Improving Throughput

Koppers wanted to streamline the design and install workflows so all software users were using the products correctly and uniformly.

Everything Koppers delivers is custom designed and built for each customer. The mechanical design is installed at a facility that requires an extra layer of information. Precision and correct specifications are important to the company’s reputation for delivering quality products. Precision also enhances the likelihood of repeat business and referrals.

As with most companies, delays cost money. Incorrect specs lead to incorrect products and can double the amount of work and time needed to correct the error – i.e. returning the incorrect product, then remaking and reshipping the correct product.

The goals for this project are:

1. Have one source of data to ensure the staff is always working on the correct version of designs.
2. Achieve more precision on the users’ designs by having them adhere to standards and use the software tools the same way. 

Koppers wanted to avoid errors on design and install jobs. The company wanted more precision on the users’ designs by having them adhere to standards and use the software tools the same way. 

Another goal was to have one source of data to ensure the staff is always working on the correct version of designs. Company management wanted to expand the business but did not want to invest in more computer infrastructure. Lastly, they were also concerned about data security.

The decision was made to move to the cloud, adding Autodesk Vault on Azure.

Koppers was already using Plant 3D, Autodesk AutoCAD Electrical and Autodesk Inventor from the Autodesk Product Design & Manufacturing Collection. The company has been working with Applied Software for about 15 years. 

To save on additional infrastructure expense as the company expands, the decision was made to move to the cloud, adding Autodesk Vault on Azure. This also enables the sharing of information – including the very large 3D scan files – between the divisions at both the PA and GA locations. Management decided to get the entire staff trained to ensure uniform use of software tools. When the staff can do their work correctly in less time, the company improves its profit margin.

It’s all about improving throughput. 

Internally, Jimmy Ward, Engineering CAD Specialist in the Griffin, GA branch office championed the project, with the Koppers IT department helping greatly with software implementations. 

A roadmap/implementation workshop and Plant 3D training have been completed. The custom Autodesk Vault implementation is in process, with estimated completion in the first quarter of 2023. Onsite service was provided when setting up Azure, with ongoing support.

Koppers has made strides in avoiding errors on design and install jobs. Precision has improved on designs thanks to training and new standards for using software tools. 

The Autodesk Vault implementation on Azure ensures smooth handling of large data files and provides a single source of data so staff can be sure they are working on the correct version of designs. The company is poised to expand without the need to spend more money on computer hardware. In addition, data security has improved. Koppers was able to achieve its goals thus far by partnering with Applied Software, Graitec Group and technical experts Dave Hampton, Dave Morse, David Park, Mike Sammons, Tim Smith, Owen Whitehouse, and David Wolfe.