Material Optimizer

A solution for reducing wasted material

Role

Sr. Design Strategist / Consultant, AWS WWCO ProServe, Gen AI Specialty Practice

Client

Hunter Douglas

Scope

The material optimizing solution minimizes waste in window treatment and blind manufacturing by maximizing material usage through efficient layout options. This improves production efficiency and supports sustainability efforts.

Cutting it close

Hunter Douglas N.V., founded in 1919, is a renowned Dutch multinational known for its high-quality window coverings. The name "Douglas" was chosen from a phone book after the founder, Henry Sonnenberg, opted not to use his own surname. Hunter Douglas is celebrated for its innovative, customizable, and energy-efficient products. A key initiative includes developing an interface with an algorithm to optimize material usage on cutting tables, reducing waste and improving production efficiency. This system also determines which manufacturing plant will produce an item based on material availability, aligning with the company's sustainability goals.

Screenshot of Hunter Douglas optimizer application

The initial interface of the system is designed for efficiency, allowing users to easily search orders based on Plant ID, Product Line, and Order Status. Additionally, it displays current optimizations in progress, providing a real-time overview of order handling and material usage enhancements. This setup ensures that users can quickly access the information they need while monitoring ongoing improvements in the production process.

Screenshot of Hunter Douglas optimizer application

Once the initial queries are submitted, the system responds with a detailed inspector that displays statistics for Production Orders, Total Panels required, as well as Fabric and Color combinations. Below these statistics, a list appears, acting as a queue of order requests. This queue is organized based on the parameters specified in the initial request, ensuring that users can easily track and manage orders according to their specific needs and priorities. This feature streamlines the workflow, allowing for efficient monitoring and adjustment of production details.

Screenshot of Hunter Douglas optimizer application

Once an order is selected, the process advances to setting up the optimizer. At this stage, users provide specific settings to fine-tune the optimization process and select from the available cutting tables within the plant that are suitable for producing the optimized recommendations. This step is crucial for ensuring that the material usage is maximized and waste is minimized, aligning with the plant's capabilities and resource availability for efficient production.

Screenshot of Hunter Douglas optimizer application

The optimizer algorithm efficiently sorts the results based on critical criteria, including plans with less than a 20% scrap rate, those at risk of missing the due date, and orders that cannot be properly planned. By selecting one of these three categories on the left, the interface displays the optimized results on the right. This feature enables users to easily identify and focus on specific areas needing attention, facilitating proactive adjustments to enhance production efficiency and resource utilization.

Screenshot of Hunter Douglas optimizer application

Within the Admin view, prominently displayed in the upper right of the interface, administrators are granted access to a range of administrative features. One key feature is the User Assignments tab, where admins can assign specific tables and roles to employees across different factories. This functionality enhances the organization and delegation of responsibilities, ensuring that resources are utilized effectively and that team members are positioned where they can contribute most effectively to the production process.

Cutting to the chase

The development of the HunterDouglas Optimizer represents a significant advancement in the optimization of material usage within the window covering manufacturing process. By intelligently arranging materials on cutting tables to minimize waste, this tool not only enhances operational efficiency but also contributes to the company's sustainability goals. The optimizer's interface, which allows for real-time adjustments and scenario planning, empowers operators to make informed decisions quickly, ensuring optimal use of resources across all stages of production. This innovation exemplifies HunterDouglas's commitment to integrating cutting-edge technology with its legacy of quality and precision, setting a new standard in the industry for both productivity and environmental stewardship.

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