Ensuring Consistent Quality, Trust, and Performance: DS Smith continues Long-Term Service Contract with Procemex
At DS Smith, we understand that reliability is paramount, especially in the demanding environment of a paper mill. That's why we've continued our partnership with Procemex for our web inspection and monitoring systems at our Kemsley Mill. Our decade-long experience demonstrates that consistent maintenance, smart choices, and mutual trust between us and our suppliers are the keys to success.
A Testament to Trust and Results
Since 2013, Procemex systems have been integral to the operation of PM 3, PM 4, and PM 6 at our Kemsley Mill. We rely on Procemex web monitoring systems on three of our paper machines and web inspection systems on two. We're continuously investing in upgrades, with PM3 already benefiting from Procemex’s modern Crystal Smart Cameras boasting 12 MP resolution. We're also upgrading other machines with new smart cameras featuring ProClean pinhole technology and Eco Spotlights.
The Greatest Value: Optimal Performance and Peace of Mind
Our service agreement ensures our equipment performs consistently at the level it did upon installation. Regular reports and quick engineer responses provide peace of mind, ensuring the system operates reliably day after day.
This is particularly important because the system is mission-critical. The images it produces must be clear and sharp, enabling our operators to make informed decisions about web breaks and identify the root cause of defects. A well-maintained system is a reliable system, delivering continuous value and payback, day in and day out.
Predictive Service: Keeping Our Systems Performing Like New
Thanks to Procemex's pre-scheduled service visits and ongoing expert support, our Procemex OnePlatform system continues to perform as well as it did on day one. Camera cleanliness, often a challenge in paper mills, is effectively managed through ProClean technology. This technology keeps pinhole lenses clean for longer, ensuring consistently high image quality.
ProClean pinhole cameras stay clean much longer. While cleaning is sometimes necessary, the difference is clear — we get consistently good images. We value the professional and human support that Procemex provides.
Enhanced Daily Use Through Training and Expert Guidance
Regular service check-ins include operator training and expert tips that improve how we use the system. Procemex service experts possess in-depth knowledge of the system and provide detailed advice that helps us harness the full potential of the system.
Both the operations team and engineers have become more confident and efficient. Ownership and understanding have grown, leading to fewer unnecessary support calls and faster responses.
We appreciate the open and transparent communication we have with Procemex, even when facing challenges. “We’ve been able to talk about problems directly and work together on solutions,” Phil Ames explains. This cooperation has been mutually beneficial, built on honesty, responsiveness, and shared goals.
While quantifying exact savings can be challenging, the value of our service agreement is evident in reduced downtime and continuous improvements. The implementation of new ProClean lenses and enhanced cameras has improved image quality and defect detection, enabling earlier issue detection and fewer web breaks.
I know the importance, because if the cameras aren’t working, we are facing real issues.
Saving Time and Resources
The future-proof design and full compatibility of the Procemex OnePlatform system allow us to enhance capabilities incrementally across different parts of the system. This enables us to introduce new functionalities that improve defect detection, final product quality, and overall operational efficiency without starting from scratch.
Furthermore, software updates maintain a consistent user interface, minimising disruption and the learning curve when implementing new features. It allows us to focus on our core task, making paper.
