OptiVision improves manufacturing execution

July 2010 IT in Manufacturing

Honeywell uses business logic software to optimise production for plastic films maker.

Honeywell has been selected to help Applied Extrusion Technologies (AET) improve production while reducing overall production costs at two of the plastic films maker’s North American plants. AET will use Honeywell’s OptiVision Business Logic software – a manufacturing execution system (MES) – to control production costs by better forecasting its raw material usage, improving its planning and scheduling processes and managing production execution and quality. The upgrade is part of AET’s overall effort to standardise its IT infrastructure and refresh its business systems.

AET manufactures biaxial oriented polypropylene plastic films used in consumer goods packaging, product labelling and building products. AET’s customers include many of the world’s largest consumer product companies. “We reached the point where supporting our legacy software did not make business sense due to increasing demands on our IT resources and risk of compromising our manufacturing capabilities,” said AET director of IT, Jim Burger. “Our customers cannot afford issues such as production delays or failure to meet order requirements. Honeywell’s solutions will help us decrease those risks and keep our customers satisfied through standardised IT functionality and alignment with our business goals.”

OptiVision reduces operational costs by integrating trim optimisation, quality, scheduling, shipping, tracking and order management capabilities. As a result, manufacturers can control the entire opportunity-to-cash cycle using a single platform. AET will use OptiVision to integrate production data to streamline its manufacturing process, from accurate planning and order scheduling, to final production. This is ultimately expected to result in decreased raw materials consumption, improved scrap handling, planning and scheduling and minimised late order exposure.

“Standardising IT platforms and MES functions is a proven way for manufacturers to improve business performance and customer satisfaction,” said Jim Molnar, Honeywell’s Continuous Web Solutions business line leader. “Our pulp, paper and printing customers have found great business value in OptiVision for many years. Now, AET is showing how it can also be applied in other industries to reduce manufacturing costs and better respond to customer demands.”

For more information contact Debbie Rae, Honeywell Southern Africa, +27 (0)11 695 8000, [email protected], www.honeywell.co.za

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