A method of preparing a log comprising scanning the log, matching the scanned log to a virtual log, generating a cutting profile for the scanned log from the matched virtual log and cutting the log in accordance with the generated cutting profile. A method for preparing a log structure including a plurality of logs. The method comprising scanning the logs, generating a cutting profile associated with each log, cutting each of the logs according to the associated cutting profile and, assembling the log structure with the cut logs. A system for preparing logs, the system comprising a scanning subsystem, a machining subsystem and, a CAD design subsystem.