Digital Transformation with Immersive Technology: A Journey with Julian Hermle from CMC Engineers GmbH

In this episode of the DigitalituM Podcast, I sit down with Julian Hermle, Founder and CTO of CMC Engineers GmbH, to discuss the role of immersive technology, especially Virtual Reality (VR), in manufacturing. Julian shares his professional journey, the development of CMC Engineering’s CMC ViewR software, and the pivotal role of 3D visualization in product development and stakeholder communication.

CMC Engineers: The Beginnings and Mission

Julian began his career at Porsche and developed his interest in VR technology during his time at Mercedes-Benz, where he helped establish a VR service center. In 2014, he co-founded CMC Engineers GmbH with a vision to make VR technology accessible to small and medium-sized enterprises.

CMC ViewR: 3D Visualization of Complex Machinery

CMC ViewR, CMC’s flagship product, enables the 3D visualization of complex machinery and manufacturing equipment. Julian describes how the initially expensive system evolved into an accessible subscription-based model tailored for SMEs. The software allows companies to import CAD files and visualize them in VR.

Faster Product Development through 3D Visualization

CMC ViewR significantly enhances product design efficiency by identifying potential issues early and accelerating decision-making. Julian shares success stories from the construction machinery sector, where clients transitioned from prototype to production without major adjustments.

Engaging Stakeholders through Immersive Experiences

CMC ViewR helps bridge the communication gap between technical and non-technical stakeholders, illustrating spatial dimensions and product complexity in a way that 2D screens or brochures can’t achieve.

From Trade Shows to Digital Sales

CMC ViewR is also increasingly used in marketing and sales, with companies using the technology to showcase products at trade shows and in customer meetings, significantly simplifying logistics.

The Future of Immersive Technology and AI in Manufacturing

Julian shares his vision for the future of immersive technologies and emphasizes the role of AI and automation in advancing 3D modeling. He sees increasing integration of AI with 3D worlds, automating routine tasks in modeling.

Conclusion: A Partnership for Digital Transformation

In closing, Julian reaffirms CMC Engineers’ commitment to supporting small and medium-sized manufacturers in adopting immersive technology. I invite all listeners to experience CMC ViewR through DigitalituM’s partnership and take a step into a digital future for manufacturing. Be sure to check out the full episode!

Further Links:

• DigitalituM LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/digitalitum/
• Markus’s LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markusrimmele/
• CMC Engineers GmbH Website https://www.cmc-engineers.de/en
• Julian Hermle on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julian-hermle-951aa6145/
• CMC Engineers GmbH on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cmc-engineers-gmbh

Unlocking Business Efficiency: The Role of AI Solutions in Smart Manufacturing

In the rapidly evolving landscape of smart manufacturing, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is emerging as a pivotal force driving business efficiency and digital transformation. Industries worldwide are witnessing a shift as AI solutions become integral to streamlining operations, enhancing productivity, and fostering innovation. The impact of AI technology is profound, as it enables manufacturers to optimize processes, reduce costs, and improve product quality. This document delves into AI’s significant role in smart manufacturing, highlighting real-world examples of its success and exploring the strategic frameworks that ensure its effective implementation. As we embark on this journey, we’ll uncover how AI strategies are reshaping industries, offering unprecedented opportunities for growth and competitiveness in the digital age.

The AI Revolution in Smart Manufacturing

Opportunities Across Business Functions

AI technology offers vast opportunities across various business functions within smart manufacturing. By streamlining operations, AI solutions enhance both top-line growth and bottom-line efficiency. For instance, Gibson Guitars increased their email revenue by 50% in the first year of implementing an AI solution from SAP. Similarly, Chobani achieved a 75% reduction in time spent on travel expense management. These examples highlight the tangible benefits AI brings to diverse business areas.

Moreover, AI enables predictive maintenance, which minimizes downtime and extends equipment life by analyzing real-time data and anticipating failures before they occur. AI optimizes supply chain management in logistics by predicting demand and adjusting inventory accordingly. By embracing AI strategies, manufacturers can improve productivity, reduce costs, and maintain high product quality. As AI continues to evolve, its potential to revolutionize business functions in manufacturing will only grow, offering a strategic advantage in a competitive market.

AI Solutions in Real-world Applications

AI solutions transform smart manufacturing by offering practical applications that significantly enhance business efficiency. For example, AI-powered predictive analytics can forecast machine failures, reducing maintenance costs and downtime. This approach allows companies to conduct maintenance only when necessary, optimizing resource allocation.

Furthermore, AI in quality control is proving invaluable by detecting defects in products much faster than traditional methods. This not only improves product quality but also reduces waste and operational costs. In logistics, AI optimizes routing and scheduling, ensuring timely delivery and minimizing fuel consumption.

Companies like Mercedes-Benz and Chobani already leverage AI to revolutionize their manufacturing processes. Mercedes-Benz employs AI for process automation, enhancing production efficiency and product quality. Meanwhile, Chobani uses AI to streamline its financial operations, demonstrating AI’s versatility across business functions. These real-world applications underscore AI’s transformative potential in enhancing productivity and competitiveness in the manufacturing sector.

David Zimmer – SAP Labs in his keynote

The 3R Strategy: Relevant, Reliable, Responsible

The 3R Strategy—Relevant, Reliable, Responsible—serves as a crucial framework for deploying AI solutions. Ensuring relevance means AI solutions must address genuine business needs, providing tangible benefits rather than being implemented for novelty’s sake. This approach maximizes AI’s impact in business by focusing on areas where it can genuinely enhance efficiency and productivity.

Reliability is equally important, as AI solutions must function consistently with minimal errors. For large enterprises like Mercedes-Benz, reliability ensures business continuity and fosters trust in AI technologies. Reliable AI systems can be counted on to deliver results, reinforcing their value in smart manufacturing.

Lastly, responsibility involves adhering to ethical standards, including data privacy and AI ethics. This ensures that AI technologies do not compromise user privacy or fairness in decision-making. By embodying these principles, businesses can deploy AI solutions that are both effective and ethically sound, fostering long-term success and trust.

The 3R Strategy: Relevant, Reliable, Responsible

Event Info:

Tuesday, October 29 | 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Mercedes-Benz USA, 1 Mercedes-Benz Dr, Sandy Springs, GA 30328, Sandy Springs, GA

Event Page Link

Join Me at the SAP Roadshow: How Businesses Can Thrive in the Age of AI

Step into the future of data! Join me for an exciting, forward-thinking session on how businesses can ethically navigate AI while maintaining the highest standards of privacy and data governance. Together with other industry leaders, we’ll share cutting-edge strategies to keep you innovative, responsible, and ahead of the curve in this rapidly evolving digital landscape. 🌐

Daniel Zimmer, Sr. Director and Head of Engagement at SAP Labs US, will kick things off with a powerful keynote on AI-driven data management. Then, I’ll be joining a dynamic panel discussion where we’ll dive into how businesses can truly thrive in the Age of AI, exploring both the incredible opportunities and challenges AI presents today.

Panelist:
Daniela Dimitrova, Vice President IT, Mercedes Benz
Nguvi Kahiha, CEO, iris inc North America
Markus Rimmele, Managing Principal, DigitalituM
Sasha Smith, Technology Strategist, Office of the Mayorj, Technology and Innovation, City of Atlanta (TBC)

Ted Tagalakis, Founder/CEO, Sparky AI

Etosha Thurman, Chief Marketing Officer, Intelligent Spend and Business Network, SAP

This is your chance to learn, ask tough questions, and walk away with actionable insights to lead in the AI revolution.

Don’t miss this opportunity to take your business into the future! Let’s shape the future of AI together!

LIVE from IMTS with Lukas Dieterle from ERO – US Market Entry and Digitalization

In this episode of the DigitalituM Podcast, I speak with Lukas Dieterle, CEO of ERO Fuehrungen, live from IMTS 2024. Lukas shares the story of ERO, their entry into the US market, and the importance of digital transformation in the manufacturing industry. We discuss the challenges and opportunities of the US market as well as the latest insights from the IMTS trade show.

Digitalization and the US Market

ERO Fuehrungen, a specialist in linear technology and customized solutions, faces unique challenges and exciting opportunities in the US market. Lukas emphasizes the importance of understanding local markets and providing excellent service to achieve success. Digitalization is significantly transforming manufacturing processes, and topics like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics are playing an increasingly central role in addressing labor shortages.

Key Insights from IMTS

Attending trade shows like IMTS provides valuable insights into the latest industry trends. Lukas and I discuss the importance of communication and change management when implementing digital transformation. Another key topic is the balance between technology and human interaction in manufacturing – a concept that will shape the future of the industry.

Key Takeaways from the Episode:

• ERO Fuehrungen specializes in linear technology and customized solutions.
• The US market presents both challenges and opportunities, which can be navigated with a deep understanding of local conditions.
• Digitalization is transforming manufacturing processes, with AI and robotics helping to solve labor shortages.
• Communication and change management are critical to the success of digital transformation.
• Trade shows like IMTS provide valuable insights into new industry trends.
• The future of manufacturing will balance technology and human interaction.

If you want to learn more about ERO’s entry into the US market and the latest trends in manufacturing, be sure to check out the full episode!

SHOW NOTES and LINKS: 

DigitalituM LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/digitalitum/

Markus’s LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markusrimmele/

Lukas Dieterle https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukasdieterle/

ERO website: https://ero-fuehrungen.de/

Immersive Technologies in Manufacturing – FENG Webinar with Markus Rimmele

In this episode of the DigitalituM Podcast, I discuss the use of immersive technologies like Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) in the manufacturing industry during a webinar hosted by the Financial Executives Networking Group (#FENG), a 501(c)(3) organization founded in 1991.

Immersive Technologies as Solutions for Manufacturing Challenges

The manufacturing industry faces challenges like labor shortages and inefficient processes. Immersive technologies provide practical solutions: AR can deliver real-time support in field service, while VR helps visualize complex machinery and revolutionizes technical training. These tools improve efficiency, reduce costs, and optimize workflows.

Looking Ahead

Future developments like improved hardware, IoT connectivity, and digital twins will further enhance the potential of these technologies. Small and medium manufacturers, in particular, can benefit from external consultants to successfully navigate their digital transformation.

Key Takeaways:

• Immersive technologies boost efficiency and competitiveness.
• AR and VR offer solutions for field service, machinery visualization, and training.
• The future lies in IoT and digital twins.

Be sure to check out the full episode!

SHOW NOTES and LINKS: 

DigitalituM LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/digitalitum/

Markus’s LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markusrimmele/

FENG Website: https://www.thefeng.org/

Visual Support with AR, Ticketing, and Asset Management in Maintenance and Service – with Martin Plutz from OCULAVIS

In the fifth episode of the DigitalituM Podcast, I had the opportunity to speak with Martin Plutz, Managing Director and Founder of OCULAVIS. Martin shared the inspiring story behind founding his company and explained why OCULAVIS focuses on visual support tools for the manufacturing industry. Our conversation highlighted the numerous features and benefits OCULAVIS offers its clients, including visual support with augmented reality, a ticketing system, asset management, and automatic service reports.

Boosting Efficiency with OCULAVIS in Manufacturing

OCULAVIS is an innovative software tool that revolutionizes service and maintenance processes in the manufacturing industry. With features such as step-by-step instructions, real-time video support, and a ticketing system, OCULAVIS significantly improves process efficiency and accuracy. Martin explained how the tool helps companies tackle the challenge of a skilled labor shortage by centralizing knowledge and supporting field service technicians.

Success Stories and the Importance of OCULAVIS

Martin shared impressive success stories from the industry, including how companies like Trumpf and Liebherr use OCULAVIS to globally support their clients while developing new business models such as “Equipment as a Service.” OCULAVIS has proven particularly valuable for global maintenance of complex machines, like laser systems, helping to reduce costs and improve process efficiency.

Challenges in Adopting New Technologies

Martin also pointed out that adopting new software tools is not always easy. It requires well-planned change management and buy-in from leadership to ensure a smooth transition to new systems. OCULAVIS addresses these challenges by offering a white-label option, allowing companies to customize the tool with their own branding.

The Future of Immersive Technology and OCULAVIS Developments

Another exciting topic was the future of immersive technology in manufacturing. Martin expressed skepticism about the widespread adoption of mixed-reality headsets like Apple Vision Pro due to maintenance and usability issues. Instead, the focus is on leveraging the Internet of Things (IoT) and predictive maintenance to empower operators and increase transparency.

OCULAVIS is constantly evolving, continuously working on new features such as AI integration and chatbots. Martin emphasized that OCULAVIS collaborates closely with universities and research institutions to attract young talent and continue driving innovation.

Key Takeaways from the Episode:

• OCULAVIS provides visual support for the manufacturing industry with features like augmented reality, ticketing, asset management, and automatic service reports.
• The software improves process efficiency, reduces service costs, and enables the development of digital business models in after-sales service.
• OCULAVIS helps address the shortage of skilled workers by centralizing knowledge and supporting field service technicians.
• Successful use cases include companies like Trumpf Laser Machines, which have achieved global success with OCULAVIS.
• The future of immersive technology in manufacturing is uncertain, with mixed-reality headsets facing maintenance and usability challenges.
• The focus is on leveraging IoT and predictive maintenance to empower operators and improve transparency.

The conversation with Martin Plutz provided valuable insights into how OCULAVIS helps companies in the manufacturing industry optimize their service and maintenance processes while developing new digital business models. Be sure to check out the full episode!

SHOW NOTES and LINKS: 

DigitalituM LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/digitalitum/

Markus’s LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markusrimmele/

Martin Pluetz LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martinplutz/

Oculavis website: https://oculavis.com/

If you feel you can add value to this podcast series and want to be our guest, send an email to Sales@DigitalituM.com