Such systems result in process variability and errors that slow time-to-market, add cost and inhibit continuous improvement, accuracy, efficiency, effective resource utilization and quality. These problems, in turn, destroy competitiveness and constrain profitability.
Leading edge machine shops, however, are adopting Industry 4.0 technology to integrate disconnected processes, an approach that not only eliminates problems caused by the lack of data integration, but also creates new capabilities.
These technologies start with the digital twin—digital representations of product, production system and their performance—and integrates them into a digital thread that weaves together every step of the manufacturing process, closing the loop between the virtual and real worlds of production. Capitalizing on this process of digitalization requires a fundamental change in how machine shops work.
Callaway Golf, one such example, is known as the first company in its industry to seriously invest in engineering to improve their clubs.
Starting with Siemens NX CAD to design new products, Callaway accelerated the introduction of new clubs to every 10 to 16 months, which had previously taken from two to three years. Later, the company added NX CAE for engineering, and NX CAM software so machinists could make push-button prototypes. All the teams use Teamcenter software to manage the entire process.
With this digital thread, Callaway is able to stay ahead of—and even shape—customer expectations, allowing it to control its destiny while keeping the competition back on its heels.
