Country: Germany

Focus Area

  • Scrap Yard Management and Charge Design
  • EAF/IF Performance Optimization

Short Description

In this project, qoncept analyzed two alternative melting routes for the production of stainless and alloyed steels: Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) and Induction Furnace (IF), each in combination with AOD or VOD refining. The evaluation focused on metallic yield, production cost structures, and compatibility with a typical production portfolio of a European special steelmaker. Based on detailed material and energy consumption data across various steel grades, the study assessed key cost drivers such as raw materials, alloying elements, utilities, and CO₂ emissions. While EAF allows broader metallurgical flexibility, IF melting demonstrated higher element yield and - depending on alloy composition - can offer cost advantages. The results confirm that nearly all relevant steel grades can be produced via both routes, provided that raw material input is carefully selected and process constraints are respected.

Focus Area

  • Digitalization Strategy and Roadmapping

Short Description

As part of an international workshop with participants from multiple countries, qoncept delivered a keynote impulse on the strategic and technological dimensions of industrial digitalization. The session addressed the shift from knowledge to capability-based value creation and explored how modern manufacturing environments benefit from hybrid modeling approaches combining physics-based and data-driven elements. Using examples from the steel industry, the presentation illustrated the role of digital twins, real-time process modeling, and intelligent systems in enabling traceability, optimization, and competitive advantage. The impulse sparked discussion on how companies can actively shape their role within Industry 4.0 ecosystems.

Focus Area

  • Requirements Engineering and Management

Short Description

In this consulting project, qoncept supported the development of a detailed functional specification (duty book) for a Level 2 process automation system, which covered basic oxygen furnace (BOF) operations and downstream secondary metallurgy. In close collaboration with the OEM, qoncept translated a comprehensive requirements specification into structured, modular functional documents that address key process areas such as converter control, hot metal treatment, ladle metallurgy, ladle logistics, master data structure and the integration of external models. The project also included interface definitions, mock-ups for quality-related functions and application-layer specifications, ensuring seamless software implementation.

Focus Area

  • Requirements Engineering and Management

Short Description

To support the digital transformation of melting and casting operations, qoncept developed a detailed requirement specification, ensuring a consistent and future-ready system design. The project aimed to define a future-proof system architecture and comprehensive functional requirements for real-time process tracking, production planning, quality assurance and system integration. Working closely with the operational and IT teams, qoncept mapped the entire process flow (from raw material input to finished casting) and documented all relevant user interactions. The outcome was a comprehensive requirements document that formed the basis for vendor selection and system implementation in a highly specialised foundry environment.

Focus Area

  • Requirements Engineering and Management

Short Description

In this project, qoncept supported the definition of a modular and practical software solution to improve transparency, consistency, and control in the melting and casting areas of a mid-sized foundry. The scope included material flow tracking from charge preparation to mold pouring, including automated and manual data acquisition, traceability of ladles and treatment steps, energy and raw material balancing, and centralized recipe management. The system design focused on practical integration into existing workflows and plant structure, ensuring flexibility and long-term expandability. The outcome was a detailed functional and system-level requirement specification to serve as a basis for vendor selection and implementation.