Optimizing the Industrial Metaverse

Innovation is a cornerstone in manufacturing of any kind, and the recent worldwide pandemic forced manufacturers in all industries to innovate quickly or fall behind. Many savvy companies used the disruption as a chance to move forward with automation or escalate their digital investments, including new software that helps streamline the manufacturing processes.

The latest machining and production software is still evolving to meet the ever-changing needs and expectations of customers and markets. From artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to the Internet of things (IoT) and cloud computing, much has changed in the past decade, but manufacturers are taking this “industrial metaverse” and optimizing the way their machinery, equipment, factories and businesses operate.

AI and ML enable machines to learn from data and perform tasks that normally require human intelligence. AI and ML can help machining and production software analyze large amounts of data, identify patterns and trends, make predictions and recommendations, optimize processes and outcomes, detect anomalies and errors, and provide feedback and guidance. As an example, AI and ML can help companies optimize production schedules, adjust parameters based on real-time conditions, monitor quality and performance, prevent failures and downtime, and improve customer satisfaction.

IoT and cloud computing basically enable devices to connect to the internet and share data with each other. This can help companies collect and store data from various sources, including sensors, machines, tools, materials, products, customers, suppliers…the list goes on. These technologies also allow access to data from anywhere, anytime, on any device. For example, IoT and cloud computing can help machining and production software monitor equipment status and performance, track inventory levels and locations, control machines remotely, collaborate with stakeholders, and scale production up or down as needed.

Many companies already use some form of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) in designing realistic products and spaces to review before starting any actual production — saving time, money and resources. Product design software is part of the AR/VR world, helping to design and customize products according to customer needs and preferences by overlaying digital information onto the physical world or creating a simulated environment to enhance the design and visualization of products. These realistic product models can then be viewed from different angles, perspectives, and settings — and tested in various scenarios through simulating potential problems.

Examples of these new technologies can be found in all kinds of software and add-ons. KCD Software’s Cabinet/Closet Professional builds on the company’s designer level software and helps streamline workflow and increase the profitability of a custom design business. By adding essential whole systems, the software increases efficiency with features including an automated pricing system and access to KCD Software’s Cabinotch libraries for direct-order outsourcing of custom cabinet parts. Setting up and automating your business’s pricing takes the guesswork out of estimating each job individually. Visit kcdsoftware.com for more information.

With its powerful set of plug-in tools and commands, interiorcad runs on Vectorworks, and taps into the strong 3D BIM foundation of the platform to enhance design workflow. The interiorcad software takes care of object associations and texture mapping, tracks materials and costs and creates automatic schematic drawings with ready-to-CNC parts. Flexibility is where interiorcad really shines, with the freedom to design combined with unprecedented ease-ofuse. Visit extragroup.com for more information.

LEFT: KCD SOFTWARE’S CABINET/ CLOSET PROFESSIONAL BUILDS ON THE COMPANY’S DESIGNER LEVEL SOFTWARE AND HELPS STREAMLINE WORKFLOW AND INCREASE THE PROFITABILITY OF A CUSTOM DESIGN BUSINESS. PHOTO COURTESY OF KCD SOFTWARE

BELOW: PROBLEMATIC AREAS ARE EASIER TO DESIGN IN THEORY BEFORE PUTTING INTO PRACTICE WITH CABINET PRO SOFTWARE, WHICH ALLOWS FLEXIBILITY IN THE CREATION OF ANGLED CABINETS TO FIT UNDER A SLANTED CEILING. PHOTO COURTESY OF CABINET PRO

And problematic areas are easier to design in theory before putting into practice with Cabinet Pro Software, which allows flexibility in the creation of angled cabinets to fit under a slanted ceiling. Some options include having the cabinet top elongated and angled to connect the two unfinished ends, extending the back and/or adding a front to cover the cavity created by the raised ends, adding a frame rail to trim the slanted top, and more. Visit cabinetpro.com for more information.

These are just a few of the latest innovations in machining and production software that can help designers and manufacturers alike improve their competitiveness, efficiency, quality, profitability and customer satisfaction, helping them to overcome challenges and continue to adapt and grow. S P