Amtech Co-Sponsors SPA 111th Conference
Innovation & Integration Powering the Independent Packaging Industry
Amtech is focused on the packaging manufacturer exclusively. With an entire suite that includes ERP with financial modules, scheduling, business intelligence, and MES functionality, Amtech helps corrugated manufacturers optimize their plant operations from the front office to the shipping dock.
Amtech’s focus on making both sheet plants and corrugators become more efficient is demonstrated in their scheduling products: Advanced Planning Board and Corrugator Solutions Scheduling, respectively.
Amtech’s Advanced Planning Board Overview
Focusing on Doing More with Less
Amtech’s Advanced Planning Board (APB) is an automated and integrated planning system designed to reduce manual work for schedulers.
The intelligent scheduling system functions as an automation tool for operations, which allows businesses to manage higher volumes with existing resources.
Supporting scheduling across multiple plants in a single instance, APB offers complete visibility and control over the entire production network. Whether operating from a single site or managing a global operation, the scheduling solution is scalable to meet diverse needs.
Visibility Enables Optimization
The system also offers precise, "Gantt Chart" displays that visualize layers of linear operations, giving real-time insights into manufacturing activities. Key areas such as run sequences, processing times, and stock availability at each machine center are displayed, allowing users to quickly assess how changes in the schedule will affect daily production.
Easy to Understand Dashboards
Machine capacity dashboards provide real-time, graphical information about equipment backlog states and next available delivery dates. This enhances internal communication and helps set accurate customer expectations.
Embedded alerts track job statuses, while electronic flags can be added as "special messaging" for orders, such as "press-ready," "dies approved," and "materials." This improves cross-departmental communication and ensures jobs stay on track and on schedule.
To monitor key metrics and identify opportunities for improvement, the scheduling system includes interactive KPI dashboards. These help planning departments assess the performance of automation relative to machine capacity and identify areas where scheduling optimizations are needed to improve overall performance.
Amtech’s Corrugator Scheduling System Overview
Comprehensive Integration Across Operations
The Corrugator Scheduling system seamlessly integrates with the Amtech family of solutions, creating a unified platform that connects all aspects of the production process. This integration ensures that real-time roll stock consumption data is available, provides visibility into customer due dates and order statuses, and establishes an interconnected workflow between converting equipment and corrugator operations.
Cost Optimization and Efficiency Gains
By leveraging advanced scheduling algorithms, the system reduces costs and maximizes the use of available resources. It achieves lower-cost production runs, optimizes the utilization of converting equipment, and minimizes waste through trim optimization and efficient roll stock management.
Customizable Algorithms for Business Needs
Every business has unique requirements, and the Corrugator Scheduling system’s adjustable algorithms cater to these needs. Users can develop tailored scheduling strategies that factor in costs, splits, and machine availability, apply weighted solutions for optimal outcomes, and simplify complex scheduling tasks with intuitive tools.