Digital planning
Introduction
Digital factory is defined as a generic term for a broad network of digital models and methods, including 3D simulation and visualization. Its objective is integrated planning, application, control and continuous improvement in all factory material processes and resources associated with the product."[1].
The foundations of the Digital Factory are defined in the VDI directive 4499 Blatt 1:2008-02.
The objective of the digital factory is to make a virtual replica of the real factory in order to visualize the processes involved in it to simulate and understand them better. On the other hand, the digital factory is defined as the totality of personnel, software tools and processes that are necessary for the execution of real production in a virtual environment. Furthermore, between digital factory tools and methods, the vision of virtual production or virtual logistics are separated.[2].
Virtual production refers to the coherent capacity for experimentation with the planning, evaluation and control of production processes and devices using digital models..[3] The concept of virtual logistics describes the software for designing logistics processes and structures.[4].
The scope of application of the Digital Factory is the production phase within the product life cycle (Product Lyfe-Cycle Management). During this phase, the main operating units are established. Its objective is the integrated planning, implementation, control and continuous improvement of all manufacturing processes and resources associated with the product (e.g., automobiles, airplanes).
With Digital Factory methods, the field of action between product development and production control will be closed.
Digital Factory is more than just software. Digital Factory in the general context of the company can be divided into four levels:
The goal of the digital factory is to obtain standardized best practices, processes and resources so that they can be used in another product or planning model as reusable building blocks. This is generally a review of existing processes and necessary organization.
Guidelines for developing the Digital Factory
Process redesign must be based on the four digital factory guidelines: