FACTORY OF THE FUTURE
and how competitive organisations will focus on selling tailored softwareas-a-service as opposed to products .
Philippe sees two critical areas where virtual twins can transform OEMs operations and help them embrace this new model . The first is through implementing the technology into industrial products and software-defined equipment . The second is through business transformation .
The Aeroplane and Defence industry has seen business transformation through virtual twins . For manufacturers in this industry , the ability to simulate scenarios without real-world costs and risks is transformative , helping them better meet responsibilities to suppliers and customers . They , and other manufacturers can create them of AMRs , improving efficiency , productivity and speeding up development .
Virtual twins also offer a more sustainable method to design and test equipment , with no physical waste involved in the process , something which Philippe says has driven up interest even more . “ They ’ re also interested in sustainability , with the SUSTAIner project ,” he adds . “ In this industry , it ’ s super important , and companies such as Airbus and others are starting to realise that .” The biggest profitability engine in OEMs is after-sales service . As Philippe notes , OEMs “ Usually make between 20 % for the lowest to 60 %, the highest of their revenue in after-sales service .”
So not only will virtual twins help OEMs enhance their business , but they will also help them achieve their biggest KPI – enhancing machine efficiency to raise revenue .
“ If this really takes off then the OEMs have an increased responsibility in the performance of the equipment ,” Philippe explained , envisioning a future where manufacturers not only have virtual twins but serialised virtual twins . Serialised twins are virtual twins that are tailored to a specific piece of equipment , with incredible applications in the areas of product life cycle management and the work of field technicians .
Serialised twins : Shaping PLM and the work of field technicians “ When you think about the word PLM , product life cycle management , until recently we didn ’ t understand the full meaning of that word ,” Philippe says . “ The product life cycle is up to the removal and the recycling of the product . It ’ s not when the machine is exiting
60 August 2024