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Project Summary:

This study had two dual objectives:

1. To evaluate data capture from combined drawing machines and examine how an improvement in the collection and analysis of the data could lead to enhanced productivity.
2. To conduct a SWOT of general ICT usage in the industry.

Project Partners:
Member companies
of UK Steel Association
Hatch Beddows

Need:

The UK Bright bar sector is relatively small in the UK although it employs 1500 people and produces 3000kt per annum, 43% of which are exported. It is currently facing challenges within the UK, where end users are moving to more cost competitive suppliers offshore, and in its export business where similar challenges are being compounded by negative exchange rates. As a result there is significant pressure to increase productivity and reduce prices. Combined drawing machines are mature pieces of machinery which utilise many electrical, electronic and mechanical systems in its operation. Also, because of the high forces required to open the hot rolled coil, control the bar through the die, cut it to length, straighten it and perform a number of end conditioning operations, it places significant demands on machine integrity. ICT offers to potential to provide greater and more accurate control that will result in lowered downtime and thus improved productivity coupled with increased product quality.

FINDINGS:
It was concluded that companies do collect a large quantity of data related to the product and the process from combined drawing machines. While many companies utilise the data the collection, recording and analysis are largely manual based, which means that the level of detail is limited and decision making difficult. The quality and effectiveness of this information could be improved by automated data capture and linking to corporate business systems.

In general, access to PCs and the internet varies considerably within the industry. Electronic procurement is limited to emails with attachments with no structured files such as EDI or XML are being used. Some steel suppliers are providing intranets though take up is in its early stages, and some efforts have been made at on-line MRO purchases. Company websites tend to be static / brochure-ware in nature with a few having web enabled email. Electronic links within the supply chain tend to be limited to emails with attachments. It is apparent that there is an awareness and a belief in the industry that competitive advantage could be gained through implementation of more cutting edge ICT solutions particularly in the art of communication and processing of information within organisations and throughout the supply chain.

Benefits:

The use of ICT capabilities in Designing, developing and manufacturing more environmentally conscious products. The electrical/ electronics goods manufacture and its supply chain are the main recipient of this scoping study. Other industrial related goods such as instrumentations will also benefit from this study.