Mondi Coatings chooses production monitoring system from Siemens

In comparison with conventional production monitoring systems, Sipaper IT MES features direct interfacing to the automation system and monitors all processes in real time. At Mondi Coatings, the system is designed especially to optimize the flow of information between the planning and production levels and to improve production monitoring.

Commissioning is planned for the middle of 2010. The international paper and packaging group Mondi specializes in office, pre-print and offset paper, container board, corrugated packaging solutions, kraft paper, industrial bags, extrusion coatings, release liners, films and flexible packaging solutions. The Coatings business area belongs to the Mondi Europe & International division and offers plastic and paper-based materials. The technical service portfolio encompasses extrusion coating, laminating, siliconizing and printing.

An integrated MES is to be implemented to improve the flow of information between the production facilities at the various locations of Mondi Coatings and the corporate management level ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system. The aim is to uniformly monitor and optimize production performance at all locations.

Sipaper IT MES is based on the Simatic IT MES platform from Siemens and links the control level to the ERP system. It will replace the previous production monitoring systems at Mondi Coatings.

With the aid of Sipaper IT MES, all movements of raw materials and intermediate products can be dispatched, controlled and monitored. Monitoring and reporting functions are implemented using integrated KPI (key performance indicators) and OEE (overall equipment efficiency) libraries. In this case, all data for production orders and machine capacity utilization is gathered and merged in real time. Presented graphically, the complete production process can be displayed on the computer monitor as a work process. This increases production transparency and allows management to make its decisions on the basis of reliable data. It is therefore possible to ensure that the most suitable production sequence is chosen or that machines are only released for maintenance when this will not affect ongoing orders. This boosts both productivity and availability.

In addition to production management, the system also ensures optimum control in the order processing of incoming and outgoing materials.

The order from Mondi Coatings is for the analysis, design and introduction of the MES system at the Zeltweg production location in Austria. The Siemens scope of supply also includes the licenses for the other locations and on-site customer training. Mondi itself will take care of the actual implementation.

The MES solution is part of the Siemens Sipaper solution platform developed for the pulp and paper industry.

The Siemens Industry Sector (Erlangen, Germany) is the worldwide leading supplier of environmentally friendly production, transportation, building and lighting technologies. With integrated automation technologies and comprehensive industry-specific solutions, Siemens increases the productivity, efficiency and flexibility of its customers in the fields of industry and infrastructure. The Sector consists of six divisions: Building Technologies, Drive Technologies, Industry Automation, Industry Solutions, Mobility und Osram. With around 207,000 employees worldwide (September 30), Siemens Industry achieved in fiscal year 2009 total sales of approximately €35 billion.

The Siemens Industry Solutions Division (Erlangen, Germany) is one of the world's leading solution and service providers for industrial and infrastructure facilities comprising the business activities of Siemens VAI Metals Technologies, Water Technologies and Industrial Technologies. Activities include engineering and installation, operation and service for the entire life cycle. A wide-ranging portfolio of environmental solutions helps industrial companies to use energy, water and equipment efficiently, reduce emissions and comply with environmental guidelines. With around 31,000 employees worldwide (September 30), Siemens Industry Solutions posted sales of €6.8 billion in fiscal year 2009.