Ever-changing demands on companies and their production facilities, processes and organizational structures are posing ever-greater challenges. The evaluation of new products, business models and production processes as well as the modernization of existing facilities is the basis for future competitiveness. The targeted use of modern technologies and production simulations, the preparation and analysis of data and the optimization of value-added processes lead to a holistic view of production and organization.
Targeted use of industrial robotics, image processing and automation enables intelligent, versatile and efficient production cells and systems. Simulations can be used to evaluate and optimize their design and their components already in the planning phase in order to counteract potential sources of error before implementation.
The rapid further development of technologies, such as collaborative robotics, autonomous transport or machine-learning based image-processing systems, continuously changes the technical possibilities of production plants. Through conducting feasibility studies, concept development and functional prototype development, these can be evaluated in a company-specific manner and, if necessary, adapted and implemented.
Methods of operations research and simulation-based studies support system analysis and decision making for companies. An integrated data analysis forms the basis for a systematic investigation of scenarios and effects. The evaluation of production and logistics systems can also be used to develop optimization possibilities.
The collection, storage, processing and analysis of production data can be used for process improvement and evaluation of meaningful Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) scenarios. Furthermore, monitoring of process stability can be established and reaction times can be shortened.
Production Optimization within the context of lean and six sigma aims at an increase in efficiency and quality while simultaneously reducing lead times. Analytical methods for process optimization can be applied and corresponding competencies can be transferred to the company through employee training.
Holistic analysis and solution approaches consider the potential of new business models as well as associated value-added processes and (production) technologies and define a roadmap, which may be divided into agile sprints for targeted development and implementation.
A sustainable transformation is only possible if the individual employee and the entire organization also support this change. With the help of qualitative research methods, company-specific challenges are examined in detail, appropriate success factors are developed, and the findings are translated into implementation recommendations.
At the intersection of new technologies and human behavior, (production) assistance systems as well as different interaction strategies and their effects on business processes are examined. Resulting studies investigate the acceptance, usability and ergonomics of technology, as well as the optimal transfer of necessary competences – transferred into company-specific training concepts.
Modern production is dependent on appropriate software systems. An analysis is required for each individual company in order to be able to take the necessary steps sensibly and effectively. Through the development of a holistic approach and an appropriate software and system design, short, medium and long-term expansion stages can be defined. This includes the conception and development of new methods and tailor-made algorithms as well as individual software modules - for example for machine and production data acquisition, for the integration of autonomous transport systems or for the use of machine learning algorithms. Through targeted modernization of existing systems, these can also be integrated into higher-level systems or the Industrial Internet of Things (IIOT).
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