FactORy on Demand, FORD

Important results from the project

The FORD project purpose was developing a concept for reconfiguring production systems on demand based on the production requirements of the new products. It aimed at developing and integrating the following three components: - A master industry bus and application framework for fast modular adaptation of the production systems over time; - A cloud service for fully automated mass customization workflows enabling handling of unique drawings; - A visual quality assurance system for mass customization systems. These components were successfully developed and integrated.

Expected long term effects

The technological integration considered shows the potential of considering advanced system integration aspect simultaneously from a vertical and horizontal integration perspective. In the present case is shows clearly the requirements for data integration and standardization from the moment a potential customer place a cloud-based order and its automated follow-through to manufacturing. The work is expected to be the base for future developments as part of extended value chains integrating many different stakeholders.

Approach and implementation

From the execution of the project it became obvious that the technology, as such is not the main hindrance, for harmonizing the vertical and horizontal integration aspects. The convergence of requirements from the different stakeholders, both technical and non-technical plays generally a bigger role, in parallel with the fact that, despite non being an hindrance, technology still needs to be further developed and investigated.