The SIMIT simulation platform by Siemens served as a central software. With its help, the engineers of Küttner first created the plant simulation and tested the generated automation software with emulated hardware. The simulation model not only incorporated the signal and device level, but also the physical model of the plant.

The Küttner Group is a specialist for industrial plant construction located in Essen, Germany, with a focus on conveying and processing technology, industrial furnace construction, waste gas purification and waste heat recovery. The independent subsidiary Küttner Automation in Trier, Germany had already been able to prove its competence in implementing large automation projects several times for voestalpine in Linz, Austria.

In 2018, the general overhaul (the so-called reline) of Austria's largest blast furnace took exactly 111 days. In this time, not only the furnace was completely restored but also the complete automation hardware and software of the furnace and pertinent operating equipment. Finishing this Herculean task on time was only possible with the help of a virtual commissioning performed beforehand.