Automation in the Wood, Paper, and Fiber Industry

Machine and plant automation in the timber (wood) industry and paper industry has many analogies due to the similar process characteristics, i.e., hybrid process and coupled drives. From a plan automation point of view, these industries are challenging because of their technical requirements. Requirements in fiber industry are even more challenging regarding coupled drives and robustness against unstable power supply, but are continuous processes. Woodworking, paper, and fiber machinery belong to machine and plant manufacturing industries with their typical business characteristics. Automation in this field is technology driven, and its importance is growing because more functionalities are being implemented using automation software to increase systems flexibility, but costs are essential. The interface from automation level to enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems is being standardized in international manufacturing companies. Often, in-between manufacturing execution systems (MES) that provide an overview on key performance indicators and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE). Efficiency and automation of engineering are the key success factors for this cost-sensitive market. Therefore, modularity and reusability are essential. For a German supplier, more advanced functionality and higher OEE needs to be met despite more sophisticated products and various products. All three sectors require to offer Industry 4.0 as well as smart data concepts.