CIMdata, Inc., the leading global PLM strategic management consulting and research firm, announces the publication of an updated whitepaper titled “Advanced Machine Engineering Transforming the Machine Building Industry.” and an update to the related commentary “Configuration Management: Configuration Integrity is a Core Driver for Business Success.” They were originally published in October 2020 and the updates reflect improvements over the past two years.
As machines grow in complexity machine and equipment builders often struggle to meet cost, quality, timing, and functionality requirements demanded by their customers. Machine applications run the gamut of industries from machine tools and industrial production equipment to food processing, material processing and handling, robotics, and many others. Machinery complexity is increased by the broad range of domains needed to design these complicated devices: mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, electronic, and software; the interactions among domains; and the variety of business models employed by machine builders to satisfy the needs of their customers: including Build-to-Stock (BTS), Configure-to-Order (CTO), and Engineer-to-Order (ETO).
To completely support products throughout their lifecycles requires a digital thread to connect the data across the lifecycle from concept to retirement. This is especially true as complexity increases; ensuring the data is properly configured and its integrity is guaranteed. With clear, concise, and valid data, advanced business processes such as product simulation and virtual commissioning can validate products before they are built, reducing costs and risks during physical commissioning and improving profitability for the machine builder and the customer.
These papers define the need for and characteristics of a solution suite that helps machine builders improve their effectiveness by supporting multi-disciplinary design, configuration management, and virtual commissioning. Siemens is both a leading provider and major user of advanced machine technology. Their Advanced Machine Engineering solution is introduced as a solution to the issues faced by the machine building industry.
Mr. John MacKrell, Chairman, CIMdata, stated that “CIMdata believes the Siemens Advanced Machine Engineering solution with its ability to quickly develop designs with Mechatronics Concept Designer and support virtual commissioning via its comprehensive digital twin can have a significant positive impact on machine builders’ product lifecycle―improving quality, profitability, and time to market. In addition to supporting machine building, the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio can be leveraged to provide support for end-to-end integration of complete value chains.”
To find out more on “Advanced Machine Engineering,” visit:
https://www.plm.automation.siemens.com/global/en/industries/industrial-machinery/advanced-machine-engineering.html