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Smart factory solutions drive quality and sustainability in automotive manufacturing

Reading time: 10 minutes

Smart factory solutions drive quality and sustainability in automotive manufacturing


Manufacturers realize their current processes are not responsive enough to keep up with today’s rapidly changing automotive industry. With increased competition, customer demands, new technology, and escalating sustainability regulations, how can you guarantee efficient, high-quality production and a flawless launch? With open and scalable Smart Manufacturing solutions, automotive manufacturers can achieve intelligent production by connecting the information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) to convert production lines into intelligent, self-organizing environments that optimize sustainability and cut costs.

Compete in the evolving auto industry landscape with intelligent manufacturing

A comprehensive digital twin enables simulation from design through production, providing the flexibility to optimize efficiency, productivity, and sustainability in the factory and then replicate it anywhere in the world. With a virtual replication of the manufacturing environment known as a digital twin, you can create and assess work cell and production line layouts. You can also commission your equipment virtually before physically commissioning it in your plant, allowing you to resolve issues and debug offline to ensure your launch goes as planned. Smart manufacturing in the evolving auto industry creates a truly intelligent manufacturing environment by leveraging technology and your digital twin to form a complete loop of communication that monitors and optimizes your production processes.

Process data at the source in real-time with intelligent automation

When legacy equipment is modernized, you will establish a foundation for smart manufacturing while avoiding significant capital investments and lengthy construction periods. Updating legacy equipment with sensors and edge computing devices that can be used to implement new technologies is a step many automotive manufacturers have already taken. But most of them are not extracting the full potential from the large quantities of data generated. By making use of a manufacturing execution system (MES) as part of a smart manufacturing approach, data can be processed at the source in real-time to provide continuous visibility into production operations.

Drive continuous improvements through product lifecycle with closed-loop manufacturing

Automotive manufacturers can use a comprehensive digital twin of the production environment to drive efficiency and continuous improvement by simulating launches and design changes before implementation. Create an intelligent production environment by leveraging technology and your digital twin to form a complete loop of communication. With closed-loop manufacturing, your plant will become a self-organizing entity that automatically predicts and resolves issues in real-time. The actionable insights gained through the digitalization of manufacturing prevent expensive errors, eliminate time-consuming rework, and produce first-time quality parts at launch and throughout the entire product lifecycle.

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