Press Releases   MSA in the News (Reprints)

MSA Introduces Hosted Version of Its Blending Optimization Software Suite (BOSS) PITTSBURGH, PA - May 28, 2009 - Management Science Associates, Inc.'s (MSA) Metals and Advanced Manufacturing Division has announced the launch of an application service provider (ASP) version of its Blending Optimization Software Suite (BOSS). The BOSS ASP version is a powerful raw material blending optimization tool hosted at MSA's hardened Business Continuity facility in the Pittsburgh area. The software is accessed via an Internet browser and provides for the secure and confidential transfer of data, multi-user access, and all of the features and functionality of MSA's standard BOSS offerings. The least-cost raw material optimization models available include: Purchase Planning, Single-Heat Charge, Multi-Heat Campaign Optimization, and Alloy Additions. BOSS provides the ability to do "what-if" scenarios and to analyze the costs/savings associated with using alternative materials and various constraints. Significant savings, which depend on a number of factors including the client's current processes and product mix, have been obtained for each component of the BOSS ASP. According to Patrick J. Gallagher, MSA Metals and Advanced Manufacturing Division Vice President, "in order to remain competitive in today's business world, metals companies must use raw materials (scrap and additions) in the most cost-effective manner possible. Utilizing the latest advances in Internet security and server technology, MSA can offer this powerful optimization technology for a reasonable recurring monthly fee, eliminating the need for a large capital expenditure and high overhead costs in terms of IT equipment and support personnel. This service now allows numerous firms to improve their operations with technology that previously had been available only with the acquisition of a larger-scale software system." Gallagher further states, "at no additional cost, companies can enjoy the benefits of IT Managed Services such as secure access, backup and recovery, power backup, disaster recovery and a system hosted in a secure, certified DR/BC environment." The BOSS ASP version permits multiple users within a company, including melt shop, corporate, and purchasing personnel, to run the optimization software via an Internet browser using secure user names and passwords for controlled access. MSA will provide support to clients to help them upload their data (grades, materials, inventory, costs, etc.) into the system using Secure Socket Layer to protect all client data transmissions. MSA's Metals and Advanced Manufacturing Division is a Pittsburgh, PA-based group that specializes in providing complete turnkey computer systems, process control and modeling services, system design, and facility-wide management systems to a variety of process and manufacturing industries. It is perhaps best known for its work in automating steel mills and its Raw Material Data Aggregation Service™ (RMDAS) for steel scrap, but it also provides services for the chemical process, pulp and paper, and environmental services industries as well as applications for laboratory information management, business intelligence, and e-commerce. The Division has provided such services since 1982. ABOUT MANAGEMENT SCIENCE ASSOCIATES, INC. (MSA) Management Science Associates, Inc. engineers and commercializes information-based models, processes and systems for industry and government. Since being incorporated in 1963, MSA has partnered with customers to identify areas in which innovative analyses and uses of data can foster growth or drive efficiency. Combining its expertise with the tools of information management, analytics, data management, software and systems technology, MSA develops, integrates, implements and maintains products and services in various functional and vertical domains. It helps customers put their data to work. With more than 800 employees, MSA provides solutions for over 300 clients, including many of the largest U.S. and foreign corporations and institutions. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, it also has offices in New York; Chicago; High Point; Atlanta; Cardiff, UK; Shanghai, China; and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.