Example Technologies in the Engineering & Manufacturing Industries
- ALM (Application Lifecycle Management):
A system that manages the entire lifecycle of software applications, from requirements gathering and development to testing and deployment.
Summary: Tools for managing software development, embedded systems, and source code. - AR (Augmented Reality):
Technology that overlays digital content onto the real world, often used for training in manufacturing and service environments.
Summary: Tools that provide visual, interactive overlays for training and guidance in industrial settings. - BI (Business Intelligence):
Software that analyses and visualises business data to support decision-making and strategic planning.
Summary: Tools for analysing business data to drive informed decision-making. - CAD (Computer-Aided Design):
Software used to create, modify, and visualise detailed 2D or 3D models of products, structures, or parts.
Summary: Tools for designing and optimising digital models of products. - CAE (Computer-Aided Engineering):
A broad category of simulation tools that includes CAD, CFD, and FEA to evaluate and improve designs.
Summary: Tools for running simulations to test and validate designs virtually. - CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing):
Software that converts CAD models into detailed instructions for machine tools and manufacturing processes.
Summary: Tools that transform product designs into manufacturing instructions for production. - CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics):
Simulation software used to model the behaviour of fluids (like air and water) and their interaction with solid surfaces.
Summary: Tools for simulating fluid flow, heat transfer, and related physical phenomena in designs. - CRM (Customer Relationship Management):
A system that helps businesses manage interactions with customers, track sales, and gather feedback.
Summary: Tools for managing customer interactions, sales data, and feedback processes. - ECAD (Electrical Computer-Aided Design):
Software used to design and document electrical circuits, schematics, and wiring diagrams for electronic systems.
Summary: Tools for designing and documenting electrical and electronic systems. - ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning):
Integrated software systems that manage core business processes, such as inventory, order tracking, and manufacturing operations.
Summary: Tools for managing business resources, including inventory, manufacturing, and financial data. - FEA (Finite Element Analysis):
Simulation software that evaluates how products react to physical forces like stress, heat, and vibration by breaking down models into finite elements.
Summary: Tools for predicting how products will perform under various physical conditions. - IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things):
A network of connected industrial devices that collect and exchange data to optimise factory operations and product performance.
Summary: Tools for connecting and managing smart devices and sensors in industrial environments to improve efficiency. - MCAD (Mechanical Computer-Aided Design):
A subset of CAD that focuses on the design, drafting, and visualisation of mechanical systems and components.
Summary: Tools specifically for designing mechanical parts and systems in 3D. - MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems):
Software that monitors and controls manufacturing processes on the shop floor, ensuring production efficiency and quality.
Summary: Tools for tracking and optimising manufacturing operations in real-time. - MRP (Material Requirements Planning):
Systems that manage and plan inventory, materials, and production schedules to ensure efficient manufacturing processes.
Summary: Tools for planning and managing inventory, materials, and production to meet demand. - PDM (Product Data Management):
Software that organises and manages design data, especially CAD files, to ensure accuracy, version control, and accessibility.
Summary: Tools for managing product design data and ensuring version control across the team. - PIM (Product Information Management):
Systems that centralise, manage, and distribute product-related information such as descriptions, pricing, and specifications across multiple channels.
Summary: Tools for managing product data and ensuring consistency across various sales and marketing platforms. - PLM (Product Lifecycle Management):
Software that manages a product’s entire lifecycle from initial concept through design, manufacturing, maintenance, and end-of-life.
Summary: Tools for managing all aspects of a product’s lifecycle from development to disposal. - QMS (Quality Management System):
A system that ensures processes are followed to meet product quality standards and regulatory requirements.
Summary: Tools for managing and maintaining product and process quality control. - SLM (Service Lifecycle Management):
Software that manages a product’s maintenance, repair, and service operations throughout its lifecycle.
Summary: Tools for managing product servicing and maintenance to extend operational life and customer support.
