Model-based collaborative virtual engineering in textile machinery industry: Living lab case study

Abstract

Client demand for on-of-a-kind products and services is leading to a paradigm shift in the way organisations, and especially SMEs collaborate to design, customise, configure, and manage specialised products and services. This paper presents the findings from a living lab case study of a textile machinery manufacturing SME that uses the concept of model-based collaborative virtual engineering and supporting tools in the form of a mashed-up modelserver environment to support the needs of its mobile engineers. Initial findings reveal that use of such an environment provides real-time (on the finger-tips) access to relevant data through a single interface, reduces rework, provides real-time updates, supports on-the-move interactive collaboration, decreases meeting times, and allows for better response to and satisfaction of client needs.

Intelligent assignment in clusters to enhance collaboration and innovation

“…This is not an easy task and requires systembuilding (Planko et al, 2016), which can be done with quasi-hierarchical chains, dealing with high-competency requirements (Humphrey and Schmitz, 2002). There are many attempts to deliver a collaborative virtual engineering framework (Dryndos et al, 2008;Kazi et al, 2009;Patel et al, 2012) based on information and communication technologies (ICT) to deliver innovation (Saetta et al, 2013). However, they only aim to integrate the work environment virtually and do not have a management function or an MCDM capability for assignment.…”

“…When the reason was asked, they designated CAD as a prerequisite of the other tools. The virtual enterprise literature places a great emphasis on streamlined tools that can work together (Dryndos et al, 2008;Kazi et al, 2009;Patel et al, 2012;Saetta et al, 2013); however, while accepting the compatibility is important, the experts did not perceive this as a barrier due to the wide standardization of tools. Thus only their existence was focussed on as an indicator.…”