Solutions Trimming System

Solutions is an advanced computerized corrugator trimming system that provides Plant Schedulers with the tools necessary to efficiently trim orders, instantaneously evaluate alternative trimming solutions and construct lineups that maximize corrugator productivity while minimizing changes and side trim. The application runs under Windows on the Scheduler's existing desktop and will download to an Avista Setup Manager system, where applicable.

The algorithm in the trim scheduling system attempts to trim orders out of the widest paper. Its goal is to maximize corrugator utilization, minimize trim loss, reduce wet end changes, dry end setups and avoid splitting orders. The Solutions application has the ability to simultaneously generate multiple trimming solutions based on a series of user defined parameters. Once the System is "fine tuned" to the plant's operating characteristics, the Scheduler can evaluate alternative run schedules and select the solution that best satisfies the Plant's needs.

Schedulers can select orders based on machine availability. Only orders running over selected machine centers are displayed and available for scheduling. Schedulers can also view special instructions such as upgrade notes, wet end or dry end requirements, before scheduling the order. This helps reduce problems and downtime at the corrugator due to conflicting information between the line up and the special instructions on the manufacturing spec.

KEY BENEFITS:

1. Simultaneously generates multiple trimming solutions based on user defined parameters.
2. Produces efficient schedules fast and easily, allowing the Scheduler to concentrate on improving customer service and plant efficiency instead of number crunching.
3. Contains special instructions to follow the order through the scheduling and corrugating process, reducing miscommunication and errors.

ROLL STOCK ANALYSIS

Roll Stock Analysis is a background application that runs in conjunction with the Solutions Trim Scheduling System. The scheduler selects the orders they must schedule and prepares the trim schedule based on those orders. The Roll Stock Analysis System runs those same orders through the trim scheduling algorithms against an ideal or manually selected roll stock inventory. The schedulers who use Solutions produce the best results based upon actual roll stock inventory, while the Roll Stock Analysis produces the best result from the ideal or test roll stock. The reports from Roll Stock Analysis can be used to identify:

What roll stock should be ordered.

This will be an unbiased analysis of what roll stock you should be carrying.

What is the cost to the plant for roll stock outages.

This analysis will show the economic impact on the plant when certain roll stock sizes have run out. Currently, plants make the best out of what they have on hand and do not understand the costs associated with running out of critical sizes or grades. These situations may result in excess trim loss or paper upgrades.

What is the economic impact of reducing the quantity of roll stock sizes currently carried in inventory.

This will help make an informed decision regarding reducing roll stock sizes. Often plants have several rolls that can be classified as "mistakes". These mistakes sit in inventory for long periods of time and are usually consumed just to get rid of them, resulting in a sacrifice on trim scheduling.

The scheduler can have an analysis tool that is using actual data and running real time to help make better roll stock inventory decisions.