The praised solution has been in use at Eurl Saterex-Iris in Algeria since autumn 2019. Eurl Saterex-Iris is the third biggest tyre manufacturing plant in Africa, serving both local and export markets. The modern plant was mainly designed and constructed by Black Donuts Engineering and its international partner network. Black Donuts is also responsible for production management, which applies the core principles of Lean Management and focuses on reducing the interim stocks to the bare minimum according to the pull method. To enhance this, the company developed an RFID-based electronic eKanban solution together with Toptunniste.

“The eKanban project started from a need to improve production management. The first acute challenge we met was the lack of adequate and accurate information on the overall production status,” Solution Manager Aki Nurminen recalls.

Originally, there were nine Kanban boards located all over the two-floor factory. One had to check each board manually, so it took time and effort to capture a complete view of the production status.

Another deficit concerned the insufficient information provided on manufacturing schedules. The old Kanban boards did not give enough information on when certain materials were supposed to be in production.

The returned cards included no accurate time markings, so it was hard to stay updated, notice stock alerts and to respond on time.

Real-time production status

New technology was needed to solve the problem. It became clear that initiating remote monitoring would require electronic boards instead of the traditional ones. Black Donuts contacted another Finnish technology company, Toptunniste, to present the idea and search for a way to actualise it. The solution was simple: adding RFID features to an existing Kanban board would upgrade it to a more accurate, more informative, and easy-to-use eKanban board. Next, the old cards were replaced by RFID tagged cards, readable through RFID technology.

Now, all nine eKanban boards are online in Saterex’s internal data system and easily monitored from any computer. Consequently, an up-to-date overall view of the entire production is now always at hand.

The eKanban solution enables better and real-time tracking of overall production status and enhances the supervision of production processes.

It adds the time markings automatically to each card on return, keeps account, and establishes automatic triggers to replenish stock when predefined minimums are reached for each inventory item.

The system also calculates and presents the estimated time left before reaching the pre-defined minimum of each item in the downstream processes. This is the lens that helps us prioritize and schedule the production runs.

Optimised processes

The new eKanban boards were taken into use at Saterex tyre plant in fall 2019. For the users operating in the production lines, the new solution has not brought any changes in their daily routines, but the Kanban boards are used the same way as before. For the supervisors and factory management, the new system enables a remote and real-time view of the production status through a web interface.

The new solution helps in prioritizing the tasks and shortens the reaction time to different problems arising in production. eKanban is also a great planning tool, as it gives us a complete process overview, Aki explains.

The eKanban system gets all the production information it needs straight from the company’s MES, where the daily consumption levels of each process, as well as the minimum and maximum storage levels, are defined. Separate eKanban views, visualizing the interim storage levels, can be reviewed through MES which enables effective inventory management.

The eKanban solution is designed for tracking the production, not to automatically assign anything. It is always the team, the people, who make the decisions based on the information they receive. However, the solution helps to improve tracking and optimizing operations, Aki says.

Advanced work management

Moreover, the eKanban solution enhances work management.

Compared to manual Kanban systems, eKanban gives additional information on storage unit rotations, events and even stock rotation history. It is valuable information for both follow-ups and for managing transportation activities and best working methods. Earlier, the material transportation could idle, and the return of cards to the Kanban boards be irregular, which caused various scheduling challenges, stockouts and unexpected changes in demand.

It was nearly impossible to find the root cause for problems and consequently improve it. Thanks to the digitised solution, we can now track every event, which supports work development and feedback giving.

While the manual Kanban boards already gave a good boost for companies in optimizing production, the new eKanban solution brings monitoring, tracking and optimizing to a remarkably higher level.

eKanban is an excellent example of how we can improve proven old methods during digital transformation.

eKanban was designed to add a remarkable value to the supply chain support operations. This was accomplished by optimizing cost-effectiveness, efficiency, and the movement of materials. Currently, Aki’s team is already developing the next generation eKanban solution, one without any physical cards or printed labels and boards. This will serve the needs of the highest automation solutions, which require visual identification instead of manual labelling or printed cards.

The operators do not even need to touch the storage units anymore, but the Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) completes the visual identification. Electronic Shelf Label is automatically updated during the manufacturing processes and events referring to RFID identifications and data communication. This way, the labels are never missing, old or wrong, and they are readable in all occasions and all the time, Aki explains.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Hankook Tire is preparing to take centre stage as the champion of TGL presented by SoFi Season 2 is decided. The highly anticipated Final Series unfolds over two days, 23 and 24 March 2026, at Florida’s SoFi Center, where the season’s defining matches will play out.

Since the 2026 season, Hankook has served as the inaugural Official Tire Partner and a Founding Partner of TGL, playing an integral role in the league’s identity. Guided by Chairman Hyunbum Cho’s emphasis on technological innovation, the brand has helped redefine sports entertainment by fusing golf with cutting-edge technology – a formula that has connected with audiences across 150 countries. During the Final Series, Hankook will maximise its premium visibility through prominent LED signage, broadcast graphics and television commercials. By standing alongside PGA stars at this historic moment, the company continues to strengthen its global premium reputation.

The championship showdown features Los Angeles Golf Club and Jupiter Links GC. Los Angeles earned its place by defeating reigning champions Atlanta Drive GC, while Jupiter Links advanced with an upset over regular-season leaders Boston Common Golf. Los Angeles enters with a formidable roster including Collin Morikawa, Justin Rose, Sahith Theegala and Tommy Fleetwood, having led the regular season in Triples Team Sessions, average driving distance, and fairway accuracy. Jupiter Links, anchored by Tiger Woods, Max Homa, Tom Kim and Kevin Kisner, showcased strategic dominance by topping the league in Singles Team Sessions and successful Hammer plays.

With both teams making their first Final Series appearance, a fierce battle for the inaugural title awaits. Hankook will be embedded at the heart of this milestone, further cementing its global integrated brand identity in the minds of golf fans worldwide.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

ARJES GmbH and EuRec Environmental Technology GmbH are set to make a significant impact at IFAT Munich 2026, the premier global gathering for the recycling and environmental sector taking place from 4 to 7 May 2026 at Trade Fair Center Messe München. At their expanded outdoor exhibition space at stand FM.709/13, the two companies will present their latest advancements in modern processing technology.

A comprehensive display of shredding and processing innovations will be on view, highlighting integrated recycling solutions. ARJES will showcase its full machine lineup, featuring the mobile COMPAKTOR 300, with a shredding capacity of 6–12 t/h for rubber and waste tyres, alongside the stationary TITAN 900 e-pu, with a shredding capacity of 13–25 t/h for rubber and waste tyres. A major announcement for ARJES is its strategic expansion into mobile trommel and scalping screens, reflecting a shift towards viewing shredding, screening and material processing as a unified, full-liner approach that delivers greater efficiency from a single source.

EuRec will simultaneously debut new machinery focused on electric drive technologies, with a particular emphasis on heavy-duty applications. A key highlight is the stationary electric version of the FERRO 950, built for rigorous industrial tasks, alongside the new electro-mobile tracked ULTIMA 850 series, which merges high-performance shredding with energy-efficient operation and future-oriented mobility.

An additional highlight will occur at the VDMA Crushing Zone, where ARJES, EuRec and Rockster will collaborate as part of the RBG Family (Recycling Beyond Generations) to demonstrate a complete processing chain for concrete railway sleepers. This integrated solution brings together the EuRec FERRO 950 shredder, the Rockster R1000 impact crusher and the new ARJES NEOS 6.3 scalper screen, showcasing a seamless combination of shredding, crushing and screening technologies in a live operational setting.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Sun Auto Tire & Service, one of the largest independent tyre and automotive service providers in US, has entered into a new sponsorship agreement with Ty Gaynor Motorsports, backing driver Ty Gaynor as he takes on the NHRA circuit in both Top Dragster and Super Stock categories. This alignment brings together two entities that prize performance, precision and consistency – qualities that are essential under the hood and behind the wheel. Sun Auto’s branding will appear on Gaynor’s race vehicles throughout the season, with the company’s nationwide network of over 575 locations symbolically travelling alongside him as he competes across the country.

At just 18 years old, Gaynor represents a third generation of drag racing heritage, having climbed from Junior Dragsters to secure his first NHRA national event victory in 2025 at the Dodge NHRA Nevada Nationals. That landmark Top Dragster win featured a nearly flawless reaction time and a run closing in on 200 mph (approximately 322 kmph). Company leaders describe the sponsorship as a natural outgrowth of Sun Auto’s deep roots in automotive service and its enduring commitment to high-level performance.

The 2026 season will see Gaynor continue his campaign in both Super Stock and Top Dragster competition, with his first race scheduled for the upcoming weekend. Through this partnership, Sun Auto reinforces its connection to the precision and dedication that define success both on the track and in the service bay.

Gaynor said, "Growing up around my family's shops that are now part of the Sun Auto Network, it feels like everything's come full circle having that logo on my cars. What started as family is now a network of more than 575 locations across the country."

Matthew Loos, Chief Marketing Officer, Sun Auto Tire & Service, said, "Whether it's in the shop, in the pits or on the track, consistency, precision and performance matter.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Dunlop Motorsport marked its competitive debut on the Nürburgring Nordschleife with a strong top-10 finish, underscoring the potential of its advanced tyre technology. Central to this effort was the use of Dunlop tyres, integrated with the innovative Sensingcore system developed by Sumitomo Rubber Industries. This proprietary technology transforms the tyre itself into a smart sensor, delivering real-time data on critical parameters such as wear, pressure, wheel load and track conditions without requiring additional hardware. By enhancing both safety and strategic decision-making, Sensingcore enables early detection of issues like loose wheel nuts and allows for optimised pit stops, proving its value under the extreme demands of the ‘Green Hell’.

Behind the wheel of the black-and-yellow Porsche 911 GT3 R, drivers Nico Menzel and Dorian Boccolacci delivered a determined comeback. After a challenging qualifying session left them in 24th place due to ill-timed yellow flag periods, Menzel wasted no time, surging to 18th by the end of the opening lap. Boccolacci then took over, extracting the full potential of the new Dunlop slicks with consistently fast lap times. A well-executed team strategy propelled the duo into the top 10 before the race’s midpoint. Although the leading pack had built an insurmountable gap by then, preventing a podium challenge, Boccolacci brought the car home in ninth place overall after four hours of racing.

The event served as a crucial development test for both tyre technology and Sensingcore under real-world conditions, highlighting its promise for future motorsport and production applications. Dunlop Motorsport will continue its preparation at the next Nürburgring Endurance Series round, the 57th Adenauer ADAC Circuit Trophy on 11 April 2026, as part of its buildup to the ADAC RAVENOL 24h Nürburgring in May.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!