PPG, a global supplier of paints, coatings, optical products, and specialty materials, was struggling with a cumbersome manual planning system that left them printing out, manually validating, and compiling data on numerous spreadsheets. The data was there but lacked context and process visualization to make it useful.

Because PPG was relying upon data that was more historical than timely, the ability to make informed real-time decisions on the plant floor was compromised. The data was a lagging indicator of what HAD happened at some point in the past with delays anywhere from hours to even a week or more.

They wanted the ability to coordinate everything on the shop floor—from the origination of each process step, to scheduling raw materials, triggering movement of materials to the line, and ensuring the availability and efficient use of equipment.

PPG had a clear understanding of the metrics that were vital for managing their operations and improving their processes. They wanted a system that would allow them to highlight these metrics and provide actionable data to target areas for improvement.

PPG desired:

• A solution that could provide process visualization, real-time contextual data accessibility, and efficient coordination of the shop floor activities
• The ability to lock in a plan, then measure, validate, and enhance it.
• The ability to change the plan based on real-time information and feedback.
• The functionality to manage orders, processes, and equipment—with a drag and drop interface for ease of use.