Case Studies

AGC built a Smart Inventory System that tracks raw materials with RFID and monitors chemical tanks remotely. Contec’s CONPROSYS TM Series powers the gateways, and the system is expected to save 1,000 labor hours a year.

Overview

AGC Inc. supplies architectural, automotive and display glass, chemicals and other high-performance materials worldwide. Under its AGC plus 2.0 management policy, its “Smart AGC” initiative applies digital technology across manufacturing, R&D and back-office functions such as purchasing and logistics.

Challenge

Glass factories buy silica sand and other raw materials daily, plus caustic soda and hydrochloric acid for wastewater treatment. Staff checked inventory, reviewed procurement plans and adjusted for changes by hand every day, which was time-consuming.

Solution

AGC’s Smart Inventory System, fully deployed in April 2021 at the Kansai Plant’s Takasago Factory and the Amagasaki Factory in Hyogo Prefecture, digitizes inventory checks, procurement planning and ordering. It has two parts:

• Raw materials inventory management: RFID tags on every container are read at warehouse entrances and exits to track storage and usage in real time
• Tank inventory management: measuring devices on caustic soda and other tanks send data that drives automatic ordering, replacing visual checks

A dashboard shows remaining amounts and updates supplier order tables automatically, and tank levels are monitored in real time over mobile connections. AGC developed the cloud-based tank inventory system jointly with Contec, whose CONPROSYS TM (Telemeter) Series is used in the gateway devices.

Results

The Smart Inventory System is expected to cut labor by 1,000 hours per year and help share technology and skills among workers. AGC plans to roll it out to other plants, focusing on its glass business in Japan.

Contec products used

• CONPROSYS TM (Telemeter) Series

Originally published by Contec Co., Ltd. at contec.com.