News

Posted On: 05/12/2004

Remote monitoring and diagnostic service helps company save $1 million

Fifteen months after implementing In.Site Continuous Support service from Rockwell Automation, Finch, Pruyn & Co. Inc. says it has saved more than $1 million through a 50% reduction in unplanned downtime and a 1% improvement in efficiency.

Based in Glens Falls,N.Y., Finch, Pruyn & Co. Inc. is a leading manufacturer of fine uncoated papers for marketing, book publishing and business office uses. Finch, Pruyn's four paper-producing machines generate more than 240,000 tons of paper per year, with its premium uncoated text and cover paper machine accounting for 55% of total output. With more than half of the company's revenues dependent on a single machine, the ability to ensure maximum uptime on this production line is critical.

To minimize the number and length of costly unplanned downtime events and shift the company's maintenance strategy to a more proactive, preventive approach, Finch, Pruyn implemented an In.Site Continuous Support program. The program allows Finch, Pruyn to better meet customer demands on quality, price and delivery by minimizing product damage, reducing lost production and solving problems quickly.
The program provides around-the-clock monitoring and analysis of production status by a team of process and controls engineers at the Center in Cleveland. Through a high-speed, broadband connection to Finch, Pruyn's premium uncoated paper machine, off-site engineers continuously compare real-time process variables to predefined optimal operating ranges. If a variable deviates outside of the range, plant floor managers at Finch, Pruyn are immediately notified, and the center proactively begins troubleshooting the problem to quickly diagnose the cause and determine corrective measures. Rockwell Automation engineers then work closely with the plant maintenance staff to execute the necessary actions and restore normal operations.