Contemporary web applications enable significantly shorter processing times by cutting administrative and operational costs while also boosting corporate effectiveness. Nevertheless, implementations of modern SaaS solutions are still considered emerging. Therefore, the aim of this thesis is to provide an accurate, informative, objective, and valuable assessment of the marketability and potential for SaaS solutions in the DACH region’s forestry industry.

A literature review on the forest industry in the relevant markets was conducted in order to gain a fundamental understanding of the topic and objectives. Semi-structured interviews were used to gather qualitative data. The authors communicated with industry experts, forestry companies, and software developers to ensure that the information and perspectives were multidimensional. The PESTEL analysis was used to organize the collected data in a well-structured manner in order to assist the comprehension of significant findings.

It was feasible to derive intriguing conclusions for each PESTEL sphere concerning forestry. In Germany, the state is highly involved in forestry operations, encouraging collaborations with the state, whereas in Austria, this is not the case. According to the economic sphere analysis, everyone in the sector perceives a great economic incentive to implement SaaS. The social sphere emphasized the need to carefully evaluate the current target group, which is elderly and resistant to new technologies, and this is an essential factor to consider, especially for marketing activities. On the other hand, an opportunity is determined through the ongoing generational change in forestry, promising an intensified readiness and willingness for digitalization. In order to remain competitive, forestry enterprises of all scales must develop and adopt cutting-edge solutions, as their current technology is severely outdated, according to the technological sphere. Finally, the environmental sphere demonstrates how forests are a long-term sustainable resource, yet the industry is exposed to both positive and negative effects depending on unforeseeable natural catastrophes.