EFT Analytics is Using Predictive Modeling to Address Strip Breaks in the Steel Galvanizing Process

Combining big data with detailed process knowledge, EFT and Big River Steel are solving one of the steel industry’s biggest pain points.

Big River Steel Flex Mill in Osceola, AR (Photo: Business Wire)

WICHITA, Kan.--()--EFT Analytics (EFT), a leading provider of predictive analytics, process optimization and energy management solutions, is working with Big River Steel, a leading scrap recycling and steel production company, to help increase production efficiency and reduce unplanned downtime. EFT is performing its work at the steelmaker’s Arkansas-based facility, the world’s only Flex Mill™.

EFT’s advanced analytics software platform CORTEX™ is providing Big River’s operations team unprecedented visibility into the data behind complex steelmaking processes at the facility. One of the first results of these efforts is a solution to the industry-wide problem of strip breaks which occur at the welds in the continuous galvanizing process.

“EFT Analytics continues to partner with us to unlock the predictive patterns created by the data our facility generates. Our focus on big data mining is one of the reasons Big River Steel has come to be known as a technology company that just happens to make steel,” said Dave Stickler, CEO of Big River Steel. “All those involved in the steel industry know strip breaks are a challenge. Since implementing the solutions EFT helped develop, we’ve gone from several strip breaks a month to near zero, keeping our employees safe and improving our bottom-line profitability.”

“The EFT and Big River teams used CORTEX to analyze more than six months of data that allowed us to identify the set points that gave the highest probability of a successful galvanizing line weld,” said Brent Youngers, president of EFT Analytics. “We continue to be grateful to the Big River team for the trust they place in our partnership to help solve some of the biggest challenges in the steel industry, and we look forward to working side-by-side with them to keep the Big River Steel facility at the forefront of the market.”

Since operations began in 2017, Big River has provided steel products to more than 200 customers in the automotive, energy, construction, distribution and agricultural industries.

For more information and to discuss implementation of an advanced analytics platform, please contact hello@eftanalytics.com.

About EFT Analytics

EFT Analytics provides SaaS based advanced analytics solutions for large industrial companies. EFT is located in Ireland, New York, and Kansas and is a subsidiary of Koch Industries, one of the largest private companies in the world. By combining our advanced analytics software with Koch’s business philosophy and operational excellence, we are providing a world-first, highly unique concept that’s proven to deliver results. EFT provides predictive analytics, process optimization and energy management solutions for more than 100 blue chip clients all around the globe. More information is available at www.EFTanalytics.com.

About Big River Steel

Big River Steel takes a visionary, entrepreneurial approach to the ever-changing American manufacturing industry by reimagining what it means to be a steel company in the global marketplace. From the Flex Mill™ equipment, to AI technology, to the partnerships with academic research institutes, Big River is daring to be more than what you’d expect from a steel company. Big River knows innovation is alive and well in steel, and they’re excited to be leading that charge. More information is available at www.bigriversteel.com.

Contacts

Jamie Mullen-Hearn
Koch Communications Marketing
jamie.hearn@kochcm.com

Contacts

Jamie Mullen-Hearn
Koch Communications Marketing
jamie.hearn@kochcm.com