Kobe Steel, Ltd. has begun using an "Integrated Database System" and "Web-based Process Computer" to promote information sharing in its Iron and Steel Sector.  Kobe Steel is the first Japanese steelmaker to operate such systems for steel products.

Until recently, Kobe Steel's main system in the Iron and Steel Sector consisted of two separate systems: a steelworks system and a marketing system.  Each steelworks (Kobe and Kakogawa) and each product category (wire rod and bar, sheet, and plate) had its own database.  This arrangement impeded the smooth flow of information within the Iron and Steel Sector.

With production high to meet robust demand for steel, Kobe Steel requires efficient, continuous production of upper-end products.  At the same time, there is an acute need to respond promptly to customers' inquiries and provide information.  The timely sharing of information between marketing and manufacturing became an urgent issue.

The Integrated Database System combines a variety of critical information from marketing, production management, and manufacturing.  The system enables workers to search, reference, and utilize the information.  With five times the data storage capacity of the previous system, real-time referencing and improved search speed, the Integrated Database System saves an estimated 10,000 working hours per year.

The 1.2-billion-yen Integrated Database System was developed in cooperation with IBM Japan, Ltd., Kobelco Systems Corporation, and Business Objects Japan KK. Over 10 billion yen will be allocated over the next five years to upgrade old application programs to the new system.

Within manufacturing operations, the Web-based Process Computer promotes information sharing between manufacturing sites and production management. A large cost reduction is possible, as the Web-based Process Computer is comprised of commercial servers and PCs, while conventional process computers are composed of expensive proprietary hardware.

At Kakogawa Works, the Web-based Process Computer is used at the No. 3 continuous caster and molten steel treatment facilities.  Investing 380 million yen, Kobe Steel created the system in cooperation with Fuji Electric Systems Co, Ltd. and Shinko Engineering & Maintenance Co., Ltd.  The system will be applied at all steel production facilities by 2010.

Kobe Steel will also implement information sharing systems at the Steel Casting and Forging, Titanium, and Steel Powder divisions in the Iron and Steel Sector.  As these divisions have no process computers, only the Integrated Database System will be used.