Publications / 2011 Proceedings of the 28th ISARC, Seoul, Korea

Digital Product Process for Construction Product Industry

Rauno Heikkila;, Jani Hovila, Jari M Ahola, Kalervo Nevala, Timo Schafer
Pages 734-739 (2011 Proceedings of the 28th ISARC, Seoul, Korea, ISBN 978-89-954572-4-5, ISSN 2413-5844)
Abstract:

A large research program of digital product process has been active (2008-2012) in Finland. The goal of the program has been to increase customer orientation and productivity in company networks that design and deliver products, systems and services to global markets. For small and medium sized companies the developing of multitechnical products usually has to be done in a network of companies. This requires a lot of data transfer and integration between various computer systems. To improve these processes the research project “Developing the digital product process of multitechnical products to improve the designing and manufacturing of small series product” (Monidigi) has been started. The aim of the Monidigi research was to improve the design process by using solely digital product information that is handled by proper product lifecycle management systems. The product development is guided by the philosophy of the digital prototype that is tested in a virtual working environment. Products are modeled in 3D and developed by various simulations and analyses before real prototypes are made. This allows a flexible design process and coordinated change management. Digital product processes allow easy data transfer, collaborated engineering and modern manufacturing in a network of companies. Several examples and development possibilities and the state of the art in construction industry are introduced and evaluated.

Keywords: Digital Product Process, BIM, PLM