The digital transformation offers companies completely new approaches to optimizing workflows and production processes and therefore a competitive advantage. Nevertheless, small and medium-sized companies in particular see increasing digitalization as more of a threat than an opportunity for long-term competitiveness. This is also confirmed by the results of the latest study by Item, in which the company examines the trends in digitization in mechanical engineering. Prof. Dr. Frank Piller, Professor of Technology and Innovation Management at RWTH Aachen University, shares this opinion and is certain: "Those who do not dare to define or invent new processes and try things out will disappear from the market in the long term.

What changes are associated with digitalization in mechanical engineering? The current study by Item, the market leader in modular systems for industrial applications, identifies the existing and future challenges in the industry and shows possible solutions. Various information material was analyzed and an online survey was conducted for the study. The respondents work in companies of different sizes and hold positions of responsibility in the areas of management, purchasing and design. In addition, experts answered questions about the future of mechanical engineering and provided assessments on the further development of digitalization.

Efficient workflows through digitalization

The use of 3D data and CAD in the field of design is now a matter of course. However, digitalization goes far beyond this. For example, networking designers and their projects makes it possible to increase efficiency and optimize processes. Workflows are less prone to errors as information is available to different work areas, eliminating the need to enter data twice. This is made possible, for example, by the automatic import of parts lists or CAM data. Special design tools such as Item's engineering tool and configurators also simplify and improve workflows by automatically transferring data and simplifying complex tasks. Standard tasks can be implemented more quickly than in traditional CAD environments and repetitive tasks are eliminated. This not only saves time, but also increases work efficiency. It is also possible to transfer simple design tasks to other employees in order to create new capacities and involve the designers in more complex tasks.

Design departments have become smaller and smaller in recent years or have been completely dissolved. Thanks to digital recording, data is available at all times and can be accessed by several users. This makes it easier to involve external specialists to handle time-consuming design tasks. Suitable tools and comprehensive archives, from which components of a design can be retrieved as a fully configured unit, are important for optimal work management. In addition, networking between employees is becoming increasingly important. Teamwork is in demand, often across national borders. "Modern design engineers are expanding their skills. New job profiles are emerging," says Piller. "The increasing integration of mechanics, electronics and IT means that design engineers will become generalists in the future. They will also perform coordination tasks and take on the role of project manager in individual areas. Digitalization can help to integrate other departments and areas, such as production and after-sales service, into the workflow of design engineers."

For the optimal processing and implementation of design projects, it is not enough to make data available at all times and across all departments. The information must be interpreted and used correctly. "Employees are required to develop an understanding of what data and algorithms can be used for," says Piller. "This requires a mental shift. If digitalization is already well advanced in the private sphere, there is still some catching up to do in the professional environment." Companies need to take the initiative here. While career starters often have no reservations about digitalization strategies due to their digitalized living environment, the concerns of other employees in the company must be dispelled through suitable workshops and training. Changing existing processes is usually associated with the introduction of new software and hardware. If employees receive comprehensive support, this leads to significantly increased acceptance. If digitalization increases the comparability of offers, this also creates more anonymous connections between business partners. This is another reason why almost 90 percent of study participants express reservations about digitalization.