Business Unit: Software & Hardware

Solution

qontrol MES

Short Description

At a leading Austrian steel producer, qoncept implemented a new software system to replace paper-based workflows in the finishing area. Building on a comprehensive requirement specification previously defined by qoncept, the system digitally maps and controls all processes from order intake to final delivery.

The solution integrates both Level 2 and MES functionalities. At process level, it captures and processes real-time data, provides online system monitoring, and enables direct process control. At the MES level, it manages master data, production planning and sequencing, material and product tracking, as well as quality assurance and reporting. Advanced analytics, KPI monitoring, and downtime tracking support continuous improvement and greater operational transparency.

With its modular architecture and seamless integration into the existing IT landscape, the system ensures full product traceability, higher efficiency, and a solid digital foundation for future expansions in the finishing area.

Solution

qurve

Short Desription

In this project, qoncept delivered a fully integrated and automated solution for tracking and optimizing the scrap handling and charging process in an electric arc furnace (EAF) steel plant. Together with our customer, we implemented a system that captures all material movements from the arrival of scrap at the plant to its final charging into the EAF.

At the core of this solution is qurve: our intelligent sensor/camera system purpose-built for steel plant environments. It integrates high-performance imaging, embedded software for real-time analysis, and robust mechanical design including cooling and protective housing to ensure reliable operation under extreme conditions. Multiple qurve units were strategically installed at key points in the process to achieve the following objectives:

  • Detection of the number and position of incoming scrap railway wagons
  • Precise localization of both scrap charging cranes using a unique camera-based positioning method

By integrating data from all qurve sensors with additional signals from the scrap charging cranes and scrap bucket transfer cars, we enabled complete tracking and real-time reporting of all scrap charging operations.

This fully automated solution allowed the customer to (1) gain full transparency into the scrap handling process, (2) optimize the performance and control of the EAF and (3) improve scrap logistics and supply chain management.