Yogi Berra mentioned, “You possibly can observe quite a bit simply by watching.” On the Siemens Understand convention, it was, “You possibly can hear quite a bit simply by listening.” I used to be stunned by the widespread similarities within the view of what’s essential within the design and manufacturing software program panorama.
There was a shift in that view over the past three years. Earlier than COVID, an organization’s sustainability program was not a sizzling situation in earnings studies. AI was principally for machine studying, cell robots, and autonomous automobiles. Industrial software program options lived in differentiated buckets (CAD, simulation, provide chain instruments), and provide chains have been very, very lengthy.
Then every part modified. Apparently, industrial know-how firms didn’t snooze throughout the lockdown. This new industrial outlook was the discuss in every single place throughout Understand, from Siemens president and CEO Tony Hemmelgarn to analysis analysts and show-booth advertising and marketing of us.
Listed here are the subjects which were elevated post-pandemic:
Sustainability
The repeated query at each convention I attended this yr was a model of “How do these new merchandise assist with sustainability?” And the know-how producers have been keen to deal with the query. Each new product introduction got here with feedback on how the brand new “resolution” improves sustainability. Sustainability efforts are available in many flavors, from vitality financial savings to recyclability. In one other new twist, the individuals answerable for sustainability now maintain senior positions within the company. They’re not an outpost division.
Buyer Outcomes
Again and again, executives talked by way of “buyer outcomes.” The objectives of software program advances aren’t simply to enhance KPIs or cut back upkeep downtime. These elements are essential, however the purpose is to ship general improved buyer outcomes. The prevailing perspective was that when you can assist the shopper enhance its general efficiency, you’ve performed your job, whether or not which means AI-enhanced manufacturing programs or improved digital evaluation.
The Digital Thread
A few years in the past at a Siemens Digital Industries Software program convention (then known as Siemens PLM), I used to be first launched to the time period and idea of digital twins. This yr, the prevailing time period was the digital thread. That’s the place you tie the digital twin to different software program alongside the product growth and manufacturing line. That may embody simulation, manufacturing programs, provide chain software program, and even the software program that tracks a product’s efficiency out within the area. The thought is to keep away from leaping from software program bucket to software program bucket and as an alternative create a thread that connects all the software program features.
AI is Enjoyable and Scary
There was loads of dialogue about synthetic intelligence. Whereas attendees talked about how ChatGPT is used principally for drafting code, a few presenters demonstrated – in actual time – how nicely ChatGPT can draft an introduction to a keynote matter. Tony Hemmelgarn famous that AI might turn into an actual concern sooner or later, however within the meantime, we must always discover its potentialities.
Automate or Die
One other change over the previous few years is the broader recognition that automation is a should in all areas of producing and manufacturing. One presenter famous that in case you are not automating, you’re not standing nonetheless, you’re going backward. Deploying automation has turn into a aggressive crucial. Again and again, Siemens representatives and presenters famous the rise in small to mid-size enterprises which are investing in automation.
The Shortening Provide Chain
Whether or not you name it reshoring or near-shoring, the truth is obvious: firms need a shorter provide chain. Everybody I spoke with had tales about provide chain issues throughout the pandemic. Some famous that you would inform which firms have been doing nicely by their effectiveness in coping with provide interruptions. Most attendees acknowledged that offer chain efficiency has tremendously improved. But in addition they famous they have been taking measures to keep away from disruptions going ahead. That sometimes concerned shifting manufacturing nearer to prospects.
Additive Manufacturing Is Right here to Keep
3D printing has turn into an accepted technique of manufacturing. However not for mass manufacturing. However the merger of Stratasys and Desktop Steel – which names mass manufacturing as a purpose of the mixed firm – attendees at Understand principally consider additive manufacturing just isn’t more likely to turn into a high-volume manufacturing technique. The sensation about that limitation was “So what?” A restricted manufacturing quantity can nonetheless be good.
In aerospace, protection, agriculture, and medical, you don’t want excessive quantity. What you do want is power, much less weight, decrease prices, and sustainability. 3D printing is changing into a acknowledged option to obtain these objectives. These at Understand appeared to acknowledge that as a given. Hemmelgarn famous that additive manufacturing is right here to remain. Interval.
