What is a digital workshop?
A digital workshop applies digital and network technologies across production. It integrates information from equipment, process-design systems, production organisation and other management systems into a coordinated information flow and an integrated manufacturing system.
What is an automated factory?
An automated factory extends digital, network and industrial-control technologies across all workshops. Computer control connects raw materials, product and process design, manufacturing, inspection, packaging and warehousing, with little or no direct human intervention. Investment includes key equipment and software systems.
Capabilities to assess
- The level of digitalisation and intelligence in production equipment, and whether it is connected through an interoperable network.
- Production data collection and analysis covering progress, site operations, quality inspection, equipment condition and material movement, with visual management.
- A manufacturing execution system (MES) providing closed-loop management of planning, scheduling, quality, equipment, production and energy efficiency.
- An enterprise resource planning system (ERP) supporting supply-chain, logistics and cost management.
- Digital 3D design and process simulation, validated and improved through physical tests.
At factory level, a shared network connects design, process engineering, manufacturing, inspection and logistics with MES and ERP. A unified product-information platform supports the full lifecycle and coordinates the entire flow from raw materials to finished-product storage.
