Through-Process Optimization Services for the Entire Steel Production Chain

Through-Process Optimization (TPO) services offer a comprehensive consulting solution tailored to address the diverse challenges faced by steel plant operators. These services focus on optimizing the entire steel production chain, enhancing quality, performance, and productivity while supporting digital transformation and green steel initiatives.

By addressing cross-process concerns, TPO services help identify inefficiencies and develop a clear roadmap for achieving improved quality and increased productivity. This holistic approach ensures that steel plants can meet evolving industry demands while staying competitive and sustainable in the modern steelmaking landscape.

Through-Process Optimization (TPO) services offer a tailored approach to enhancing steel production processes. Leveraging comprehensive expertise across the entire steel production chain, Primetals Technologies provides support in critical areas such as quality improvement, productivity, performance benchmarking, steel grade development, and end-product certification. This includes advanced steel grades like AHSS (Advanced High-Strength Steel), silicon steel grades, and special coatings.

Primetals Technologies combines in-house knowledge of metallurgy, process engineering, equipment design, automation, IT, and operations with a network of external experts and partners. This collaborative approach ensures that TPO services align with each customer's unique requirements, delivering measurable results and sustainable improvements.

Key Offerings of Through-Process Optimization (TPO) Services

Consulting Services

Consulting services focus on addressing customer concerns related to quality improvement, productivity enhancement, gap analysis, benchmarking, and modernization strategies. A team of experts from Primetals Technologies conducts a comprehensive assessment of business potential, culminating in an "improvement roadmap." This roadmap provides practical recommendations for quick wins and long-term solutions to drive operational excellence.

Data Analytics

The dedicated Data Analytics team specializes in root cause analysis for troubleshooting and developing data-driven quality predictions. This includes mechanical properties, surface quality assessments, and prescriptive optimization strategies to enhance production processes.

Improvement Services

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are collaboratively defined with each customer to align with specific goals and expectations. These KPIs are benchmarked against targets, and a tailor-made gap analysis is conducted to develop improvement measures. TPO services guide the implementation process, ensuring alignment with the Continuous Improvement Process (CIP) to achieve sustainable operational enhancements.

Trainings

TPO services include customized training programs covering the entire steel production chain. Training topics focus on quality management, metallurgy, product development, maintenance, operations, and technical services. For additional training opportunities, visit m.space, the e-services platform by Primetals Technologies.

Steel Grade Development

TPO services support steel grade development through two primary approaches:

• On-site implementation: new steel grades are implemented on newly built production lines, starting with precise chemical design and establishing process control limits tailored to each production line's requirements.
• Offline development: simulation tools are used to define key product design parameters across the production lifecycle. This process facilitates trial runs, guides development, and ensures precise adjustments for optimal performance before implementation.

Benefits of Through-Process Optimization (TPO) Services

• Single point of contact: streamline communication and efficiently address cross-process issues, ensuring all stakeholders are aligned and informed
• Tailor-made solutions: customized services based on specific customer needs, delivering quick wins and long-term improvements aligned with business goals
• Enhanced productivity: accelerate product development and boost profitability by optimizing processes, minimizing downtime, and increasing throughput
• Knowledge transfer: facilitate rapid skill development and empower customers to independently implement best practices
• Sustainable performance: implement continuous improvement practices to ensure long-term competitiveness and high performance
• Support for digital transformation: assist in digitalizing processes, fostering long-term customer relationships, and preparing for future technological advancements