Digital Readiness for SMEs: A Success Case in Composite Manufacturing
Technology Being Tested
Modular Production Concepts & Digital Process Consulting
Swiss Smart Factory (SSF) introduced Alformet to smart manufacturing technologies through the DIMOFAC Open Pilot Line. These include modular production concepts and standardized APIs using Asset Administration Shell (AAS) models, supported by on-site process consulting and strategic digital readiness analysis.
Use case in a Nutshell
Alformet, the early adopter a producer of fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composite products, partnered with SSF, the tech provider to explore smart manufacturing strategies aimed at improving internal efficiency and ease of operations for workers. Encouraged by the Digital Competence Center in Kaiserslautern, Alformet joined the DIMOFAC programme to evaluate the practical relevance of digital tools. The collaboration centered on selecting suitable services for digital transformation—laying the groundwork for implementation.
About the collaboration partners
Switzerland Innovation Park Biel/Bienne is a private Swiss non-profit organisation that performs and supports industry-focused applied research and development.
Alformet is a manufacturer specializing in fiber reinforced thermoplastic composite products. They cater to various sectors, including automotive, aerospace, and construction.
Description of the Collaboration
Problem Addressed
Alformet needed to streamline internal workflows and align its production methods with scalable smart manufacturing strategies.
Solution
SSF provided process consulting and introduced modular digital solutions that could integrate seamlessly into Alformet’s operational landscape.
Execution
Alformet evaluated various DIMOFAC services and selected process consulting as the most applicable to their needs.
The collaboration involved initial needs assessment, evaluation of strategic fit, and planning for future implementation.
Host Role (SSF)
Delivered tailored consulting and facilitated access to demonstrators and production concepts at the Open Pilot Line.
Beneficiary Role (Alformet)
Assessed technological fit and prepared internally for adopting modular, digital production methods.
Results of the Colaborration
Increased Operational Efficiency
Alformet anticipates notable process improvements once implementation begins.
Worker-Focused Integration:
Alformet emphasizes adoption strategies that support workforce ease and efficiency.
High Future Engagement Likelihood
Rated 7/10 likelihood to participate in future “test-before-invest” initiatives.
Strategic Foundation Built
While full deployment is still pending, the collaboration has equipped Alformet with valuable insights and planning direction.
Testimonials
The DIMOFAC EOI experience has been highly efficient. Continued collaboration will be essential to harness the full benefits.
The SSF Team was very warm, knowledgeable, and helpful throughout our interactions. We anticipate reaching out to them again for our future needs.
Project info:
The use case DIMOFAC project which received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 870092, aiming to help factories implement a smart factory architecture that will allow them to be more reactive to a personalised demand and changing market dynamics.
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