AST Manufacturing Systems Integration (MSI) has been contracted to provide Sasol Solvents with an integrated production and business system strategy for Sasol N-Butanol, based on the business needs of the organisation, resulting in the implementation of relevant technology from plant to boardroom level.
The Sasol N-Butanol plant is currently under construction and is due for commissioning in November 2002. The plant will produce N-Butanol for both the local and export market.
"The integrated production and business system strategy will allow Sasol to integrate business, maintenance, production and engineering systems for Sasol Solvents Midlands and to provide a sustainable competitive advantage in the marketplace," notes Johan Claassen, Project Manager for the Sasol N-Butanol EWS project.
"With AST`s experience both in- and outside Sasol in the manufacturing execution system, as well as their professional approach to the project, we are confident of obtaining our goals," adds Ettienne Rademeyer, Commissioning Manager of Sasol N-Butanol.
The scope of the project covers all aspects of automation and information flow. The areas in the business that will be focused on are:
* Business, technical and plant operations;
* Decision, technical and operation support;
* Connection to instrumentation, data acquisition, DCS system and SAP/R3; and
* Organisational impact and a standards assessment.
"Once completed, this strategy will ensure that Sasol Solvents N-Butanol implements the correct systems to support their vision as a low cost producer, while at the same time taking advantage of the current initiatives in Solvents with regards to SAP R/3 and other relevant systems," explains Derick Knoll, CEO of AST MSI.
Share
In just three years the AST Group has established itself as one of the leading information and communication technology companies on the JSE Securities Exchange. Its consistent creation of value for shareholders, clients and employees has resulted in a steady increase in monthly revenue to the R100 million plus mark. AST is now the fourth largest South African IT company by market capitalisation, and is one of the top three in terms of physical infrastructure (mainframes, servers, desktops, and networks under management) and geographical footprint with over 62 physical locations.
Counting almost 90% of the top 100 JSE-listed companies among its clients, the AST Group services mostly large corporate and government clients, but is increasingly offering services to rapidly evolving small and medium enterprises.
Editorial contacts