictive “sphere”. We use a proven ML algorithm (machine learning) that uses data from the past to form rules for the predictions. This works well for data that is subject to minor fluctuations, such as periodic processes,” adds Heckmann.

On 12 November at icvIspaces, the two experts will show how a machine learning algorithm is used to systematically analyze the timber market. The algorithm takes into account external influencing factors such as geopolitical events, logistical bottlenecks or seasonal fluctuations and can therefore recognize patterns that are difficult for humans to understand on their own. The aim is to predict price developments at an early stage and enable well-founded decisions in procurement and controlling.

In the lecture, participants will learn:

• How data from different sources is integrated and processed
• What challenges arise when using AI in traditional markets
• What opportunities arise from early market analyses

This presentation is just one example of the practical sessions at CCS 2025: from November 11 to 13, 2025, experts from controlling, finance and data science will meet at Metaverse to discuss the latest developments in artificial intelligence in controlling. Further highlights: Keynotes, interactive world cafés and networking on the Smart Islands.

More information and registration at: Controlling Competence Spaces 2025.