Page 9 - IT_June_2020_Classical

Lubricant-free

Automation could deliver made easy

time savings of up to

25% says new study

he European 4.0 Transforma- “In most cases, customers and
tion Center (E4TC) at Aachen partners have little involvement in these
University in Germany has process steps,” explained E4TC
Tinvestigated the strategic digit- managing director Dr Thomas Gartzen.
isation of design and control engineering “This means that companies have
and the technical layout of machines complete control over optimising the
and plant systems. steps to achieve time and cost savings
The study evaluates the use of CAE through standardisation and
(computer aided engineering) software automation.”
as a basic prerequisite for Engineering
4.0 and concludes that engineering Efficiency evaluation
companies could achieve time savings The path to higher efficiencies in the
of up to 25% by partially automating value chain is mapped out using
engineering processes. traditional methods, going from
The researchers at E4TC in Aachen, standardisation through to automation.
initially introduced a model of the To be able to evaluate the efficiency of
engineering workflow and created an each work step, the study scaled the
evaluation matrix with five efficiency workflow methodology in five stages –
levels. where the efficiency level (eLevel) of
The “Efficiency Level” matrix engineering can be evaluated.
contains detailed descriptions of the Using the collected data, the
methodology/workflow and is scientists concluded that engineering
accompanied by a “Use Level” matrix, companies can become 20% more
which describes and evaluates the use efficient from eLevel to eLevel and that
of CAE software as a basic prerequisite device-oriented working methods bring
for Engineering 4.0. a 25% time saving for schematic
creation.
Process steps These time savings, which result
A total of ten process steps for from the use of CAE systems, translate
engineering in machine manufacturing into cost reductions that can
were examined, such as engineering, significantly enhance profitability.
design, bills of material, reports, control The study, which evaluates the use
cabinet layout, devices and templates. of CAE software such as the one from
The engineering workflow model EPLAN, can be freely downloaded at:
generated contained the typical work discover.eplan.co.uk/engineering-4.0
... and easily
steps of the ordering cycle. MORE INFORMATION: www..eplan.co.uk
GRAPH OF ENGINEERING EFFICIENCY
customised

iglidur special parts eliminate lubricants and
®
reduce weight: from chassis to transmission
– customised iglidur polymer plain bearings.
®
Last longer and cost less with fast delivery.
igus.co.uk/automotive

Technical enquiries: Tel. 01604 677240

sales@igus.co.uk ... plastics for longer life ®

May/June 2020 • INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY