#DigitalFactory
Transformation Toolkit
We present our Digital Transformation Toolkit – a concentrated dose of knowledge on the key tools that provide invaluable support on the path to becoming a Digital Factory. For everyone wondering where to start, how to improve production efficiency, and what to invest in.
01 Digital Transformation Roadmap
The Digital Transformation Roadmap is a strategic document that integrates an analysis of an organization’s current digital maturity with the identification of pathways to achieve its strategic goals. The Roadmap is a forecasted investment plan for the coming years, ensuring the thoughtful and planned allocation of expenses and resources. By following this approach, implemented changes will bring benefits to the targeted areas.
The Digital Transformation Roadmap plays a pivotal role in planning and executing digital transformation. It serves as a tool for effectively defining the steps necessary to achieve the desired objectives through both long-term programs and short-term projects and initiatives. This Roadmap enables organizations to efficiently manage changes and monitor their progress, contributing to the overall success of the transformation.
ImFactory’s methodology for creating a Roadmap consists of four key steps:
- Preliminary Analysis (self-assessment of digital maturity and goal setting)
- Preliminary Assessment (auditing the organization and analyzing its current state)
- Proper Analysis (preparing the transformation plan: Initial Report, Roadmap, Pain-Gain Analysis)
- First Steps Concept (designing implementation actions for the first initiatives)
02 DIP – Device Integration Platform
The Device Integration Platform is an application layer located between the two most essential levels of a manufacturing company’s IT structure: the Production Level and the Operational Management Level.
Production Level: This level encompasses machines, control systems, sensors, and other devices and systems directly related to the manufacturing process. Here, process control happens in real time.
Operational Management Level: IT tools such as MES, APS, and ERP operate at this level. These tools are used for historical analysis and manufacturing process planning in all its dimensions, with a particular focus on performance, efficiency, and quality.
DIP serves as a bridge between the world of software with OT applications and the realm of IT. It supports digital transformation by delivering reliable data, which forms the foundation for the effective functioning of analysis and production planning systems. This data is also crucial for making key decisions related to the enterprise’s operations.
The most essential tasks of DIP include:
- Reading current values from data sources located on the Production Level.
- Data standardization and processing.
- Data archiving.
- Delivering standardized, processed, and properly compiled data (both current and historical) for analysis by the Operational Management Level tools.
03 MES – Manufacturing Execution System
The Manufacturing Execution System (MES) is an IT tool designed to monitor, supervise, and control production processes. Although it can operate across various areas and feature different levels of complexity, its primary role is to manage the flow of manufacturing orders. Data is collected in real-time by the automation layer, either declaratively or in a hybrid manner, and is delivered directly to the system.
MES solutions act as an intermediary layer between the production side (which includes automation, control, sensors, and everything involved in production) and the business side (where systems like ERP, APS, financial and accounting software, LIMS, BI, etc., operate).
An MES should not function as a separate system, isolated from its environment. It’s essential to integrate it with other systems already functioning within the enterprise and tools that directly impact the manufacturing process and its management. This integration ensures a single source of truth, maintaining consistent data that enables the entire organization to function efficiently and harmoniously.
Key benefits of implementing an MES include:
- Improved efficiency in machinery utilization
- Simplified identification and resolution of quality issues
- Full traceability of product history
04 APS – Advanced Planning and Scheduling
Advanced Planning and Scheduling (APS) is an IT system designed for sophisticated scheduling of production processes.
If you’re using expensive machines and relying solely on an ERP or Spreadsheets, you are most likely not utilizing your resources effectively. Given the diversity and pace of modern production, along with fluctuating conditions (including supply chain variability), traditional tools often fall short in creating schedules that account for all necessary factors. As a result, they may fail to serve as a reliable guide for production.
APS systems can successfully fill this role by:
- Eliminating errors and delays resulting from manual data handling
- Automatically considering the required limitations
- Allowing the creation of multiple plan/schedule versions optimized from different perspectives
- Facilitating the evaluation of schedules against various KPIs before execution
- Generating new versions of plans and schedules within seconds, ensuring rapid response to changes and immediate updates on delivery timelines
These features make APS not just a system for generating precise and executable production schedules but also a powerful tool for optimizing production and enhancing profitability.
05 ESB – Enterprise Service Bus
The Enterprise Service Bus (ESB), also known as data bus, acts as a central hub that integrates various systems within a company. Its primary function is to transform and direct communication between various applications, ensuring seamless information flow.
The ESB is capable of processing vast amounts of data, regardless of format or communication protocol. One of its key features is scalability – a modern data bus grows with a company’s evolving needs.
By utilizing an ESB, enterprises can more easily adapt to changing business and technological demands, introduce new applications and services, and efficiently manage real-time data flow.
The Enterprise Service Bus is the core of digital transformation architecture. At ImFactory, we approach ESB implementation with particular care, following a structured process that includes:
- Analyzing requirements to understand unique needs and expectations
- Designing the architecture to ensure an optimal data integration structure
- Implementing and testing to evaluate the data bus in action
- Monitoring and optimizing to make necessary improvements
The ESB is a powerful tool that can significantly enhance a manufacturing company’s competitive edge by boosting efficiency, simplifying resource and process management, and reducing costs.
06 PMS – Productivity Management System
The Productivity Management System (PMS) is an advanced analytical tool based on an AI platform. It enables manufacturers to create an interconnected ecosystem, in which higher productivity, waste reduction, and efficient use of energy become shared drivers of operational excellence, rather than separate initiatives.
The system adapts to manufacturing conditions and provides real-time insights into areas with the potential to improve productivity. PMS transforms raw data into immediate, data-driven actions. It enables waste reduction and unlocks potential at every level – from the shop floor to the board of directors.
It supports leaders in making precise decisions based on reliable data.
Key benefits:
- Waste reduction: identification of root causes of material variability and process instability.
- Lower energy costs: optimization of energy consumption in relation to production parameters.
- Lower raw material consumption: improved yield and line capacity.
- Line efficiency: automatic recommendations for the “Golden Run” conditions.
- Product quality: parameter control enabled by product-focused models.
Not sure where to start the digital transformation of your company?
Learn what the Digital Transformation Roadmap is and how it supports companies on the path toward production digitalization.
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Wondering how to collect, analyze, and archive data from machines?
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Check nowNeed full traceability of products manufactured in your company?
Learn more about MES systems that provide real-time control over every stage of production – from order intake to finished product distribution.
Check nowReady to take production planning and scheduling to the next level?
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Check now!Struggling with the integration of manufacturing systems in your company?
Seize the opportunities offered by ESB and create a single, central source of reliable data for the entire organization.
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“Digital transformation is like a long and demanding journey. It would be reckless to embark on it without proper preparation. Before we set off, we must define the destination. Then we chart the optimal route, plan our stops along the way, estimate the budget, choose our companions, and sometimes hire a guide. And, of course, we take a map to help us stay on course. In the digitalization process, this role is fulfilled by the Digital Transformation Roadmap – a “living” document that guides us through the complexities of digitalization, pointing out the next steps on the way to the intended goal. It is crucial to prepare it in advance. In this journey, you can count on ImFactory as your experienced guide, familiar with the best routes toward digitalization.”
“Digital transformation is like a long and demanding journey. It would be reckless to embark on it without proper preparation. Before we set off, we must define the destination. Then we chart the optimal route, plan our stops along the way, estimate the budget, choose our companions, and sometimes hire a guide. And, of course, we take a map to help us stay on course. In the digitalization process, this role is fulfilled by the Digital Transformation Roadmap – a “living” document that guides us through the complexities of digitalization, pointing out the next steps on the way to the intended goal. It is crucial to prepare it in advance. In this journey, you can count on ImFactory as your experienced guide, familiar with the best routes toward digitalization.”
Ask our expert
Do you have questions? Want to find out if DIP system is the right solution for your company? Talk to our experts.
“Every journey begins with a first step. This includes the digital ones. Once we have a goal and a preliminary plan, it’s time to take an action and start collecting information that will become the foundation for further development and improved efficiency. DIP is a modern platform that combines production with operational management. It allows us to read data directly from the source, collect it, standardize it, process it, and analyze it. And then deliver it to the next level – where it can be used to make informed decisions, streamline processes, and support innovation. With this prepared equipment, we are ready to explore new business opportunities.”
“Every journey begins with a first step. This includes the digital ones. Once we have a goal and a preliminary plan, it’s time to take an action and start collecting information that will become the foundation for further development and improved efficiency. DIP is a modern platform that combines production with operational management. It allows us to read data directly from the source, collect it, standardize it, process it, and analyze it. And then deliver it to the next level – where it can be used to make informed decisions, streamline processes, and support innovation. With this prepared equipment, we are ready to explore new business opportunities.”
Ask our expert
Discover how we blend agile and cascade methodologies to achieve great flexibility while ensuring high quality, on-time delivery, and budget compliance.
“For many manufacturing companies, digital transformation is like a journey into the unknown – full of unpredictable challenges and surprises. They need to be flexible and react immediately, synchronizing the operations of machines, people, and resources. This is where an MES system proves invaluable. Like an experienced air traffic controller, it monitors every element of the production process in real time, enabling the appropriate response as quickly as possible. Thanks to MES, production can run smoothly, without collisions, unnecessary delays, or downtime.”
“For many manufacturing companies, digital transformation is like a journey into the unknown – full of unpredictable challenges and surprises. They need to be flexible and react immediately, synchronizing the operations of machines, people, and resources. This is where an MES system proves invaluable. Like an experienced air traffic controller, it monitors every element of the production process in real time, enabling the appropriate response as quickly as possible. Thanks to MES, production can run smoothly, without collisions, unnecessary delays, or downtime.”
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Do you want to optimize production, increase efficiency, reduce costs? Are you looking for tools to help your company with everyday challenges? We will help you find the best solutions, tailored to the specifics of your industry.
“When transforming into the Digital Factory, APS provides invaluable support. Like GPS navigation, it precisely maps the route, allows you to avoid obstacles, and reach your destination in the optimal way. With APS, even complex plans and schedules can be created in seconds or even minutes. Most importantly, they are feasible and tailored to the realities of a given factory. Given the current pace and complexity of processes, production planning without such support is like traveling without GPS— you can do it, but the risk of getting lost or stuck in traffic increases, resulting in wasted time, fuel, and the negative consequences of being late. Companies without GPS waste time, resources, and potential opportunities. APS helps you make decisions faster, act with greater precision, avoid traffic jams, and thus gain a competitive advantage.”
“When transforming into the Digital Factory, APS provides invaluable support. Like GPS navigation, it precisely maps the route, allows you to avoid obstacles, and reach your destination in the optimal way. With APS, even complex plans and schedules can be created in seconds or even minutes. Most importantly, they are feasible and tailored to the realities of a given factory. Given the current pace and complexity of processes, production planning without such support is like traveling without GPS— you can do it, but the risk of getting lost or stuck in traffic increases, resulting in wasted time, fuel, and the negative consequences of being late. Companies without GPS waste time, resources, and potential opportunities. APS helps you make decisions faster, act with greater precision, avoid traffic jams, and thus gain a competitive advantage.”
Ask an expert
Have questions about digital transformation? Discover how our solutions can streamline your processes. Contact us and find the best solution for your business.
“While we would like the path to the Digital Factory to be simple and seamless, in reality it can be full of twists and turns, dead ends, and other surprises. The more advanced our journey towards digitalization, the more systems, tools, applications, and technologies emerge. And each of them “speaks” its own language and has its own specific requirements. This is where the ESB plays a key role – a tool that enables the smooth exchange of data between systems. Like an experienced pilot, who not only coordinates efficient movement along the route, but also acts as a translator, translating data into a format understandable to all “participants” in this complex digital network.”
“While we would like the path to the Digital Factory to be simple and seamless, in reality it can be full of twists and turns, dead ends, and other surprises. The more advanced our journey towards digitalization, the more systems, tools, applications, and technologies emerge. And each of them “speaks” its own language and has its own specific requirements. This is where the ESB plays a key role – a tool that enables the smooth exchange of data between systems. Like an experienced pilot, who not only coordinates efficient movement along the route, but also acts as a translator, translating data into a format understandable to all “participants” in this complex digital network.”
Ask an expert
Have questions about digital transformation? Discover how our solutions can streamline your processes. Contact us and find the best solution for your business.
“I believe that what we do at ImFactory, both in terms of development and change preparation, is the future of production IT systems. Thanks to that, every manufacturing company will be able to achieve its ambitious goals. That’s why our mission is to support manufacturing company owners and operational teams in preparing, implementing, and then maintaining the transformation.”
“I believe that what we do at ImFactory, both in terms of development and change preparation, is the future of production IT systems. Thanks to that, every manufacturing company will be able to achieve its ambitious goals. That’s why our mission is to support manufacturing company owners and operational teams in preparing, implementing, and then maintaining the transformation.”
Digital Transformation Tools
See what’s included in our Toolkit. Discover modern systems, solutions, and technologies that are invaluable in every modern factory.
Articles
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