Software Automation in Engineering

Automation of Engineering Processes using Software is something that happens to some extent in every Engineering company. Whether it is individuals creating spreadsheets to perform calculations, or large multi-person IT teams working to install enterprise software, it is in the nature of Engineers and Engineering companies to seek out efficiency where they can. 

At all ends of the spectrum, however, this can be a minefield. Simple spreadsheets are distributed to the entire team and soon there are multiple evolving and different un-checked versions. Large IT projects seem to drift on forever without ever finishing and delivering the promised vision. 

The justification for the tools is often obvious – the time savings, quality enhancement and opportunities to standardise across products and processes can provide huge benefits across the company, but ensuring those promised benefits are realistic and achievable is the real key to setting up and delivering projects that truly add value. As an engineer looking to make their life easier, or a manager looking for opportunities for internal enhancements, here are a few things to consider: 

Keep it Simple –

• Start with the minimum that delivers the benefit needed and work up from there. Often 80% of the benefit comes from 20% of the work!
• Consider coverage when looking at the solution – does it need to meet every scenario a client may ask for, or does it just need to meet the most common ones?
• Take care with buzzword technologies (AI, Data Analysis, Digital Twins etc.). In the right applications, these can deliver huge benefits, but in the wrong application they can be expensive and offer less than traditional software.

Augment the Engineer –

• Engineering is hard! Unless you or your business has an excellent grasp on the whole process, don’t set out to completely replace Engineering Judgement. Instead, set out to make your Engineers’ lives easier while leaving the important decision making to them.
• Where you are taking on more complex decision making, analysis or calculation, be sure to prototype and fail fast!

Manage your Stakeholders –

• Spend time to identify and engage with all the important stakeholders early. They will all have valuable input and capturing it as early as possible is essential.
• Make sure you are setting realistic expectations and bring your stakeholders on the journey with you!

PDL are engineering automation experts. To find out how the Digital team can develop bespoke software solutions that mandate accuracy, create consistency and drive a magnitude of efficiencies to your engineering please contact James Dobson, Head of Digital at PDL. James.Dobson@pdl-group.com

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