User Content Guide: Forestry & Timber Cost Tracker
Overview
This web application helps forestry and timber businesses track operational expenses across six key categories. It allows you to input costs, automatically calculates totals, and provides data backup/restore functionality.
Getting Started
- Company Details: Enter your company name or identifier in the "Company Detail" field
- Date Selection: Choose the reporting date using the date picker
- Data Entry: Input costs for each operational category in the provided fields
Section Breakdown
1. Forestry & Timber Operations
- Land acquisition & lease fees
- Forest land taxes & permits
- Forest inventory & mapping
- Silviculture (tree planting, pruning, thinning)
- Pest & disease control
- Controlled burning & firebreak maintenance
- Forest road & trail maintenance
2. Harvesting & Logging
- Chainsaws & felling equipment purchase/maintenance
- Skidders, harvesters & loaders fuel & repairs
- Logging crew wages & benefits
- Safety equipment & protective gear
- Timber marking & measurement
- Harvesting permits & fees
3. Processing & Sawmilling
- Sawmill machinery purchase/maintenance
- Lumber drying & storage costs
- Cutting, shaping & finishing tools
- Packaging & labeling materials
- Energy & water usage for processing
4. Transportation & Logistics
- Timber transport trucks & trailers purchase/maintenance
- Fuel & lubricants
- Freight & shipping fees
- Loading/unloading costs
5. Environmental Compliance & Sustainability
- Environmental impact assessments
- Certification fees (FSC, PEFC, etc.)
- Wildlife & habitat conservation measures
- Reforestation & rehabilitation costs
6. Administration & Overheads
- Office rent & utilities
- Staff salaries & training
- Communication expenses (internet, phone)
- Insurance (equipment, liability, workers' comp)
- Marketing & sales promotion
Features
Automatic Calculations
- Each section automatically calculates its subtotal
- The net total updates in real-time as you enter data
- All values are formatted to two decimal places for currency accuracy
Data Management
- Backup Data: Saves all entered information to your browser's local storage
- Restore Data: Retrieves previously saved data from local storage
- Reset Data: Clears all fields and removes saved data
- Print: Creates a printer-friendly version of your cost report
Best Practices
- Regular Backups: Save your data frequently to prevent loss
- Complete All Fields: Enter $0.00 for categories with no expenses to maintain accurate records
- Date Consistency: Use consistent date formats for period-to-period comparisons
- Review Totals: Check section totals to identify areas of highest expenditure
Technical Notes
- Data is stored locally in your browser (no server storage)
- The application works offline once loaded
- For optimal performance, use modern browsers like Chrome, Firefox, or Edge
- Printed reports exclude input fields and buttons for a clean presentation
Troubleshooting
- If totals don't update, ensure all fields contain valid numbers or are empty
- If restore doesn't work, check that you've previously saved data
- For persistent issues, refresh the page and restore your data