Short answer

Integrate Building Information Modeling (BIM) data strategically to automate and optimize configure-to-order workflows, particularly in bid estimation and work preparation.

Field: Innovation & Design
Source: Applied Sciences (2019)
Method: Design Science Research
Evidence: Strong effect

Implementing digital twin methodologies, specifically Building Information Modeling (BIM), can significantly automate and optimize configure-to-order processes within the construction equipment industry, leading to substantial time savings. This innovation & design research insight is drawn from a 2019 study published in Applied Sciences. Using Design science research, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Integrate Building Information Modeling (BIM) data strategically to automate and optimize configure-to-order workflows, particularly in bid estimation and work preparation.

Study

Innovation & DesignHigh ImpactStrong effect

Digital Twins Streamline Configure-to-Order Processes in Construction Equipment Manufacturing

Applied Sciences · 2019

Key Findings

01Digital twin methodology (BIM) can drive digital automation in construction.
02Structured and preprocessed BIM data can streamline and automate processes between design and production.
03Significant time savings were observed in bid estimation and work preparation phases.

Application

Design takeaway

Integrate Building Information Modeling (BIM) data strategically to automate and optimize configure-to-order workflows, particularly in bid estimation and work preparation.

How to apply

Develop a system that ingests BIM data and automatically generates cost estimates and production schedules for customized construction equipment orders.

Project actions

01Consider how digital models can automate parts of your design or manufacturing process.
02Focus on how data from one stage (like design) can automatically inform the next stage (like production).

Method & Evidence

AimCan Building Information Modeling (BIM) data, when structured and preprocessed, effectively streamline and automate business processes at the interface between design and production in a configure-to-order construction equipment manufacturing context?

MethodDesign Science Research

ProcedureDeveloped and implemented computational artefacts for business process automation using BIM data within a configure-to-order industry partner, followed by evaluation in a pilot project.

ContextConstruction equipment industry, configure-to-order manufacturing

Variables

IVImplementation of BIM as a digital twin methodology

DVTime savings in bid estimation and work preparation, automation of business processes

CVConfigure-to-order manufacturing context, construction equipment industry

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

+Addresses a practical industry problem with a clear technological solution.
+Employs a rigorous design science research approach with real-world application.

Limitations

The complexity of implementing BIM and ensuring data quality can be a significant hurdle.

Reliability & validity

The study's validity is supported by its application within a pilot project with an industry partner, providing real-world context. Reliability would depend on the consistency of the implemented automation artefacts and the measurement of time savings.

Think critically

To what extent can the success of BIM in construction equipment manufacturing be replicated in industries with less standardized product configurations?

Design Principles

"Leverage digital twin technology to create a unified and automated workflow from design to production for customized products."

This research highlights a practical pathway for industries lagging in digital adoption to leverage advanced technologies like digital twins. By automating key stages such as bid estimation and work preparation, companies can improve efficiency and competitiveness.

What This Means for Your Design

Using digital models (like BIM) can make it much faster to design and build custom equipment because the computer can help with tasks like estimating costs and planning the work.

How to use in your project

1.Reference this study when discussing the benefits of digital twins or automation in your design project.
2.Use the findings to justify the adoption of digital modelling techniques for efficiency gains.

Add to My Project

Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

This research demonstrates that the application of digital twin methodologies, such as Building Information Modeling (BIM), can significantly enhance the efficiency of configure-to-order processes in industries like construction equipment manufacturing. By strategically structuring and preprocessing BIM data, designers and engineers can automate critical stages, leading to measurable time savings in areas such as bid estimation and work preparation, thereby improving overall productivity.

Source

Applied Sciences

Pushing Digital Automation of Configure-to-Order Services in Small and Medium Enterprises of the Construction Equipment Industry: A Design Science Research Approach

journal · 2019

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Questions About This Research

What does the research say about digital twins streamline configure-to-order processes in construction equipment manufacturing?: Integrate Building Information Modeling (BIM) data strategically to automate and optimize configure-to-order workflows, particularly in bid estimation and work preparation. Evidence: Applied Sciences (2019).
Why does "Digital Twins Streamline Configure-to-Order Processes in Construction Equipment Manufacturing" matter for design?: This research highlights a practical pathway for industries lagging in digital adoption to leverage advanced technologies like digital twins. By automating key stages such as bid estimation and work preparation, companies can improve efficiency and competitiveness.
How can designers apply this research?: Integrate Building Information Modeling (BIM) data strategically to automate and optimize configure-to-order workflows, particularly in bid estimation and work preparation.
What were the main findings?: Digital twin methodology (BIM) can drive digital automation in construction.. Structured and preprocessed BIM data can streamline and automate processes between design and production.. Significant time savings were observed in bid estimation and work preparation phases.
What research method was used?: Design Science Research.
How strong is the evidence?: Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2019 journal from Applied Sciences.
What should I do differently in my next project?: Develop a system that ingests BIM data and automatically generates cost estimates and production schedules for customized construction equipment orders.
What are the limitations?: The effectiveness is dependent on the purposeful structuring and preprocessing of BIM data; generalizability to other industries may vary.