ALMA enhances document management and design

A company producing industrial chemicals needed a new document management system and support for technical design. Vitec ALMA Oy was selected as the software partner.

The plant produces chemicals for wood processing and cellulose production. At the same plant area, there are many different production units, the seamless co-operation of which is important in terms of production efficiency. ALMA is now being used in all units at the plant area.

The old software no longer served as expected, so ALMA was introduced. The new system enables modelling of production structures in design, which contributes to minimisation of faults and problems. Now, the data and documents are stored in one place and in compatible formats, which facilitates their use.

With the new software, comprehensive searches and extensive mass runs can be carried out from the database, and the same data are available in real time throughout the organisation.

The ALMA software is undergoing constant development

The software project started with initial assessment and brief piloting and progressed to the actual conceptualisation. First, the focus was on the transfer of documents from the old system, followed by electrical automation design-related tasks. The active project stage ended in spring/summer 2022, after completion of the mass transfer of documents.

Today, the system is constantly being developed and new data are added regularly. The new software tool also makes possible changes in operating methods. Although software replacement and document transfer constitute clear processes, changing operating methods requires re-training of almost the entire personnel, which is still in progress.

There are ALMA users inside and outside the plant gates

Several projects making use of ALMA are constantly under way at the plant. In connection with the implementation of the projects, an equipment hierarchy will be built in ALMA based on the project documentation. There is no need for building the hierarchy separately later.

At present, there are 10-20 people using the system, most of whom utilise documents in one way or another. The company’s own and outsourced designers use the system on regular basis as well.

Lower emissions and good customer service

Today, operating in accordance with the principles of sustainable development is a matter of course for companies. Lower emissions and less problems with production are beneficial for both the environment and the company’s business objectives. ALMA supports improvement of the efficiency of plant maintenance, thereby increasing productivity and reducing emissions.

A data system has many features and always requires maintenance and further development. Support services are important to ensure ongoing production operations.

Vitec ALMA’s support services respond to all the different inquiries quickly; our customers are satisfied with our service.