A large amount of data is collected at different points in the company throughout the entire Product Life Cycle. In order to be able to improve all product variants in the portfolio, this data must first be brought together and analyzed (Internet of Production, IoP). The IoP is an overarching framework for the holistic use of data across the different areas of a company, with most data being collected in development and production. Companies must first create the prerequisites for such overarching variant management, which pays off in the long run. This is because it allows product variants to be optimized in line with customer requirements and processes to be made more efficient.
The focus is on the following questions: Which product variants are needed and how can they be developed on the basis of data? Which product variants are manufactured and how can production be optimized to meet efficiency targets? Which data from the development and production phases are relevant for the customer, how can a reciprocal relationship between company (service) and customer be established? The design of interfaces between the phases that enables data sharing will be addressed. In addition, smart applications that support “Configuration Lifecycle Management” will be highlighted, as well as the improvement of service processes through the use of a Digital Twin.
These aspects will be addressed at the VDMA Variant Management Conference on September 14, 2021. Their successful implementation will be presented in practical presentations.
Anja Walthart, Manager for Parametric Design at Dürr Systems AG, will speak about the Lino® 3D Configuration Solution at the 10th VDMA Variant Management Conference on September 14, 2021.
