OJSC Magnitogorsk Iron & Steel Works (MMK) has adopted what it calls a ‘broad IT development strategy’ as part of an advanced IT adoption strategy launched in 2014.
The plan is to implement an integrated in-house corporate communications system, mobile access to core business applications, modelling and forecasting and continuous planning on customised production and operational management.
A pivotal element of the Russian steelmaker’s IT programme is a mobility project involving the creation of new mobile applications that allow the company’s customers to monitor delivery status online and offer complete transparency from ordering through to final delivery.
According to MMK, a mobile maintenance and repairs application ‘makes it possible to ensure the timely execution of both scheduled and unscheduled repairs’ and detects equipment defects early on. Once launched the company expects a reduction in breakdowns and unscheduled equipment downtime.
Since July of 2014 the system has been an experimental-industrial pilot operation at MMK’s sintering plant.
Over the past year MMK has launched other mobile applications designed to optimise business processes and in-house corporate communications.