A project to upgrade industrial software has been successfully completed at a sawmill in the Pskov region, Russia.
Avtomatika-Vektor carried out a complete replacement of the software for operator PCs and programmable logic controllers (PLCs) on a key woodworking unit - the EWD QUADRO 1600 sawmill line.
Increased flexibility in configuring process parameters
The updated software simplifies and accelerates the configuration of complex sawing patterns integrated into the German-made equipment. While the previous interface made setting up these patterns a labor-intensive process, the new software enables quick and seamless switching between production tasks by individual customer orders:
Multi-pattern sawing: quick reconfiguration for high-speed, single-pass through-and-through sawing, as well as optimized two- or three-pass sawing to maximize lumber yield.
Radial sawing: intuitive control of the automatic positioning system for the radial sawing of logs. This enables the efficient production of premium-grade lumber with superior geometric stability and resistance to warping.
Economic impact and key benefits of modernization:
Controlled productivity growth. Comprehensive testing has confirmed consistent achievement of production targets under the new operating conditions. By optimizing algorithms, the line’s net productivity increased by several tens of percent surpassing the company’s initial projections.
Reduced downtime. The new software has minimized internal system failures and optimized feed-rate settings. By eliminating software bugs, the frequency of unplanned operational stoppages has decreased, ensuring maximum capacity utilization and a steady, rhythmic production flow.
Avoid import dependence and sanctions-related risks. The new software for PCs and PLCs is entirely independent of foreign suppliers. This removes the risk of sudden software lockouts or failures by overseas vendors, ensuring absolute technological security for the enterprise.
Guaranteed, responsive technical support. Unlike foreign integrators that have exited the market, technical support for the new system is provided directly by the developers. Because the specialists operate within the same legal and linguistic framework, there are no long waits for responses or costly delays caused by customs or language barriers.
A user-friendly interface tailored to local preferences. The visual design and control logic are fully adapted to the standards and specific workflows of local operators. The interface is intuitive, ergonomic, and visually clear, free from an overload of foreign terminology.
Reducing the human factor. The automated system takes charge of strictly monitoring the incoming geometry of raw materials and precisely calculating volumes based on scanner data. It automatically blocks erroneous commands from operators, preventing damage to expensive equipment and reducing the reliance on hard-to-find highly skilled personnel.
This project demonstrates that our industrial automation and control solutions do not merely replace imported counterparts but surpass them in terms of flexibility, security, and cost-effectiveness.