Thanks to the United Nations climate change conference in November 2022 (COP27), the issue of sustainability should be on every business strategic plan.  But, for manufacturers and maintenance service providers, particularly those in high-asset value industries like aerospace and defense, shipbuilding or power and infrastructure, the term “sustainability” takes on a dual meaning and double importance.  Given that sustainability is so important, manufacturers and maintenance service providers in these industries need a power tool to help them make sure they succeed in meeting their su ..read more

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) are pivotal technologies for today’s leading manufacturers who are pursuing digital first operations. Both solutions can serve important functions throughout operations including supply chain, inventory management, quality assurance, product maintenance, and beyond. The areas of overlap are apparent and while both sets of solutions can be used to improve the different areas they touch, the outcomes they enable are fundamentally different. Here we will explore what those differences are, how that can impact the plannin ..read more

As more and more business systems and technologies leverage cloud-native technologies, it’s critical that your manufacturing operations platform keeps up. Solumina iSeries Manufacturing Operations Platform leverages a cloud-native, microservices-based architecture that does just that. When you upgrade to Solumina iSeries, you’ll enjoy a larger feature set, enhanced connectivity and integration, a flexible user experience, faster upgrades, and ultimately, accelerated digital transformation. Here are seven key reasons why you should modernize your manufacturing operations solution and transform ..read more

Information is as vast as it is fast-evolving, making the need for accurate, accessible, and adaptable data more pressing than ever. The complex discrete manufacturing industry, with its intricate processes and systems, is no stranger to these challenges. This is where the concept of a model-based enterprise (MBE) comes into play as a practical approach to dealing with the demands of the competitive manufacturing landscape. A model-based enterprise is a fully digitalized organization that uses 3D models and complete associated data for all activities at every point along a product’s lifetime ..read more

The Solumina i100 release delivers foundational features for the model-based enterprise—the first step in our journey to extend the value of 3D models beyond design engineering. The i100 release also includes numerous enhancements that streamline your planning, production, and supplier quality processes. Key enhancements of Solumina i100 include:  Model-Based MES Functionality: Convert CAD Files to View as 3D Models – Leveraging the TechSoft 3D HOOPS Exchange, you can now import your native CAD files into the Solumina database and convert them into a format that can be displayed as a 3D ..read more

From the introduction of the idea of digital twins twenty years ago, through the proliferation of the Industry 4.0 concept during the last decade, complex product manufacturers have largely focused their digital transformation efforts on the idea of a digital tapestry that provides data integration throughout a product’s lifecycle.  Much of the value discussion around the digital tapestry or digital cloth concept has emphasized compliance with program sustainability requirements in government or commercial contracts.  While much of that discussion is driven by total cost of ownership ..read more

From the introduction of the idea of digital twins twenty years ago, through the proliferation of the Industry 4.0 concept during the last decade, complex product manufacturers have largely focused their digital transformation efforts on the idea of a digital tapestry that provides data integration throughout a product’s lifecycle.  Much of the value discussion around the digital tapestry or digital cloth concept has emphasized compliance with program sustainability requirements in government or commercial contracts.  While much of that discussion is driven by total cost of ownership ..read more

As both producers and consumers have become more aware of the environmental impact that the current rate of consumption has had worldwide, sustainability goals are now front-and-center across industries with the manufacturing sector chief among them. By adopting digital transformation solutions, today’s leading manufacturers are paving a path forward for more sustainable manufacturing practices. To get a better understanding of how these efforts are being implemented, let’s discuss what sustainable manufacturing looks like, how manufacturers can incorporate sustainable solutions into their pro ..read more

Manufacturing is evolving rapidly, driven by technological advancements and changing market demands. A smooth and effective transition to digital transformation isn’t just a goal—it’s now a necessity for manufacturers in order to remain competitive. However, this transition comes with many challenges. As companies move to paperless manufacturing and onward to smart factories and a Model-based Enterprise, a host of issues arise: integration of multiple enterprise systems, cybersecurity, cloud applications, effective data management, the necessity for constant upskilling, and many more. In most ..read more

In today’s competitive and rapidly changing world, businesses are under pressure to adapt and transform to meet new challenges. One area where digital transformation can have a significant impact is the maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) of highly complex assets. But creating a digital thread within an MRO environment can be daunting.  That’s because MRO involves many different systems of record– such as enterprise resource planning (ERP), fleet management systems (FMS), product lifecycle management (PLM), and MRO planning and execution – and these systems are operated by several dif ..read more