Modularisation and structuring of mechanical engineering products for CPQ and PLM
As part of a number of strategic initiatives, Siempelkamp is aiming to improve order processing, simplify project planning and establish a standardised configuration for complete plants. A key element of this is the introduction of a product configurator (CPQ) and the associated processes.
The data required for this project was not consistently available across all areas of the plant. Furthermore, design tools and processes vary between the different areas. Product structures that had evolved over time, differing approaches to modularisation, and inconsistent bill of materials and dependency structures in the mechanical and electrical systems led to:
The aim was therefore to systematically analyse the machines, restructure them and establish a consistent modular system.
ITQ supported Siempelkamp in the design and implementation of a standardised product and module structure for mechanical and electrical systems. In the initial phase of the project, existing documentation, modularisation schemes and structures were analysed, and new, future-proof structures were developed on this basis.
Our implementation included, amongst other things:
Consistent modularisation reduces complexity in product structures and enables the reuse of defined assemblies and functions. This allows variants to be modelled in a more controlled manner, reduces engineering effort and enables configurations to be standardised systematically. At the same time, it creates a robust foundation for digital processes such as product configurators (CPQ), PLM systems and automated quotation generation.
Many machinery and plant manufacturers operate with structures that have evolved over many years, a variety of modularisation concepts and department-specific design tools. This results in inconsistent bills of materials, redundant variants and unclear dependencies between mechanical and electrical components. These inconsistencies complicate integration into PLM or CPQ systems and, in the long term, increase the maintenance and engineering workload.
A mechatronic functional structure treats mechanics, electrical systems and control systems as an integrated system. Functions are described independently of specific components and then implemented in a modular manner. This structure simplifies the definition of configuration rules, enables consistent module dependencies and provides a stable basis for automated configurations in CPQ and engineering systems.
A PLM system serves as a central database for product structures, modules and bills of materials throughout the entire product lifecycle. Clearly defined module structures and standardised bills of materials enable variants to be managed consistently, changes to be implemented in a controlled manner, and data to be reliably transferred to neighbouring systems such as CPQ, ERP or engineering tools.
The systematic analysis and reduction of variants leads to a significantly lower level of complexity in the product portfolio. Unnecessary options are removed, reusable modules are defined and configuration rules are clearly documented. The result is shorter project lead times, reduced engineering effort and significantly more efficient quotation and project management.
Further information: