What is digital manufacturing, and how has it changed over time?
The digital manufacturing definition often varies. However, at a high-level, digital manufacturing translated to the integration of computers and data into the manufacturing process. More interesting than the question, “What is digital manufacturing?”, is the examination of what digital manufacturing does for businesses. In a factory setting, it provides the ability to produce an increased amount of product, much faster, and at a lower cost. This is attained through a number of different practices and strategies.
Mass Customization
Digital manufacturing extends computer-assisted control and automation over customized versions of products, without having to create entirely new production lines or processes. Designs can now be taken as iterative and flexible, instead of fixed. Designs can also easily be customized and adjusted to satisfy customer feedback, concerns, or requests.
Lean Manufacturing
Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) machine sensors now deliver constant, real-time feeds of performance metrics to powerful, intuitive dashboards for human analysis and action. Using remote monitoring technology, technicians optimize machine use, anticipate failures, and administer preventative maintenance.
Once implemented, the improvements serve as benchmarks for the next set of optimizations – unlocking new levels of operational improvements. Machine data may be integrated with other data sets such as ERP, PLM, weather, and geospatial information to fine-tune every detail of production – including how every element of a complex supply chain interacts.
We are in the midst of a transformative era in manufacturing. To understand how profound the change is, it’s crucial to understand how far we’ve come…
1950s: CNC
In 1949, Computer numerical control (CNC) production was introduced by John T. Parsons. Parsons designed a system where machine tools followed geometric instructions input by a punch card. MIT advanced CNC’s successor, a universal programming language still in use today, that could automate the use of Numerical Code (NC) instructions.
1990s: CAD, CAM and PLM
Computers had the ability to render complex 3D designs using CAD software by the 1990s. Those designs could then be translated into CNC instructions using computer aided manufacturing (CAM). At the same time, product lifecycle management (PLM) software matured, enabling manufacturers to digitally manage supply chains. By utilizing PLM technology, Chrysler became the lowest-cost auto-producer by the middle of the decade.
2010s: IIoT and AR
The creation of revolutionary new technologies such as IIoT, augmented reality (AR), robotics, and big data enabled us to digitize entire processes.
Looking to the Future
The answer to the question “What is digital manufacturing?” is continuously evolving as manufacturers embrace innovative new technologies. While physical products are becoming increasingly connected, new opportunities are quickly arising. Digitization will become adopted across manufacturing enterprises. Interfaces will become even more intuitive. Big data analytics will provide deeper insight. Digital manufacturing has already transformed the factory floor. With technology advancing at an accelerating rate, shop floors may become more advanced in the coming years than we predict.