Optimized push operation

The third step of the method consists of having supply chain directors identifying current and future states scores for their operations based on the definitions available in the maturity model which has 5 levels that were already described Level 1 - Basic Push Operation, Level 2 - Optimized Push Operation, Level 3 - Hybrid Push - Pull Operation, Level 4 - Advanced Pull Operation, Level 5 - Optimized Pull Operation. For instance, if the SC director, after reading the maturity model, believes that his operation is stiU in level 1 for current state, he should enter number one into the respective field of current state in the spreadsheet. 

In terms of overall performance considering the three DDSC components, each country of the CPG company analyzed is currently in a different stage - Brazil is very close to an optimized Push operation (level 2) while Uruguay and USA are close to a basic Push operation (level 1). 

When the desired future state in 1 year horizon is analyzed, Uruguay is the country that shows a strong objective to move closely to a hybrid Push-Pull operation (level 3). It can also be seen that USA operation has a clear focus to move from a basic Push operation (level 1) to an optimized Push operation Gevel 2), as illustrated in Fig. 7.6. 

Regarding Supply and Operations management, Brazil and Uruguay have similar current performance, in a transition from a basic (level 1) to an optimized push operation (level 2), while USA is close to a basic push operation (level 1), as shown in Fig. 7.8. For future performance, both Brazil and USA target to become an optimized Push operation (level 2), where senior management uses supply and... 

In this book, a framework was also developed to allow companies to assess their current state in light of demand driven supply chain concepts, and identify the desired future state in a 1 year horizon. The framework was applied to three supply chain operations of a CPG company in different countries as part of the methodology evaluation. Results indicated that one operation is currently close to an optimized push operation (level 2 out of 5), and the other two operations are close to a basic push operation (level 1 out of 5), revealing that there are clear opportunities to implement the demand driven supply chain concepts to move towards a more customer centric operation. 

A properly configured advanced process control (APC) system could allow for on-line, continuous optimal unit operation and push the FCC operations to multiple constraints simultaneously. 

In the specific example provided in Fig. 6.3, the overall score for the country is 1.48, which is in the middle of a basic (level 1) to an optimized push level (level 2), and each component has the following scores Demand management (2.0), Supply Operations management (1.64) and Product Lifecycle management (1.22). 

The last component of the DDSC is the Product Lifecycle Management (PLM). In this area, as it can be seen in Fig. 7.9, both Uruguay and USA currently have a basic push operation (level 1), which can be translated as a lack of an organization culture that foster innovation. Brazil is already in an optimized push performance (level 2) regarding PLM. For future performance, all operations target to become an optimized Push-Pull (level 3), where PLM is implemented for both new product introduction and portfolio optimization. 

The framework presented in this book was applied in different supply chain operations of a global CPG company to validate the methodology and formalize an action plan for these operations to be able to move towards a DDSC. The results of the assessment showed that two operations are currently close to a basic push level, and one is closed to an optimized push level, confirming that there are clear opportunities for those companies to improve their performance based on demand driven concepts. 

In Kahl flat die pellet presses, a unique feature is the hydraulic roller adjustment device. As depicted in Fig. 8.61, the roller assembly can slide up and down the main shaft and is supported by strong springs. A so called hydraulic nut , a hydraulic cylinder arrangement, with which the rollers can be pushed down or lifted, is installed at the end of the shaft. This allows to adjust the clearance or gap between the rollers and the die to optimize densification and extrusion characteristics for different materials and to modify the thickness of the predensified layer after the extrusion step. Since adjustments can be made anytime, even during operation, it is possible to optimize press performance as needed. 

Although the general parameters for optimizing airplanes are well known, their relative importance is permanently changing, and diverging cost development redefines design criteria and cost-efficiency . In the field of structural design the cost of fuel, and consequently the demand of the operators for the best fuel-efficient aircraft, has pushed the development activities and their components in the direction of advanced RPs. 

It is my pleasure to present this book on optimal control geared toward chemical engineers. The apphcation of optimal control is a logical step when it comes to pushing the envelopes of unit operations and processes undergoing changes with time and space. 

With the statistics-based economic evaluation method mentioned previously, improved operation can be quantified with economic values based on statistical distribution of operating data. The current operation with large variance (Figure 4.9a) is improved by more consistent operation and better control strategy to reduce variability (Figure 4.9b), while optimized operation (Figure 4.9c) utilizes the potential capability available in the process and equipment, and pushes the economic value even higher. 

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