Estimation of optimal sequence of feeding steel coils to the continuous hot-dip galvanizing machine. This case demonstrates that quantum algorithms work successfully even without quantum computers.
The coils to be fed into the galvanizer have different geometry and the finished product has to have different coating thickness and a variety of other parameters, depending on the batch and each individual customer. As a result, reconfiguration of the machine is often required during the transition from one coil to another, and sometimes so-called «transitional» coils from the stock storage are used to achieve a smooth transition from one coil to another. The more such operations occur, the less efficient the line is.
The output has different coating thickness and other parameters that are tuned for each customer individually;
Incoming coils have different geometry;
During one shift one machine can process from 30 up to 100 coils.
To solve this case QuSolve used the Hamiltonian path quantum algorithm simulated on a classical computer. This algorithm can be used for a wide range of manufacturing and business tasks: optimal path search, vehicle loading schemes, job shop scheduling.
This solution doesn't require any special computing equipment, therefore, takes a short time to implement.
Two-fold reduction of coil transition costs compared to the Ant colony algorithm, which in turn is 4-5 times more effective than a conventional greedy algorithm. Also the computing time was reduced by almost a hundred times – just around 1 second for a batch of 40 coils on a desktop computer.
Optimal slabs loading system that reduces the number of railway carriages required for transportation.
Minimize the cost of freight, taking into account the difference in freight rates for various carriage types and destinations, batch discounts and business limitations.
Сarrying capacity, geometry, serviceability and availability of carriages for each destination;
Forwarder’s technical conditions that take into account absolute and relative weight constraints, geometry, mutual placement of slabs and centering limitations which results in 174 available loading schemes.
Software is integrated into the customer's ERP system, has an intuitive web interface for loading scheme visualization. Implementation time estimate starts at 7 days.
Testing period: 15.03.21 – 16.03.22
Batches: 6 964
Carriages: 93 695
Annual savings on freight – 5,1%
Transportation cost was cut for 87% of batches
NPV - 2,4 billion rubles.
contact usGet in touch with us here info@qusolve.ru Moscow, Presnenskaya nab.,
12, fl. 40, office 12
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