It is common to design factory layouts using AutoCAD software and Inventor software to ensure spatial accuracy and safety compliance. However, it is not the norm to be as diligent with process design. Often plant designers will rely on equipment vendor rates and will assume equipment and resources will integrate and run according to the design on paper. But what happens when the reality of process variation and equipment and labor interdependencies come into play? It’s very difficult to take all these factors into account using only CAD drawings and layouts. The solution is to use simulation to optimize the factory workflow, then create a direct link from the simulation to the factory layout, providing a digital twin of the factory. We will demonstrate the value and basics of how using ProModel and Process Simulator Autodesk Editions, synced with AutoCAD and Inventor, can help optimize your digital twin first so that you’re not playing trial and error with your real equipment, inventory, and labor.

This new era of technology is driving a lot of innovation in all aspects of design. All product manufacturers are embracing innovation and new technology in order to maintain or advance their current production cycles. But, incorporating new technology and innovative manufacturing practices requires a solid plan, not a wild guess. The path to innovation must start with a thorough analysis of your current process. It is not enough to say, ‘the process is inefficient,” or “new tech will solve our problems.” It is critical to properly outline and identify bottlenecks or over- and under-utilized equipment and practices. Once the process is properly defined, organizations can move beyond reaction-based decision making to predictive-based planning. In this class, we’ll demonstrate how the current Factory Design Utilities may be enhanced with ProModel Process Simulator.

You have embarked down the Integrated Facilities Model path - getting your facility into 3D to better communicate and lower risk as well as reduce installation costs - but what else can we do? By using the Factory Design Utilities and ProModel's AutoCAD Edition, we can add another layer of power - the ability to measure and predict throughput capabilities right in your layout model, while reducing operational cost. See how applying these methodologies and workflows can help your organization make better decisions faster in regards to manufacturing processes. See how your process will perform based on your criteria - and get solid, actionable data to reduce risk and maximize profits.