Factory X
Digitalization of the mechanical engineering industry and industrial supply chains through the development of a data ecosystem.
The aim of the Factory-X project is this Development of business apps as software solutions in the data ecosystem of the factory of the future. The central tool here is the “Factory-X” data ecosystem. In addition, the aim is to develop new data-driven solutions and software services specifically for factory operators, factory suppliers and their suppliers. In conjunction with the promotion of innovation-based business models, the aim is to improve the competitiveness, sustainability and resilience of factory operators and factory suppliers. The focus is on the transformation from a product-centered to a benefits-based approach. These so-called product service systems support the creation of future-proof jobs and the development of new business models.
Our role in the project
The focus of the overall project is an initial prototype implementation of the “Factory-X” data ecosystem. At the core of the architecture are the cross-industry use cases of factory suppliers and operators. This is where the work of the August Wilhelm Scheer Institute begins. As an involved partner in the research role application-specific reference architecture models of both Use cases traceability and Circular Economy Developed.
The goal of the August Wilhelm Scheer Institute is to use the use case-specific creation of application-related reference architectures to capture the needs of both use cases in a structured manner, to document them as a model at a generic level and thereby enable the structured development of the respective business applications . This means that the requirements of the application partners are presented in detail and uniformly so that they can later be transparently transmitted to the partners responsible for software development.
Use case circular economy
Goal: Making a contribution to closing the information gap regarding product condition data, which results from a lack of opportunities for the consistent collection and standardized exchange of data between companies. Only when basic standards exist can R scenarios for the further or secondary use of components be developed and tested as prototypes.
Implementation: These basics are to be developed in this use case using 3 scenarios (Remanufacture, Refurbish, Recycle). To implement the R scenarios mentioned, the use of three business applications is required:
- an R-grading app for evaluating product-specific recycling measures
- a cross-manufacturer, application-connecting R-Components Service App
- an R-Condition Monitoring & Maintenance app for the standardized, permanent collection of relevant condition data.
For this purpose, the August Wilhelm Scheer Institute is developing an application-specific reference architecture for R-business applications. The reference architectures are used to develop prototype software applications for partners in the role of software providers or to upgrade existing software applications
Result: The circular economy is driven forward using the results of the use case: through a prototypical implementation of R strategies and digital business model solutions as well as an associated supporting digital continuous information chain. The aim is to achieve a dematerialization of the industry's material cycles (while maintaining economic efficiency). The use case primarily contributes to the strategic goal of “sustainability” – but at the same time supports the increase in resilience and competitiveness.
Use case traceability
Goal: The Use Cases Traceability aims to develop cross-user data exchange standards that are aimed at the traceability of product data (traceability).
Description: The August Wilhelm Scheer Institute is developing an application-specific reference architecture for traceability business applications. This involves designing one business application for permanent or temporary real-time data exchange, as well as another for consistent parts, material, and data traceability. The reference architectures are used to develop prototype software applications or to upgrade existing software applications. The reference architecture maps the functional and procedural assignment of the individual components and their interaction. These include, for example, standards such as the Asset Administration Shell (ASS) or the Digital Product Passport (DPP).
The initial situation
Overview of the need for action
¹ten Hompel, M.; Henke, M.; Clausen, U.; Ihlenfeldt, S. (Ed.): Market study: Manufacturing-X - The factory equipment industry. Fraunhofer, Dortmund, June 2023, DOI 10.24406/publica-1386.
Manufacturing and equipment industries are areas of activity for 7,6 million (∼17%) of German employees
Study shows digitalization lag in the manufacturing and equipment industries in Germany
Your contact person
Factory X
Establishment of a data room for industry and factory equipment suppliers worldwide
Christian Bennoit
christian.bennoit@aws-institut.de
+49 162 2677 800
Your contact person
Factory X
Establishment of a data room for industry and factory equipment suppliers worldwide
Christian Bennoit
christian.bennoit@aws-institut.de
+49 162 2677 800
Our solution approach in focus
The Factory-X consortium is planning the first prototype implementation of the “Factory-X” data ecosystem, which is based on the conceptual rough architecture of Manufacturing-X (Figure). This serves as a starting point for later commercial operations.
At the core of this architecture are the specific use cases of factory suppliers and operators that are required to enable innovative business models and achieve the socially desirable goals of resilience, sustainability and competitiveness. In Factory-X, the project partners develop concrete software as business applications for the use cases of factory suppliers and their customers. These business applications can later be offered to industrial “app stores”.
In a use case, a specific task is motivated, designed, technically implemented and tested by the partners involved. This creates business applications that provide concrete benefits. The realization of the use cases requires the combined use of basic capabilities and services, some of which are being developed as part of the Factory-X project and some of which already exist and will continue to be used. The regulatory framework includes the current EU legal requirements as well as coordination with other ongoing activities such as Gaia-X and Catena-X.
Viewing a Factory-X reference model
Selection of the 57 partner companies
Funding notice
The Factory-X project is funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy.
Funding code: 13MX001ZY
Running time: 01.02.2024-30.06.2026
