Production simulations – Ensuring return on investment

Developing production and making investments may seem like straightforward decisions – add machines, increase capacity and expect production to grow in proportion. But is it really that simple?

Why don’t 10 machines always produce twice as many?

If 5 machines produce 5 products per minute, why wouldn’t 10 machines produce 10 products in the same time? The answer lies in the overall production process: material stocks, intermediate stocks, material flows and labour load can limit capacity growth. Simply adding more machines does not automatically mean more efficient production if other critical resources are not kept up.

The problem has also been that simulation software costs a lot of money and there is a shortage of simulation experts. In many cases, it has been cheaper to buy an extra machine than to do the necessary simulations. But not anymore.

A cost-effective solution for optimising production

Now we finally have a cost-effective solution for this market that allows production capacity to be accurately optimised – without the need for rigid simulation models and high costs. The simulation model can be easily built, even for an entire factory and thousands of different product variants.

At Hefmec, we have already helped many of our customers to use these simulations to assess the return on investment and optimise the number of production machines and the necessary intermediate stocks when increasing production capacity. These analyses help us to identify which investments really add value – and not just more machines waiting on the production line.

How do production simulations help decision-making?

  1. Identifying bottlenecks – Simulations can be used to identify where production slows down and what factors are limiting capacity.
  2. Optimising resources – Matching machinery, labour and material flows improves efficiency and reduces waste.
  3. Cost management – By simulating different investment options, it is possible to predict which solutions will deliver the best return.
  4. Real-time validation – Our simulations are not just based on theoretical models – we have validated them with real production data. This means that our models reflect real production conditions and we ensure that they are accurate enough to predict the impact of investments.

Read more about our services and products or contact us!

Written by Sami Jortikka, Senior Project Manager

Structural steel design: agile solutions to industrial challenges

Industrial challenges and the importance of steel structures

We are constantly facing challenges in industry that require quick and sustainable solutions. Steel structures play an essential role in many production facilities, providing the necessary strength and flexibility in demanding environments. The use of steel enables the construction of complex and large structures that can withstand intensive use and extreme weather conditions.

The design of steel structures requires in-depth specialist knowledge to ensure that the end result is technically and economically optimal. The design process focuses on safety, durability and functionality. It is also critical that our design solutions support customer productivity growth and meet future needs.

Agile design processes respond to rapid needs

When we face production problems, fast and effective action is essential. Our agile design processes enable solutions to be found and implemented quickly. This requires the ability to react quickly to changing requirements and circumstances.

Our agility allows us to avoid long waiting times and get your plant back up and running as quickly as possible, minimising downtime and production losses. Our flexibility also allows us to adapt our design to new needs and challenges as they arise during the project.

Customer focus and problem-solving skills

Our customer-centric approach is the cornerstone of our success in structural steel design. By listening to our clients’ needs and understanding the heart of the problem, we are able to create solutions that address practical challenges. This requires close collaboration with the client and a thorough understanding of their business and processes.

Problem-solving skills are particularly important when faced with demanding production problems. Creative and innovative solutions are needed that not only fix the problem, but also improve long-term production efficiency. Our expertise and experience ensure that our solutions are sustainable and add value to our customers.

Responsibility and quality assurance

Responsibility is a key part of our approach to structural steel design. When we embark on a design project, we take responsibility for the whole process from start to finish. This means committing to the project’s objectives, timelines and budget. Guaranteeing quality is essential, and this is achieved through careful planning and execution.

Our high-quality steel structures are long-lasting and will stand up to decades of hard use. That’s why we can offer a lifetime guarantee on our products, a testament to the high quality and reliability of our design work. As a responsible operator, we ensure that our customers can rely on our service and the end result.

Technical and economic optimisation

Technical and economic optimisation is of great importance in the design of steel structures. It is important that the solutions we design are cost-effective and support the growth of the customer’s business. Technical optimisation means designing structures to meet all technical requirements and standards.

Economic optimisation ensures that our design solutions are cost-effective and provide the best possible return on investment. This is achieved by analysing different options and selecting the best overall solution. Correctly sized and designed steel structures are key to improving industrial efficiency and competitiveness.