Digital threads lead to smart manufacturing

A digital thread, weaving its way from OEMs down to small- and medium-size enterprises (SMEs), links design, engineering, production, supply chain, distribution, maintenance, and end of life. This digital thread encompasses all types of data, analysis tools, and smart machines. This digital thread will integrate seamlessly throughout the supply chain. This digital thread is applicable to every sector.

The practicality of the digital thread for manufacturing took a giant leap forward a little more than a year ago when the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) funded the Digital Manufacturing and Design Innovation Institute (DMDII). Chicago-based UI LABS received $70 million to establish a research hub for applying cutting-edge digital technologies to reduce the time and cost of manufacturing, strengthen the capabilities of the U.S. supply chain, and reduce DOD acquisition costs.

Although it began with an emphasis on aerospace and defense, development and demonstration of digital manufacturing technologies will deploy across all manufacturing sectors. This is where another part of the hub comes in, the Digital Manufacturing Commons (DMC), an open source platform allowing users to share real-time design and manufacturing data – during the process and across the product’s life cycle.

The goal is to provide a new way for digital information to flow securely throughout the product life cycle – from concept and design, to and from intelligent machines and workers on the shop floor, and throughout the supply chain. This open-source software platform, mirroring the physical lab, can expand to any company, where its real value is unlocked.

Previously, it was cost-prohibitive for SMEs to access this new digital vision, since most of these companies did not – and may never have – the large technology budgets of OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers. Some companies need only a few capabilities for their role in the digital thread of a product, yet they had no option except to purchase the whole package.

Accessibility for SMEs has now arrived. Networks can run the data-intensive applications across the Internet. Cloud connectivity eliminates the cost of investing in large servers. Software companies offer services a la carte, letting SMEs pick and choose functions.

The digital thread didn’t appear overnight; it’s been a work in progress. Manufacturers – large and small – need to grasp its impact. DMDII’s work, especially work from the DMC hub, will push the technology forward, software companies will keep it moving forward, and manufacturers will reap the benefits. This is disruptive technology. Not planning today, as the digital thread weaves into every part of manufacturing, may leave some with just an empty spool.

– Elizabeth