Smarter Mills, Better Decisions: Embedding APC into Asset Performance Management

Sponsored by: Radix

As paper mills face increasing pressure to optimize performance, reduce variability, and extend asset life, the integration of Advanced Process Controls (APCs) into Asset Performance Management (APM) strategies is becoming a critical enabler of operational excellence.

This technical webinar, "Smarter Mills, Better Decisions: Embedding Advanced Process Controls into Asset Performance Management," will explore how APCs—such as model predictive control, soft sensors, and real-time optimization—can be effectively deployed across key mill areas including digester operations, recovery boilers, paper machines, and bleaching processes.

Attendees will gain insights into how these technologies enhance process stability, improve energy efficiency, and enable predictive maintenance by leveraging high-frequency data and machine learning models. Designed for engineers, operations specialists, technical and continuous improvement managers, this session will provide practical guidance on embedding APCs into existing APM frameworks to drive measurable improvements in throughput, quality, and asset reliability.

Keywords:
• Operational Efficiency
• Advanced Process Control
• Asset Performance Management
• Process Optimization

Learning Outcomes:
• Describe how Advanced Process Controls (APCs), such as model predictive control and soft sensors, can be embedded into Asset Performance Management (APM) strategies to improve process stability and equipment reliability across paper mill operations. 

• Analyze the operational and business impacts of integrating APCs into APM frameworks, including measurable improvements in throughput, energy efficiency, and asset longevity. 

Who Should Attend:
Director Facilities Operations, Director of Logistics, Chief Product Officer, Director of Manufacturing, Vice President of Global Supply Chain, Director Operations Logistics, Supply Chain Director, Group Chief Information Officer, Senior Director Manufacturing, Group Head Information Technology, Vice President Manufacturing Operations, Director of Plant Operations, Director of Analytics, Chief Technology Officer, Chief Innovation Officer, Director of Facilities, Managing Director, Director of Information Technology, Vice President Operations, Head of Production, Director Project Delivery, Senior Vice President Manufacturing, Chief Information Officer, Project Director, Vice President of Quality, Vice President of Production, Vice President of Manufacturing, Chief Data Officer, Chief Digital Officer, Vice President of Digital Transformation, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Information Technology Officer, Director Energy, Vice President Logistics, Director of Maintenance, Vice President Supply Chain, Director Supply Chain Management, Head of Information Technology Department, Director, Chief Information Security Officer, Vice President Innovation, Head of Operations, Director Data Management, President, Head of Information Technology, Vice President, Director of Facilities Management, Chief Executive Officer, Director of Operations, Director of Sustainability, Head of Manufacturing, Head of Information Technology Operations, Director of Engineering, Director of Manufacturing Operations 

Company Type:
 • Continuous Process Industries

Eric Gilbert 
Director of Process Control, Smurfit Westrock

Eric Gilbert is Director of Process Control at Smurfit WestRock, where he leads process control analytics and optimization efforts across production facilities throughout the Americas.

Mr. Gilbert began his career as an instrumentation, controls, and electrical engineer in 2013. He joined WestRock—now Smurfit WestRock—in 2016 as a divisional electrical and controls manager.

He was recognized by the Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry as the 2024 Professional of the Year for his work in plantwide process optimization.

André Ruiz Furtado
Digital Transformation Expert at Radix

André is a chemical engineer passionate about leveraging technology to enhance process performance and improve people’s daily lives.

With 10 years of experience, he has led projects that improved industrial performance, increased production, reduced equipment failures, and developed tools to support more effective decision-making.

He applies advanced and regulatory process control, control towers for process monitoring, and data science to create solutions that positively impact both industry and society.

Robert Bustin
Pulp & Paper Business Industry Specialist at Radix

With over 9 years of experience in the Pulp & Paper industry, Robert Bustin serves as Radix’s Business Industry Specialist. He is well-versed in operations and aims to help mills  become safe, sustainable, reliable, and profitable by leveraging digitalization, process automation, and data analytics.

Robert holds a degree in Economics and Government from Millersville University and resides in Ardmore, PA with his wife, Kelly.