Quick access to 3D factory models helps manufacturers test scenarios.
Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division has launched a global “as-a-service” rollout of its Digital Factory solution, aimed at improving factory growth, redesign, and construction for enhanced production, site efficiency, and operational flexibility.
Global automotive and aerospace manufacturers are using Hexagon’s Digital Factory solutions to map and model decades-old brownfield facilities in preparation for increases in production or introduction of new lines in what are increasingly competitive global markets undergoing significant change. This is now offered as a service, providing the manufacturing industry easy access to the information they need to remodel assembly workflows, increase automation, install more advanced equipment, and maintain the agility required to stay ahead of competition.
Accomplishing large-scale 3D scans and surveying thousands of square meters and in a matter of hours, Digital Factory-as-a-service deploys a team of Hexagon scanning experts to manufacturers anywhere in the world to capture highly accurate up-to-date information about their plants and equipment. This process includes identifying needs, defining workflows collecting data and delivering BIM models as well as custom services to help leverage and analyze the full potential of the factory data. All data is interoperable and can be used to create immersive 3D models of factories using a wide variety of applications from Hexagon’s solutions and specialist tools from other vendors.
Digital Factory as-a-service is a scalable solution for single or multiple facilities, providing accurate visualizations for planning new factories, monitoring production, and reconfiguring existing sites. Real-time insights support manufacturers in evaluating new machinery, adjusting workflows, and adapting to changing conditions. The platform enables testing of flexible manufacturing, zero-tooling scenarios, and the integration of robots, cobots, and AGVs (autonomous guided vehicles) to assess potential changes before implementation.
Without requiring expertise in BIM tools or 3D visualization, staff can walk through a digital replica of their space to envisage how new production cells or equipment would function. They can identify clearances, ensure equipment fits through access routes and spot potential problems, preventing disruptions and costly delays. Teams dispersed around the globe can also collaborate remotely, accelerating decision-making while reducing typical travel costs associated with projects by 50% and the need for site visits by up to 70%.
With access to these services, manufacturers will fulfil their digitalization ambitions even faster, linking assets and data to create complete digital twins of their factories, providing a foundation for the future development of smart factories in the manufacturing sector. The data can be stored in Hexagon’s cloud or on premise by the customer, and its open platforms and interoperable software support utilization by multiple roles within an organization and the software they use.
For more information, visit hexagon.com.
