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ManufacturingJanuary 30, 2025

What is Digital Manufacturing?

Are you new to the manufacturing, operations or supply chain sector? A recent hire or student? Or maybe you’re someone who simply wants a refresh on the basics of the industry. If so, then you’ll want to read DELMIA’s blog series, amply titled, “Back to Basics.” The series focuses on a myriad of topics, answering the most basic of questions. Check it out!
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Avatar Therese Snow

Discovering digital manufacturing technologies

Digital manufacturing technologies transform traditional production methods through computer-integrated systems. This approach combines advanced technologies to enhance manufacturing efficiency and precision across the entire production lifecycle.

Manufacturing facilities now leverage real-time data analytics and artificial intelligence to optimize operations. Through cloud-based platforms, engineers can simulate production processes, predict maintenance needs, and adjust workflows instantly to meet changing market demands.

A prime example is seen in automotive manufacturing, where smart factories use digital twins to mirror physical production lines. This allows teams to test changes virtually before implementing them, reducing costly downtime and improving product quality. The integration of IoT sensors throughout the production floor enables continuous monitoring of equipment performance, material flow, and energy consumption.

What is an example of digital manufacturing?

Digital manufacturing, also referred to as Industrial Engineering, enables manufacturing to plan, simulate and model their global operations prior to physical build. Through the use of digital technologies manufacturers can:

  • Improve manufacturing processes
  • Increase operational efficiency
  • Reduce waste and costs
  • Enhance Quality Control
  • Boost supply chain visibility 

What are the 3 major aspects of digital manufacturing?

The foundation of digital manufacturing rests on three interconnected pillars. First, product lifecycle management forms the backbone, enabling businesses to streamline every phase from concept to retirement through digital tools and data analysis.

The second pillar, smart factory operations, transforms traditional production facilities through cloud computing and the Industrial Internet of Things. For example, modern automotive plants use connected sensors to monitor equipment performance and predict maintenance needs in real-time.

The third cornerstone is value chain integration, which creates a seamless digital thread across suppliers, manufacturers, and customers. Manufacturing groups like aerospace companies leverage this integration to coordinate complex supply chains and maintain transparency throughout their operations.

What is the return on investment for digital manufacturing software?

Recent studies reveal remarkable financial gains from digital manufacturing investments. Companies implementing these solutions report a 10-20% boost in productivity and substantial cost reductions within the first year.

Manufacturing organizations leveraging predictive maintenance capabilities have reduced equipment downtime by up to 50%. For example, a medium-sized food producer saved $22,000 monthly by digitizing their quality control processes.

The long-term value creation extends beyond direct cost savings. Enhanced data analytics enable better decision-making, leading to improved customer satisfaction and faster time-to-market for new products. Most businesses achieve positive returns within 12-18 months, with some reporting ROI figures exceeding 2000% when factoring in operational efficiencies and reduced human errors.

Why choose a digital manufacturing solution

  • It provides full traceability with data-driven analysis
  • It offers full access to all product, process and resource data with a unified data model from engineering to the shop floor
  • DELMIA customers rely on the same fully integrated 100%-fit planning and optimization solution to plan their workforce, manufacturing environment and logistics operations
  • Gain visibility with planning and scheduling to minimize disruptions
  • Simulate, with tools to virtually define and optimize manufacturing assets concurrently with manufacturing planning
  • It allows you to Orchestrate people, plant and equipment processes to improve collaboration

Interested in learning more? Contact us to get a demo

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