This shift is driven by the need for greater efficiency, agility, and innovation in manufacturing processes. Low-code platforms are enabling manufacturers to develop customized applications quicker without the need for deep programming skills.
How do these technologies help manufacturing companies streamline their operations and drive continuous improvement in their operations?
Benefits of adopting Low-code technology and AI in Manufacturing
The incorporation of AI into manufacturing workflows is enhancing predictive maintenance, optimizing supply chain management, and improving quality control. The synergy between AI and low-code technology not only simplifies the development process but also empowers manufacturers to harness complex data analytics and automation capabilities with ease.
With the help of low-code platforms, manufacturers can create AI-powered applications that automate routine tasks, freeing up human resources to focus on more critical and creative tasks.
Improving Efficiency with Intelligent Automation
Intelligent automation through AI and low-code technology helps manufacturers streamline production, reduce downtime, and boost efficiency. Machine learning algorithms enable real-time data analysis, leading to proactive decisions that prevent issues, resulting in higher quality products, improved customer satisfaction, and reduced costs.
Predictive Maintenance with IoT and Machine Learning
AI-integrated IoT devices allow manufacturers to monitor and analyze equipment data in real-time, facilitating predictive maintenance. This minimizes downtime and optimizes production schedules. Low-code platforms enable the development of custom IoT applications to gather and analyze data from various factory floor devices, providing valuable decision-making insights.
Enhancing Quality Control with Vision Systems
AI-powered vision systems have significantly improved quality control in manufacturing. These systems use machine learning to identify defects and anomalies, reducing the risk of faulty products. Low-code platforms allow for the quick development and deployment of customized vision systems, optimizing quality control while saving time and resources.
How Low-code Optimizes Manufacturing Processes: Case of Optime Subsea & the PIN Tool
Optime Subsea, a leading provider of innovative subsea technology, offering solutions for the oil and gas industry, faced a common challenge: while Configuration & Change Management (CM) in Teamcenter was systematic and robust, it remained siloed within the engineering department. This made it difficult for the system to benefit the broader organization and enhance overall company performance. They wanted to leverage CM2 in Teamcenter for managing technical changes due to its effectiveness.
After analyzing the challenge and identifying the needs, here is how CLEVR leveraged Mendix low-code technology to optimize their processes: The PIN Tool
1. Rapid Development with Mendix: With our deep expertise in Teamcenter and Mendix, we quickly developed a tailored Mendix solution for Optime Subsea: The Pin Tool.
2. Creation of the Pin App: We designed their first business process application, the Pin app (Problem/Improvement Notification). This tool allows users to create PINs associated with projects directly from Teamcenter, assign them to users through Azure AD connection, and register issues quickly.
3. Comprehensive Features
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Compatibility with all devices
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Ease of use with Single Sign-On functionality
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Public cloud deployment for accessibility and scalability
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Understandable dashboards and search capabilities
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The ability to add tasks, documents, images, notes, and other team members
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Conduct root cause analyses
4. Enhanced Organizational Performance: By streamlining the process of identifying and addressing issues, the Pin app helps improve overall company performance. It ensures that the Configuration & Change Management benefits extend beyond engineering, impacting the entire organization positively.
This use-case is one real-world example of low-code technology transforming manufacturing. Siemens, a globally recognized manufacturer of industrial machinery and equipment, has used the Mendix low-code platform to extend Teamcenter's capabilities significantly. This extension allows customers to streamline complex processes, integrate various functions seamlessly, and enhance overall efficiency.
CLEVR, as a partner of Siemens and Mendix, has the expertise and knowledge to develop customized Mendix low-code solutions and expand them into Siemens' portfolio. This collaboration highlights the immense potential of low-code platforms in delivering highly effective, scalable, and user-friendly applications tailored to specific needs.
Low-Code and AI Integration
Low-code platforms like Mendix provide a solid framework for integrating AI technologies and data sources, essential for any AI project. By supporting core AI algorithms, businesses can refine their processes further. Low-code platforms enable rapid prototyping and customization, making them ideal for AI-enhanced manufacturing. Manufacturers can quickly develop and deploy applications that integrate AI capabilities, such as predictive maintenance, quality control, or supply chain optimization.
Moreover, Mendix's visual modeling tools enable cross-functional collaboration between business analysts and data scientists. The low-code platform provides a single collaborative environment for developing AI projects with seamless integration of AI components.
The future of manufacturing is being reshaped by the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and low-code technologies. This powerful combination promises faster, more cost-effective product development with a strong emphasis on functional applications.
As manufacturers increasingly embrace these advanced technologies, the potential for unprecedented innovation and enhanced efficiency will continue to expand.