Trumpf spin-off Optimate is consistently developing its solution for AI-supported feasibility analysis and component optimization: The cloud-based software, which can be used both as an app or CAD plug-in, now has an integrated cost calculation. Contract manufacturers and metalworkers in the sheet metal industry now only need one click to calculate the cost of their components.
With the Optimate app, designers and sheet metal workers can identify defective parts in advance and adjust them if necessary, even before they enter production. In addition to the analysis of individual components, assemblies with 25 individual parts can also be tested for feasibility and optimization potential. To date, the app has provided a percentage indication of the savings potential of the optimized design compared to the existing variant. This was already a good indicator to conclude the changed production costs. With regard to individual manufacturing costs, the indicator held further potential for product optimization.
“The introduction of integrated costing now makes this even easier and more accurate,” emphasizes Jonas Steiling, CEO at Optimate. “Our users get the specific price for their sheet metal components at the push of a button.”
Identify cost drivers within seconds
The calculated sum is based on the costs for material, waste and the manufacturing process, i.e. the complete sheet metal processing from laser cutting to bending to welding. “Of course, the total costs must take into account that not only the material used is decisive, but also the design and the process steps required for this,” Jonas Steiling specifies. “Users can rely on our concentrated sheet metal knowledge here: All cost parameters are based on specific know-how developed over decades by our parent company Trumpf.”
Thus, in addition to material costs, costs for waste, setup and production times, and machine hourly rates are also included. Based on the breakdown, companies in sheet metal processing can then break down the costs in the production process in detail. Once the cost drivers have been identified, optimization potential can be derived from them.
Customer profile for precisely fitting cost measurements
Users can also create their own profile in the Optimate app. The information stored there on machinery and tools is then also used for optimization and individual cost calculation. The more specific the information on machines, production processes and materials, the more accurate the results in terms of design and costs.
Cross-departmental cost transparency
Such cost forecasts then benefit not only the designers themselves, who can identify possible cost drivers as early as the development process, but also other areas such as purchasing, controlling and costing for sales. This makes it easy for purchasers and contract manufacturers to calculate the costs of sheet metal components online. Sellers can therefore create suitable quotations in no time at all, even for the smallest series to individual parts, and without much effort.
“The benefits range from accelerated development processes and long-term planning security in production to solid price and quotation calculation – and all in a matter of seconds,” Optimate CEO Jonas Steiling sums it up and concludes by referring to the design manager forum on October 19 in Würzburg. Optimate will present its new feature to a wider professional audience there for the first time. “We are excited about the response and are already looking forward to many interesting discussions on the topic of digitization in sheet metal working.”
Web:
www.optimate.de
