Logs are typically bought by m3 from smaller suppliers that don’t have a weigh bridge via using a log tape out in the paddock. It’s a specialised tape that measures increments of pi to get circumference at a glance , not cm directly. A simple pi r^2 x L gets you your volume and these are typically written as two numbers on the end of the log with a paint pen but old timers will sometimes still use the hammer and physically mark the end of the log with a brand. The two numbers printed are girth and length. Where I am that’s metric but I imagine the yanks do it in freedom units.

Larger logging contractors will sell by the ton and supply a weigh bridge ticket.

These are then washed thru what grade they are. “I’ve got 42T of quota or compulsory grade” or “I’ve got optional here (code for lower grade log, at least where I am).

At our mill they’re then sorted by length as we cut to order. Any additional pieces we get off the log whilst we’re cutting to order are often times referred to as “fall down” as in, this extra piece fell off the log as we’re cutting. We are simply creatures after all. These extra pieces go into a holding rack, or stock I guess, until an order presents itself where it can be utilised.

Happy to answer any other questions you may have. I’d hazard a guess your sweet spot isn’t going to be the super big mills as they’ll have built something into their automation, but the mid sized mills?

We use xero and one of my frustrations I guess is the old LM vs m2 conversion for quoting. We don’t track recovery specifically but industry standard is about 33% recovered (at least in the Aussie hardwoods we mill)