New methods for start-up control and IT tools for simulation and data recording have been developed with the aim of optimising Start of Production (SOP) processes.
The intention was to enable participants along the product value creation chain of a start-up project to determine and analyse both current and future states of the start-up in order to identify and evaluate bottlenecks, interfering factors and problems early on.

Modular components for acquiring data, diagnosing and forecasting the start-up and for providing response strategies were created. Practically effective application of these core components is ensured by the ProactAS Start of Production platform, an integrative information, communication and control component. The findings have been condensed into the SOP knowledge management system which underlies the project and a guide for the efficient implementation of future production start-ups.

Improved control, new forecast-based methods, the use of simulation tools and the development of a comprehensive start-up performance model will allow start-up processes to be better parallelised in future, thus significantly reducing the time they require.