SIMKAT – Simulation as a Driver of Data-Driven Business
The manufacturing industry is being transformed by digitalization, sustainability demands, and globalization. Most companies in the Finnish manufacturing sector are SMEs. From the perspective of national competitiveness, it is therefore essential that SMEs have the ability to develop disruptive innovations and effectively capitalize on them.
Traditionally, Finnish industry has relied on manufacturing high-tech equipment and machinery. Today, however, the role of software and integrated solutions has grown significantly. The productivity of machines and equipment is strongly influenced by how they are used and, in process industries, by the operating parameters applied. Conventional automation solutions alone can no longer deliver the same level of efficiency and productivity improvements as digital and simulation-based approaches. By leveraging digitalization and advanced simulation, machines and equipment can be made safer, more durable, and more efficient throughout their life cycles. Simulation also accelerates the development, piloting, and commercialization of new digital products, materials, services, and production methods, as well as the adoption and effective use of emerging technologies.
However, from an SME perspective, the challenges of digitalization include a lack of clarity about the benefits, limited practical guidance, and insufficient resources, capabilities, and expertise. Another key challenge is understanding how simulation- or digital twin–based solutions can be implemented in a practical and cost-effective way.
To address these challenges, the project formed a situational picture of the digitalization capabilities of Finnish industry. It carried out a survey of prevailing and emerging trends, especially in the heavy machinery sector. It has also developed concrete tools. These include structured data acquisition process model for identifying current technologies and trends, as well as digital twin navigation map. The tools can provide companies with support for defining technological development paths. The development of machine tool intelligence and the manufacturing industry was examined through developed tools. The project also produced demonstrations of the possibilities of utilizing simulation. In addition, it has produced research-based information on the use of simulation technologies, the digital transformation of the manufacturing industry and the support of data-based decision-making. The results provide companies with concrete examples and operating models for implementing simulation and digital twins. They also support the green transition, energy efficiency, and the long-term competitiveness of Finnish industry.
According to Mira Timperi-Koski, a postdoctoral researcher at LUT University, the technology trend study produced by the project provides Finnish SMEs with information about the opportunities that digitalization and new technologies bring, as well as ongoing and emerging trends in the manufacturing industry. Using the openly available analysis tool based on the study, companies can search for solutions that suit their needs. This can support them in planning operating models for utilizing technologies enabled by digitalization. The interview round conducted as part of the project explored the views and experiences of Finnish SMEs on the impacts and opportunities of the digital and green transformation, particularly from a competitiveness perspective. The project also improved understanding of the resources and skills Finnish SMEs need to succeed in a changing operating environment, and how society can support business sector development and competitiveness. A clearer view of concrete resources and competence needs can also help the education sector adapt its offerings to evolving demands. The project’s findings can encourage companies to develop their operations towards models based on data sharing and collaboration.
Steering Group Chair Antti-Jussi Vuotikka from Global Boiler Works Oy states: “Industrial competitiveness is increasingly based on software-based solutions, data and simulation. SIMKAT has succeeded in opening the implications of this change for companies and has shown how smart production and digital twins can be brought to practical development work. This is an important step towards digital transformation and sustainable manufacturing”.
“Simulation and digital twins are no longer just a special area of development tools, but part of modern decision-making. The development cycle is long, about 5-10 years, and it is possible to create value already at the beginning and gradually increase it, but this requires long-term development work. During the project, we have shown how data can be utilized sustainably and continuously in the planning and optimization of industrial business. This gives SMEs a completely new visibility into their own operations and their development potential,” says Emil Kurvinen, Professor, University of Oulu.