PPC SYSTEM OPTIMIZES HOT-CHARGING AT STAH LWERK-THURINGEN

The new integrated production planning and control system designed for the mini-mill, which handles the entire logistics ranging from the de livery of the raw and charge materials, making of the steel, rolling o f the sections, storage, and finishing, through to the shipment of the finish ed products, makes standardised and automated operational proc edures possible. This leads not only to an optimisation of the investm ent and production costs, but also to improved production planning. Be cause of the synchronisation of the steel plant with the rolling mill, the PPC system permits a maximisation of hot-charging and thereby a r apid and flexible response to customer requirements. The operating res ults to date substantiate the increased cost-efficiency achieved in pr oduction.