14.06.2013 / Outokumpu rolls out Quintiq’s supply chain optimization platform at Avesta rolling mill
Quintiq, one of the global leaders in supply chain planning and optimization (SCP&O), announced that its platform is being rolled-out at the Outokumpu Stainless AB in Avesta/Sweden to support the scheduling of cold flow operations. The project will be completed by the end of 2013, and Outokumpu’s cold flow area, which produces stainless steel coils and sheets, will experience tangible benefits immediately upon completion.
Outokumpu is one of the biggest stainless steel producer worldwide and its Avesta Plant houses cold flow operations including annealing, pickling and cold rolling facilities. To meet an increasing demand for better product properties and tighter process tolerances, Quintiq was approached to recommend a solution to optimize Outokumpu’s complex production challenges. Over the course of a three-day demonstration that tackled the plant’s most intricate planning puzzles in the cold flow area, the Quintiq team established the business benefits that its SCP&O platform would yield, and how optimization would raise the internal visibility of supply chain procedures.
In addition to minimizing the percentage of product reworks and reducing costs in the production process, other positive impacts of Quintiq’s platform for Outokumpu will include a reduction in lead-times and lower inventory levels. Reduced lead times will have a positive impact on customer satisfaction. Reduced inventory will have positive impacts on capital costs.
“We have had experience working with Quintiq from previous projects. They have knowledgeable staff and a robust working method that secures the achievement of the project goals,” said Gunnar Meller, Outokumpu VP of Supply Chain, Special Coil. “We intend to use the software for building a platform that facilitates continuous improvement of our deliveries”. “This is the fourth project we’ve undertaken with Outokumpu,” said Francois Eijgelshoven, Quintiq VP of EMEA. “Quintiq’s platforms are an excellent match for the complex production processes of the steel industry. Outokumpu recognizes the business benefits that result from optimizing their supply chain, and we’re delighted to have the opportunity to continue the relationship.”
