In the critical period of digitalization and industrial upgrading, how can traditional manufacturing be revitalized? Magang Group’s Changjiang Steel Co., Ltd. has provided an answer with an intelligent control center. Recently, reporters visited the Changjiang Steel Intelligent Control Center to see firsthand how the steelmaker is achieving transformation and upgrading through smart and information‑driven means.

According to on‑site staff, the center is mainly composed of three parts: the corporate control center, the unmanned measurement center, and the centralized energy control center, enabling collaborative and efficient control across multiple departments and business functions. In the intelligent control center, a massive electronic screen displays real‑time data on logistics, security, production, energy, environmental protection, and more — truly the “brain” of the factory. The safety module links real‑time monitoring with emergency response to ensure hazards are detected and dealt with immediately; the logistics module enables precise control over the entire process from material inbound to finished‑product outbound. Particularly noteworthy is the production information module, which has realized production digitalization and intelligent flexible scheduling. Previously, Changjiang Steel’s production planning had four levels from sales to production lines; now, the sales‑to‑production system can deliver sales demand directly to the production line, achieving a single‑level production plan that can be adjusted in real time according to demand, greatly improving production efficiency and reducing costs.

“This center is like a human neural hub,” said Zhu Chenrui, daytime shift dispatcher of Changjiang Steel’s Production Management Department. “All production control commands are centralized here and then distributed to each process. Any change on the shop floor is aggregated here via the information system at the fastest speed; after we process it, commands are issued to ensure the stability and efficiency of long‑process production.”

Zhu Chenrui explained that before the intelligent control center came online, information communication heavily relied on manual processes and intercom systems, which limited efficiency. Now, with smart upgrades, core parameters of key equipment and production lines can be synchronized in real time, and anomalies can be handled promptly. “Over the past two years, we have continuously refined and upgraded the system’s overall framework, and newly built production lines have all been constructed to smart and information‑driven standards.”

At the unmanned measurement center, advanced sensors and precision instruments enable all inbound and outbound measurement of materials and finished products to be conducted remotely and without personnel, while ensuring measurement accuracy. This reduces reliance on manual labor, makes a significant contribution to improved labor efficiency and per‑capita ton‑of‑steel profit, and gives the company a competitive edge in a fierce market.

Looking ahead, Changjiang Steel will continue to uphold the concept of “innovation‑driven, green development.” Leveraging this intelligent hub, it will continue to promote the construction of digital factories and contribute Changjiang Steel’s strength to the transformation and upgrading of China’s steel industry.

Source: anhuinews.com