Relocate Production Smartly – First Digitally, Then Physically

Digital tools provide a competitive edge when relocating production

Factors such as labour and raw material costs, proximity to growing markets, and trade conditions – including tariffs and export restrictions – can all influence the decision to move production away from its current location.

At times, the need for change can arise unexpectedly. Geopolitical risks or sudden regulatory shifts may create situations where a business must respond quickly and prepare to relocate operations within just a few weeks. In this article, we explain how highly accurate, visual digital twins based on laser scanning can provide confidence and competitive advantage in such situations.

See What You’re Moving – Laser Scanning as the Foundation for Relocation

Relocating production is not merely a logistical exercise – it is fundamentally about redesigning physical processes within a new environment. To ensure an efficient move, it is essential to have a precise understanding of the positioning, dimensions, and operational connections of existing machinery, equipment, and production lines.

Laser scanning makes it possible to create a cost-effective, highly accurate 3D model of any production facility. Comprising point clouds, surface models, and 360-degree panoramic images, the scanned data contains a wealth of valuable information from every location the scanner has captured.

Laser scanning enables you to:

• Record detailed information about the current production environment before any changes are made
• Design layouts and assess various scenarios for the new space
• Account for accessibility, travel paths, and machinery dimensions
• Anticipate safety and ergonomic considerations already at the design stage

Reality Twin Brings Production Relocation Under Virtual Control

With Reality Twin, laser scanning data truly comes to life. It allows users to explore, plan, and present the production environment intuitively and visually, anytime and anywhere.

Reality Twin enables you to:

• Manage and share all 3D data from a single platform
• Plan production layout scenarios realistically and with precision
• Document the current state and compare alternative plans
• Visualise the progress of changes step by step for different stakeholders
• Train personnel in a virtual environment before the physical relocation begins

Reality Twin serves as a digital interface to your physical production space. You can simulate both temporary and permanent modifications to the layout in advance – before a single machine is moved.

Reality Twin’s Design Tools are Suitable for Layout and Shutdown Planning

A Digital Head Start for Production Relocation

Relocating production is a complex process that requires accuracy and foresight. Laser scanning and Reality Twin equip businesses to manage this transition with confidence. By simulating changes before physical implementation, companies can minimise risks, save time and costs, and achieve a higher quality outcome.

Through digitalisation, the challenge of relocating production transforms from a cumbersome construction project into an agile, well-planned, and transparent process – digitally first, then physically.

Read more about managing changes in production environments: Reality Twin as a Tool for Successful Planned Maintenance

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