The recent introduction of optimizing technology for cross-cutting boards (chop saw operation) has raised questions about the merits of this technology versus conventional manual systems in the British Columbia remanufacturing sector. A review of the existing technology available to chop lumber (both manual and computerized) was undertaken. A total of 30 remanufacturing plants were visited. Background material was obtained from journal articles and literature from suppliers. The relative merits of the systems in use are discussed.