Multigrade Scheduling

Solutions automatically trims multiple grades in the same trimming session. Once qualifying orders are selected, lineups are generated using rollstock available at that time.

Alternate Trimming Grades

Solutions automatically considers upgrading orders with the goal of creating more cost effective lineups. The application weighs the decision to upgrade to a heavier board combination only when business rules permit and a cost savings exists. By configuring the board grades, we can specify the allowed upgrade path options for each grade that will be used in the Solutions scheduling strategy. For example, if you had 3 or 4 board grades that were within the same etc range, the scheduler may select all the grades at once. This will load all the orders in those grades into one screen. Upon selecting the required orders, Solutions will combine (keeping in mind the orders upgrade attribute) the orders in the most run/cost efficient manner.

If upgrading an order will improve the overall side trim loss, increase web utilization or reduce wet-end paper changes, Solutions will return that result set in the “Best Cost” solution displayed on the screen. If Solutions determines that the best cost efficient method is to schedule each in its own grade, it will do so. The approach helps improve corrugator through-put, thus providing cost savings.

Cost Calculations

Cost Calculations

Solutions includes a new method for calculating the cost of a schedule. Plants can use the original Opportunity Loss Cost calculation method, or a new Straight Cost Calculation method. This new method enables the plant to set costs for the following:

• Cost per Wet-end Paper Change Solutions® Trim System
• Cost per Slitter Change
• Cost per msf above the original msf for orders selected to schedule
• Cost per 100 feet for paper changes before a specified amount of lineal
• Cost per Percent Utilization below desired Target Utilization
• Cost of Upgrades

These combined costs will be displayed in the Solutions result set. The “Cost” result line will display the schedule that returns the most cost efficient schedule based on the plants “Cost” settings.

Auto-parameter Switch

Solutions contains an Auto-Parameter switch which can automatically change the system parameters to allow Solutions to solve difficult scheduling problems. This will make the novice or even the more experienced scheduler’s task easier by allowing Solutions to calculate the minimum requirements for obtaining a successful schedule of selected orders.

Auto Scheduling

Solutions offers an Auto-Scheduling feature which can run in Semi-Auto or Fully-Auto mode. The Semi-Auto mode allows the scheduler to identify required orders for trimming. Once these orders have been marked, one click of a button sets the Auto-Scheduling function into execution. Using plant specified auto-scheduling parameters, Solutions goes through each board grade or grades (if the “Upgrade Path” method is enabled) to create a schedule and a completed corrugator line-up with accompanying reports.

Fully-Auto mode works in conjunction with the Avista Converting Plant Scheduling engine. Solutions takes on more of a scheduling engineroll, scheduling orders that have been identified by the Converting engine to be scheduled. It will continuously loop, looking for orders that require scheduling.

Multi-plant & Multi-corrugator Scheduling

Solutions incorporates improved capability for Multi-Plant scheduling. This method allows for the scheduling of Multiple Corrugators per plant as well. With Solutions set to run in this mode, it can restrict scheduling views to display only orders for each specific plant and or corrugator. It can also be set to include in its display, orders generic to all plants. By assigning Plant Id and Alternate Plant Id to orders, Solutions is able to control scheduling by using the appropriate scheduling parameters for that plant’s corrugator and roll stock supply.

Corrugator Management Solutions