In the ever-evolving energy sector, the need for adaptable, future-proof factory buildings has become paramount. A recent study published in the ‘Proceedings of the Conference on Production Systems and Logistics’ (Konferenzschrift in German) offers a compelling solution to this challenge. Led by Christian Kaucher, the research introduces a software-based approach to scenario creation and evaluation, enabling manufacturers to design buildings that can accommodate multiple generations of production systems.
The study highlights the necessity for factory buildings to be both universal and adaptable, given their long service life. “Buildings must be future-proof,” Kaucher asserts, “to anticipate potential future requirements and decide which to fulfill.” This is where the scenario technique, a method from the foresight research field, comes into play. However, the extensive calculations involved make software support not just beneficial but mandatory.
Kaucher and his team have developed a planning method and a corresponding software tool prototype to address this need. The tool was put to the test in a case study involving the planning of a battery cell production facility. The results were promising, demonstrating that the method, combined with the tool, effectively supports the planning of future-proof factory buildings.
The implications for the energy sector are significant. As the demand for battery cells continues to grow, driven by the rise of electric vehicles and renewable energy storage, the ability to adapt production facilities quickly and efficiently becomes a competitive advantage. “This tool can prolong the service life of factory buildings by facilitating easy adaptations of the production systems within,” Kaucher explains.
The research also opens up broader possibilities for the industrial construction sector. By enabling manufacturers to anticipate and plan for future changes, the tool can reduce downtime, minimize costs, and enhance overall productivity. It’s a step towards a more resilient and adaptable industrial landscape, one that can keep pace with the rapid advancements in technology and the evolving demands of the market.
In the words of Kaucher, “This is not just about building for today, but about building for tomorrow.” And in the fast-paced world of energy and manufacturing, that’s a capability worth its weight in gold.