MDE/BDE introduction: 7 points that SMEs in particular must pay attention to

In production planning, more and more companies are reaching the limits of what can be analyzed with Excel. When selecting and implementing suitable machine and production data collection (MDE/BDE), small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in particular should consider a few aspects in order not to exceed the rather tight budget.

Even though it worked well so far with specially prepared Excel evaluations, for example to reduce committees or set-up times, increasingly individualized and complex customer requirements require greater dynamism and flexibility in production. There is also a risk of loss of know-how when important employees leave the company. This can be counteracted with MDE/BDE software.

The range of such solutions is broad and the (competitive) pressure on manufacturing companies is high. However, you shouldn't be put off by this or be forced to make a hasty selection. Comprehensive planning is essential when selecting and implementing an MDE/BDE solution. It should be clear from the outset that MDE/BDE software heralds a continuous improvement process — in line with the motto “Good is the enemy of the better. ”

What belongs in the specification

Planning begins with an analysis of the current situation. The problem areas in production can usually be identified quickly. However, simply naming the problems is not enough. The underlying, causal business processes must also be recorded. Only then can it be seen which requirements these processes do not meet or vice versa: which they should meet.

In addition to analyzing the current situation, these requirements are set out in a specification sheet. With the target state, the specification also describes the desired goals to be achieved with the introduction of an MDE/BDE solution in production: This could be, for example, increased transparency for specific manufacturing processes or for inventories, the reduction of waste or a more efficient use of raw materials.

It is all well and good to have identified problems and formulated goals. It is just of no use if it is not defined who is responsible for which tasks or areas. These responsibilities should also be set out in the specifications. It is also important to involve employees at an early stage. The use of an MDE/BDE solution entails changes that must be clearly communicated so that baseless reservations do not make implementation difficult or even completely nullify it.

Selecting the solution

Based on the identified problems and formulated goals, the functionalities of the MDE/BDE software to be selected can be derived. In addition, companies should also determine to what extent the new software must work with existing IT systems, i.e. how interoperable it is and which interfaces it offers. Maintenance and support requirements from the software provider also play a role in the specifications.

Based on the defined requirements and goals, software providers develop their solutions, which in practice, however, can only rarely represent 100 percent of the specifications. It therefore doesn't hurt to prioritize the goals you have set on the one hand. Priority should be highest where the shoe is the hardest. On the other hand, small and medium-sized companies in particular should pay attention to the flexibility and scalability of the solution: With what effort can it be adapted? Is it modular and therefore quickly expandable?

Choosing the software provider

In order not to break the budget, the principle should be that only what is actually needed is paid. In addition, the budget should also take into account whether you want to build up your own IT know-how or whether you want to leave such competencies to the solution provider.

The question of dependency on third parties plays a particular role when the solution that has been chosen has to be adapted. As mentioned at the beginning, this is a continuous improvement process. But when there is a crunch between the company and the software partner, the process comes to a standstill. As part of the election for an MDE/BDE solution, it should therefore also be checked whether you also fit together on a human level.

Looking to the future

Anyone who finds the right MDE/BDE solution for their requirements not only benefits from data collection and analysis for optimized production. At the same time, the foundation is being laid for the further digitization of the company. This is another reason why it is important that an MDE/BDE solution is scalable and can grow with the requirements of Industry 4.0. This can only be achieved if the software provider also has development potential. With the right solution and the right partner, manufacturing companies are successfully setting the course on their way to becoming a smart factory.

Here you can download our seven points as a PDF!

This is how the MDE/BDE implementation is a success:

1. Analyze the current state and define it together with the target state in a specification sheet. Prioritize goals in the specifications.
2. Define responsibilities and responsibilities for the introduction of MDE/BDE.
3. Involve employees at an early stage to counteract reservations.
4. When choosing an MDE/BDE solution, pay attention to the following points:
   1. interoperability
   2. scalability
   3. flexibility
5. Consider the costs of building up your own IT skills in the budget.
6. When choosing a software partner, also pay attention to the following aspects:
   1. experience
   2. Development potential
   3. cooperation
7. Don't forget: The introduction of MDE/BDE software triggers a continuous improvement process and forms the basis for further digitization in the company.

Here you can download our seven points as a PDF!