In the IMDesigner foundation module you construct a digital factory model for your production planning quickly and simply. Your planning can be as complex as you like – shorter sub-processes, products with several variants, individual plants or complete supply chains. How much depth and detail you go into is up to you.

Products, processes and resources at a glance

Product data, processes and resources are displayed clearly as a tree structure and lists. The data is displayed as required in different stages and degrees of detail. Product structure data and process data can also be imported from ERP, CAD or PDM systems.

Variants under control

To define product variants, the features are set using a pre-defined configuration catalogue and then allocated to the corresponding parts, assemblies or sub-assemblies. The result is variant-related piece lists, which are used for the process model in the planning phase.

Set up process structures with ease

Process structures can map an existing assembly sequence. The order can, however, also be derived from documenting the reverse order in the IMDesigner by disassembling the virtual or real product. The re-engineering function in the system transforms this into the correct assembly sequence. If needed, the sequence can be structured further and made more detailed using PERT charts.

Activating or deactivating process variants

Processes can be activated or deactivated for the analysis of different process variants. In connection with product variants, activation or deactivation happens automatically.

Managing resources

For capacity planning, resources such as plants, halls, work stations, shelves, buffers, employees, teams, suppliers, raw materials and other supports are set up and organized in line with your company structure. They are assigned to the processes using drag&drop.

Defining and analyzing material flow transparently

On the basis of the source/sink principle, material flow can be defined, analyzed and optimized. The goals here are: reducing throughput time, reducing or avoiding transport distances and storage and thus cutting costs.

Static synchronization

Static synchronization allows the priority relationships between the processes to be defined and analyzed. Connected resources and relationships between the processes defined in addition are also taken into account. To analyze the chronological sequence of working steps, they are displayed in critical paths as GANTT charts and can be adapted further.

Degree of utilization of resources and level of value-added

For every resource you can run an examination of the degree of utilization. If the processes’ value-added level is also documented, this is displayed additionally in the GANTT chart and evaluation charts.

Importing and exporting data

Interfaces allow planning data to be imported and exported. Data can be exported as an excel file, for instance, or forwarded to ERP systems. This is also helpful for archiving and future production planning.

Managing documents and attachments

For data management that’s easy to keep track of, all kinds of documents and files can be attached to any object. Objects and documents can be retrieved quickly and simply using tags or a combination of search terms.

Integrated value stream designer in the IMDesigner

Alternative option for creating the production model

With the integrated value stream designer you create value streams quickly and simply. This is an alternative option for structured storage of your process data.

Modelling CURRENT and FUTURE STATE value streams

You map existing processes in a CURRENT STATE value stream. You visualize different planning variants in FUTURE STATE value streams.

Using existing planning data

If data already exists in the IMDesigner, you can reuse it in the value stream designer through simple drag&drop too.

Characteristic values and performance indicators at a glance

With your value stream you also map data on batch size, number of pieces, customer production cycle, daily demand, reach, set-up time or manual specifications into a critical path. From the critical path, the throughput time is calculated automatically.

Analysis and evaluation of key performance indicators

As your data is already available digitally, you can analyze and evaluate it seamlessly in the IMAnalyzer module. Compare, for instance, your CURRENT and FUTURE STATE value stream. Or compare several possible FUTURE STATE value streams. The evaluation options help you to recognize potential areas for optimization. In the IMValidation module you can also observe your value streams dynamically and gain new insights as a result.

Next steps:

• Read more about the IMDesigner and other production planning modules. 

• Test the IMDesigner! Register for a free demo account. 

• Learn how our price and licensing model works and what makes our software special: web-based, collaborative, flexible rental. 

Interested? Questions? Comments? – Then get in touch with us!