The project will be executed by Primetals Technologies in cooperation with PSI Metals, thus combining automation, metallurgical and software know-how in the steel industry. The new melt shop MES offers a deep integration with the existing level 1 and level 2 systems of Primetals Technologies based on standard interfaces. The solution makes use of the standard software product PSI Metals, which offers regular updates and upgrades, and which is already used in the plate mill and hot strip mill lines at Ouro Branco.

New MES modernises production management

The existing melt shop Manufacturing Execution System of Gerdau in Ouro Branco cannot meet the high-quality demands of the Brazilian steel producer any more. Limited options for upgrades are the main reasons to source a new solution. The new PSI Metals based MES solution is offering the operators a holistic view of the running production from the melt shop to their plate and hot strip mill to improve the quality of the production processes. In 2019 Primetals Technologies finished the installation of new level 1 and level 2 systems for a 6-strand billet caster and level 2 system for two blast furnaces at Gerdau Ouro Branco.

Cooperation between Primetals and PSI Metals

The new MES solution will be created in cooperation of Primetals Technologies and PSI Metals, which have closely been cooperating for production management solution projects in steel industry since 2016. The software of the Manufacturing Execution System from PSI is a standard software, which offers regular updates and upgrades. The installed solution is configured and customised by Primetals Technologies. By sourcing such a harmonised MES from the two companies, Gerdau will reduce integration costs, shorten project runtimes and simplify IT processes.

Strategic cooperation and Industry 4.0 study

Gerdau and Primetals Technologies signed a strategic partnership during METEC 2019. The main goal of this cooperation is the development and realisation of a digitalisation roadmap for Gerdau. The modernisation of the melt shop MES is now an outcome of this cooperation.
In late 2018 Primetals Technologies also conducted an Industry 4.0 study consisting of the assessment of an integrated process route from blast furnace to continuous casting and the assessment of an EAF route from scrap handling to long rolled products. The results of this study are now the basis to decide about actions to further transform the production of Gerdau in Ouro Branco into a smart steel factory.
_{(Source: Primetals Technology, Ltd.)}