Holcim, in its Eastern Europe cement plants, has advanced its automated dispatch processes and weighing technology in a move towards a smart factory.
The LOGiQ logistics software by Schenck Process has been automating all process and data management relating to dispatch services in the company’s 14 locations, since the beginning of the year. An additional four locations are currently being connected to the highly available dispatch automation system; this includes all Outbound-, Inbound- and AFR transport train, truck or ship.
The new generation of LOGiQ shortens waiting times, is efficient and helps save on raw materials. It enables the cement manufacturer to network, manage, and document all stages of its intralogistics via Internet and Web 2.0 technology.
LOGiQ controls the workflow management system from orders receiving to printing delivery notes automatically. All transactions between the delivery point, mixers and scales, operator terminals and loading bays are logged, stored, and archived. The orders are efficiently reported to the ERP system (SAP) without loss.
Automated shipping processes interlock new hardware and software components with existing ones while relying on networking local intelligence. The key components of the hardware and software modules from the LOGiQ portfolio are presently in use at the 18 Holcim locations.
With the help of LOGiQ and the team at Schenck Process, Holcim aims to unify all business processes across Europe, now approaching successful completion of this. "We are headed in the right direction towards a smart factory," said Ionut Grosu, Head of Automation and Electrical in the Regional Support Organisation Emerging Europe.
Adapted from press release by Harleigh Hobbs