A world leader in distilled spirits, Yanghe Distillery has the most powerful sales network in China’s liquor industry. Boasting a vast network encompassing thousands of partners and a massive annual production capacity, Yanghe has consistently pushed the boundaries of quality and efficiency.
However, even industry giants face the imperative need to adapt to the digital age. Recognising the need to streamline production processes and enhance quality management, Yanghe undertook a comprehensive digitalisation journey in 2018, known as the 5211 Smart Factory Project. This ambitious initiative aimed to totally transform the manufacturing through standardisation, visualisation, and intelligent automation.
Challenges and objectives
Yanghe’s diverse product portfolio and intricate business processes posed some pretty big challenges when it came to digitalisation efforts. With over 100 identified issues spanning planning, production, quality, equipment, and finance, the need for a solution was apparent, but it wasn’t going to be anything but easy to implement.
The key objectives included:
- Standardisation of production and operation
- Visualisation of production processes
- Intelligent production scheduling
- Automated process control
- Refined production cost accounting
- Enhanced quality traceability
Why did Yanghe choose Siemen’s Opcenter APS?
After careful evaluation, Yanghe chose Siemens Opcenter APS as the cornerstone of its digital transformation. Siemen’s offers tailored solutions for process industries, including Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), Advanced Planning and Scheduling (APS), and Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).
Their decision was also influenced by Siemens’ industry-specific expertise, global technical support, and solution portfolio designed to meet Yanghe’s exacting requirements.
How was Opcenter APS implemented into Yanghe’s operations?
The implementation of Opcenter solutions helped to improve efficiency and quality management at Yanghe. By replacing manual operations with automated software control and integrating devices and data, they were able to improve their operations across multiple areas.
The introduction of Opcenter APS software allowed for intelligent production scheduling, minimising setup times and improving material and equipment utilisation. This automation streamlined operations and enhanced production agility, aligning seamlessly with Yanghe’s wider objectives.
Opcenter Execution Process helped to transform their production control, providing real-time visibility into key performance indicators (KPIs) such as material loss and qualified rates. This newfound transparency provided decision-makers with actionable insights, helping to create a culture of continuous improvement.
Opcenter Laboratory capabilities also strengthened their quality management, enabling massively improved traceability from raw materials to finished products. Through barcode technology and automated inspection processes, Yanghe still ensured adherence to stringent quality standards while enhancing supplier collaboration.
What were the benefits of implementing Opcenter APS?
By implementing Opcenter APS into their day-to-day operations, Yanghe saw a variety of benefits that have helped them achieve their wider business goals. These benefits include:
- Automated scheduling and integration with ERP systems improved production efficiency and on-time delivery.
- Standardised operations and real-time visibility enhanced manufacturing processes and KPI monitoring.
- Automated production cost accounting that allowed for precise financial controls and analysis.
- Enhanced quality traceability improved product quality and supplier management.
- Integration of planning, purchasing, and production information improved supply chain coordination.
Inspired by Yanghe and ready to upgrade your own manufacturing processes? Talk to us today.
