Recently, the centralized control system of the hot rolling digital factory project of PT Indonesia Guang Ching Nickel and Stainless Steel Industry (GCNS), for which the Institute of Engineering Technology, USTB (hereinafter referred to as "IET,USTB") acted as general contractor, was successfully put into operation ahead of schedule and has been running stably, despite the dual tests of a tight schedule and non-stop production. This marks a solid step forward for the project toward full-process digital connectivity and demonstrates IET,USTB's strong capability in delivering high-end intelligent manufacturing projects overseas.

Setting a Regional Benchmark, Empowering the Whole Chain with Digitalization

Centering on the national "Belt and Road" initiative, IET,USTB is committed to building the GCNS hot rolling digital factory in Indonesia into a model of intelligent manufacturing in Southeast Asia. The project covers a full-chain digital solution including centralized control of one line and one control room, production line automation upgrading, machine vision recognition, intelligent combustion of reheating furnaces, optimized flying shear cutting, automation retrofit of grinding machines, intelligent equipment operation and maintenance, a digital roll grinding workshop, smart quality, smart energy, smart safety and environmental protection, smart cost and digital twins. As the "nerve center" of the entire factory, the centralized control center undertakes the core functions of coordinating all production units, optimizing production processes, ensuring efficient operation, improving product quality and achieving energy conservation and emission reduction.

GCNS hot rolling digital control center

Breaking Through Difficulties with Scientific Management, Ensuring Delivery with Precise Measures

Facing multiple challenges such as a tight project delivery schedule, complex cross-border collaboration and the need to ensure the customer's continuous production, the IET,USTB project team gave full play to the systematic and refined scientific management capability unique to university research institutes. Through rigorous task decomposition, the team built an efficient execution system with clear key milestones and responsibilities assigned to individuals. At the technical level, a tackling team led by senior experts was set up to conduct forward-looking deduction and pre-optimization of schemes for core difficulties such as the development of the centralized control system and the integration of multiple systems, ensuring the advanced nature of the technical path and the stability of its implementation.

Efficient Cross-Border Collaboration, Two Sites Working as One to Overcome Difficulties

The success of the project would have been impossible without efficient cross-border collaboration. The team innovatively adopted an integrated working model of "real-time online collaboration + taking root on site," ensuring information synchronization and decision-making efficiency through regular cross-regional coordination meetings. During the peak implementation period, more than twenty IET,USTB technical personnel were stationed at the site in Indonesia for a long time; overcoming environmental challenges, they worked day and night on installation guidance, system debugging and optimization, demonstrating a high degree of professionalism and dedication. The teams at the two sites cooperated closely and responded quickly, using technology as a common language to ensure that a series of technical difficulties were overcome in a timely manner.

Looking Ahead: Continued Deep Cultivation

The early launch of the centralized control system is not only a key milestone in the project's development, but also proof of IET,USTB's capability for "integrating research and production" and its strength in executing international projects. It has provided strong momentum for GCNS's digital transformation and has also enhanced our brand image in the Southeast Asian market. Looking ahead, we will continue to adhere to the principle of pursuing ever-greater excellence, deeply optimize the system and steadily advance the delivery of subsequent digital modules, helping the GCNS hot rolling digital factory achieve successful implementation. Taking this as an opportunity, IET,USTB looks forward to sharing our technology and experience in intelligent manufacturing in the steel industry with more customers at home and abroad, and jointly opening up a beautiful future of intelligent industry.