Software improves inventory management and material yield.
Press Release Summary:
SmartTRIM(TM) trim optimization, slitter scheduling, and trim history system uses mathematical optimization methods to maximize production yield from coils or rolls of products such as steel, paper, or plastic film. It analyzes order specifications, evaluates possible solutions for trimming, and provides manufacturing managers with visual representations of trim patterns and slitter setups. SmartTRIM utilizes Remnant Re-Assignment and Exact Piece Count features to optimize materials.
Original Press Release:
New SmartTRIM Features Improve Inventory Management, Materials Yield
Optimization Software from Strategic Systems Enables Roll Good Processors to Reduce Trim Waste, Processing Time and Processing Costs
EVANSTON, ILLINOIS (March 26, 2003) - Strategic Systems International announced two new features for its SmartTRIM(tm) system that improve inventory management and raw materials yields for roll good processors, who trim standard coils or rolls of products such as steel, paper or plastic film to meet varying customer order specifications.
SmartTRIM is a trim optimization, slitter scheduling and trim history system that uses mathematical optimization methods to maximize production yield from coils or rolls of products, such as steel, paper or plastic film. The software analyzes order specifications and evaluates literally millions of possible solutions for trimming - known as slitting in some industries - a product coil or roll to minimize waste. rtTRIM identifies the optimal solutions and provides manufacturing managers with visual representations of trim patterns and slitter setups. The high-ROI system delivers on average one percent to five percent waste reduction that translates into greater revenues.
SmartTRIM's two new features - "Remnant Re-Assignment" and "Exact Piece Count" - help processors reduce trim waste, processing time and processing costs:
"Remnant Re-Assignment" allows processors to assign any remnant from trimming a master coil to another customer order or back into usable inventory. In the past, coil remnants were considered waste, sold as scrap or occupied factory floor space indefinitely. Without optimization software, the re-assignment process was time-consuming and complicated for processors, as remnants sat idle waiting for new orders that matched their exact characteristics. The SmartTRIM system includes a remnant's exact parameters in available inventory data, so that the piece can be used to fulfill future orders as quickly as possible. With SmartTRIM, raw materials yields automatically increase because usable inventory increases and processors save operating costs as the system matches remnants to orders without additional trimming and machine set-up time.
"Exact Piece Count" produces optimal coil utilization solutions that consider the exact number of pieces required by the customer, as well as minimal trim waste. For example, for an order specifying 100 pieces of sheet metal 48-inches wide and 96-inches long, SmartTRIM would identify available inventory and present slitting patterns that allow the processor to consume the fewest number of master coils and leave the least amount of trim waste while making exactly 100 sheets. As with all SmartTRIM features, "Exact Piece Count" helps processors sharpen inventory management, maximize materials yield and minimize operating costs such as machine set-up time.
"Higher yields and sharper inventory management translate into higher revenues, which lead to potentially higher profits," said Shoaib Abbasi, President of Strategic Systems.
Read more about SmartTRIM features and benefits at http://ssidecisions.com/products/index.asp.
About Strategic Systems International, Ltd.
Strategic Systems International, Ltd., (www.ssidecisions.com) provides comprehensive Supply Chain Optimization software specifically developed for process manufacturing and publishing companies. The company's systems provide strategic and operational recommendations that optimize critical processes along the supply chain, improve profitability, and enhance customer service. Designed for senior executives and operations managers, the company's suite of decision-support software includes: demand forecasting (SmartFORECAST); enterprise planning, i.e., procurement, manufacturing, inventory and distribution planning (SmartSTRATEGY); production planning (SmartPLAN); plant scheduling (SmartSCHEDULE); available to promise (SmartRESPONSE); trim optimization and slitter scheduling (SmartTRIM); optimal master coil or roll sizing (SmartTRIM*RT); and procurement and inventory management (SmartSTOCK). Strategic Systems is based in Evanston, Illinois.
