Audi running on full digital assembly planning

Audi in Germany has completed roll out of its digital, simulation-based vehicle assembly process planning project for its Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm plants. Based on Delmia Process Engineer software, from Dassault Systemes, the system has already enabled a new approach to design, organisation and content. There are now more than 100 Process Engineer seats across multiple departments in Audi, and the company says it plans to implement more of the Delmia manufacturing engineering suite as part of its strategy to link product development with process planning. “Audi required a digital factory in which each step of the production process can be fully simulated to further improve the planning of assembly processes and the quality of our cars,” says Ingo Chladek, virtual assembly project manager at Audi. It’s all part of the drive for virtual digital product and manufacturing validation before physical cars. Audi is currently discussing extending the software to additional manufacturing areas, including the paint shop.