Aluminium Production Industry Trends
As emerging economies continue the growth trend of the last decade, increasing demand from the Asian Pacific region is bringing with it unprecedented consumption of aluminum products, as well as straining aluminium production optimization and supply chain management.
Although this spike in demand is by no means unwelcome, volatile market conditions brought by unstable economic conditions such as fluctuating exchange rates, high energy prices, and a lack of skilled labor are creating an imbalance between supply and demand. Faced with price erosion, rising costs, and consolidation as a result of globalization; aluminum producers must now focus on strategic planning and scheduling, as well as supply chain management to maximize return on current resources.
Maintaining and encouraging growth in such volatile times not only requires well executed planning and scheduling, but also investment in new and innovative technologies to assist production optimization and supply chain management.
Aluminium Production Optimization
Many in the aluminum production industry are integrating simulation based production optimization solutions into their operations; modeling casting facilities, service centers as well as extrusion facilities. The resulting simulation models provide a powerful bottleneck analysis tool, quickly identifying production bottlenecks and allowing users to test new setups and enhance production optimization.
Visual8 clients are also using our simulation tools to enhance strategic planning. Since production simulations model all aspects of production they can assist users in visualizing complex processes. Our clients find themselves using their simulation models on a daily basis to improve confidence in decision making / planning and scheduling across production; from receiving orders, to controlling smelters & aluminium rolling mills, to delivery of the finished product.
Visual8 production optimization simulations are specifically designed to model unique aluminium production processes:
- Casting facilities
- Extrusion facilities
- Service centers
Supply Chain Management
Although many aluminium producers have seen great success reducing costs through programs such as lean; today’s competitive global market requires more from producers than just cost reduction. Many aluminium producers are turning to innovative technologies such as simulation to provide greater focus and control over their supply chain planning and scheduling.
Visual8 planning and scheduling solutions are being used to assist leading aluminium producers obtain the maximum throughput using the lowest possible inventory, providing them with a powerful competitive advantage.
Leading aluminium producers such as have implemented Visual8 solutions to:
- Lower transportation and production costs
- Reduce lead times
- Conduct bottleneck analysis and increase production
- Better manage order fulfillment; improving customer service & delivery performance
Learn more about how our aluminium production clients are benefiting from Visual8 production optimization and supply chain management solutions.
