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Enhancing Field Service with AI-Driven Knowledge Transfer - An Interview with Sina Volkmann of FindIQ

Episode Description:

In this episode of the DigitalituM Podcast - At the Intersection of Manufacturing and Digital Transformation, host Markus Rimmele talks with Sina Volkmann, Co-Founder and CEO of FindIQ, a German startup revolutionizing the way knowledge is shared in field service and maintenance. FindIQ’s innovative solution provides "a service expert in the pocket," ensuring field workers have instant access to critical machine knowledge and troubleshooting guidance, even when senior experts aren’t available.

Key Discussion Points:

1. Origins of FindIQ:
   • Sina shares her journey from working in the machinery industry to co-founding FindIQ.
   • The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on service delivery inspired FindIQ’s vision to bridge knowledge gaps when experts cannot be on-site.
2. Problem Statement:
   • Manufacturing downtime spiked due to limited technician availability.
   • Traditional knowledge management methods, such as paper manuals, lack efficiency in modern production environments.
3. Solution Overview:
   • FindIQ’s application is a mobile troubleshooting assistant and is accessible on smartphones, tablets, and PCs.
   • Built to be hardware-independent, the app guides users through troubleshooting by asking targeted questions based on symptoms and observations.
4. Key Features of FindIQ:
   • Service Expert in the Pocket: Real-time troubleshooting assistance replicating experienced technicians' know-how.
   • AI-Driven Knowledge Transfer: Structured, probabilistic approach to diagnosing and solving complex machinery issues.
   • Self-Learning System: Knowledge grows as technicians add new symptoms and root causes, ensuring the solution stays current and effective.
5. Customer Success and Real-World Application:
   • FindIQ has a diverse customer base, including machine builders and global production companies like Siemens.
   • The system improves efficiency by allowing operators to handle common issues independently while expert technicians focus on more complex challenges.
6. Future Outlook:
   • Sina discusses how technology is reshaping service and maintenance.
   • Emphasis on aligning people, processes, and technology to leverage digitalization in manufacturing fully.
7. Getting Started with FindIQ:
   • FindIQ offers a trial phase for companies to experience the solution's capabilities.
   • Interested North American companies can contact DigitalituM, FindIQ’s partner, for demos and support.

Contact Information:

• FindIQ Website: findIQ.de
• DigitalituM for North America: DigitalituM.com
• LinkedIn Sina Volkmann
• LinkedIn Markus Rimmele

This episode provides actionable insights into using AI to streamline field service and reduce downtime, making it essential listening for anyone in manufacturing and digital transformation. Tune in to understand how FindIQ’s AI-driven knowledge management system could help your team achieve greater efficiency and operational resilience.

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Discover the captivating journey of Julian Helmle, co-founder of CMC Engineers, as he takes us from the prestigious halls of Porsche and Mercedes-Benz to the cutting-edge realm of virtual reality in manufacturing. Julian's passion for VR is palpable as he recounts his mission to democratize this revolutionary technology, making it accessible and affordable for industrial projects. We promise you'll walk away with insights into how VR not only enhances design and manufacturing processes but also transforms marketing and sales strategies through immersive experiences.

Explore the transformative power of virtual reality in product development, breaking down communication barriers and accelerating decision-making across all stages from design to sales. Julian shares compelling examples, like the impact of VR on the excavator industry, illustrating how this technology streamlines prototyping, reduces modifications, and speeds up production timelines. Delve into the potential of VR to foster superior products and better outcomes, as we discuss its invaluable role in engaging stakeholders through realistic simulations and customized configurations.

Finally, look ahead with us as we envision the future of CMC Engineers and their ambition to become leaders in the 3D visualization and simulation space. Julian's unwavering belief in Unity 3D technology fuels a vision where interactive presentations and integrated 3D data become standard in product development. Join us for a glimpse into this exciting future, where innovation meets practicality, and experience firsthand the advancements in 3D and virtual reality that are set to revolutionize the machinery and plant engineering industries.

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Summary

In this episode of the #DigitalituMPodcast, Markus Rimmele interviews Lukas Dieterle, CEO of ERO Fuehrungen, about the company's history, its expansion into the US market, and the importance of digital transformation in manufacturing. They discuss the challenges and opportunities presented by the US market, insights from the IMTS 2024 trade show, and the role of AI and data in modern manufacturing processes.

Links:
ERO Fuehrungen Germany: https://ero-fuehrungen.de/en/

Authorized US distributor: Mark Eferdinger with Tailor3D https://www.tailor3d.us/category/all-products



Takeaways

Eroführung specializes in linear technology and customized solutions.
The US market presents unique challenges and opportunities for Eroführung.
Good service and understanding of local markets are crucial for success.
Digitalization is transforming manufacturing processes significantly.
AI and robotics are becoming essential in addressing labor shortages.
Communication and change management are key in digital transformation.
Manufacturing offers diverse opportunities that are often overlooked by youth.
Customized solutions require a deep understanding of client needs.
Trade shows like IMTS provide valuable insights into industry trends.
The future of manufacturing will balance technology and human interaction.


Sound Bites

"We want to talk a little bit about you."
"The US market is very interesting in manufacturing."
"We have to automate."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Eroführung and Its Products
02:56 Market Expansion and Entry into the US
05:57 Challenges and Strategies in the US Market
09:11 Insights from IMTS 2024
12:07 The Role of Robotics and Automation
14:51 Digitalization in Manufacturing
20:02 Navigating Change Management in Digital Transformation
23:47 The Future of AI and Human Interaction

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Summary

In this conversation, Markus Rimmele discusses digitalization tools in manufacturing, specifically focusing on immersive technology such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) in a Webinar with FENG . The Financial Executives Networking Group #FENG is a 501(c)(3), founded in 1991 as a forum for senior financial executives to share job opportunities and experiences. Members have held titles such as Chief Financial Officer, Controller, Treasurer, Managing Director, Vice President of Tax, Mergers & Acquisitions, or Internal Audit.
Website: https://www.thefeng.org/

He highlights the challenges faced in manufacturing, such as labor shortages and skills gaps, and the need for digital tools to improve efficiency and competitiveness. Markus showcases various use cases of immersive technology, including support in field service, visualization of complex machinery, technical training, and the manual assembly process. He also mentions the future possibilities of better hardware, IoT connectivity, and digital twins.

Takeaways

Digitalization tools in manufacturing, such as immersive technology, can improve efficiency and competitiveness.
Immersive technology, including augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), has various use cases in manufacturing, such as support in field service, visualization of complex machinery, technical training, and the process of manual assembly.
Immersive technology can provide real-time guidance and enhance the learning experience for operators.
Digitalization tools can help address challenges in manufacturing, such as labor shortages, skills gaps, and inefficient processes.
Future developments in immersive technology include better hardware, IoT connectivity, and digital twins.
Small and medium manufacturers can benefit from the expertise of external consultants to navigate the digitalization journey.

Sound Bites

"Unplanned downtime is the most expensive cost in manufacturing."
"Get the information you need at the location you are to fix or use the problem you're having."
"Guide operators step-by-step with virtual reality training for higher retention and efficiency."

Sound Bites

"Unplanned downtime is the most expensive cost in manufacturing."
"Get the information you need at the location you are to fix or use the problem you're having."
"Guide operators step-by-step with virtual reality training for higher retention and efficiency."

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If you feel you can add value to this podcast series and want to be our guest, send an email to Sales@DigitalituM.com

Send us a text

Summary

Martin Plutz, Managing Director and Founder of Oculavis shares his journey of starting the company and the inspiration behind focusing on visual support software for the manufacturing industry. He discusses the features and benefits of Oculavis, including visual support with augmented reality, a ticketing system, asset management, and automatic service reports. Plutz explains how Oculavis helps improve process efficiency, address the lack of skilled workers, and create new revenue streams for manufacturers. He also shares success stories of how Oculavis has helped clients in the industry. Oculavis is a software tool that enhances field service and maintenance operations in the manufacturing industry. It provides step-by-step instructions, real-time video support, and ticketing systems to improve efficiency and accuracy. Companies like Trump and Liebherr use the tool to support their clients and offer equipment as a service. However, adopting new software tools can be challenging, requiring change management and buy-in from leaders. Oculavis addresses this by offering a white-label option, allowing companies to customize the tool with their branding. The future of immersive technology in manufacturing is uncertain, with mixed reality headsets like Apple Vision Pro not being widely adopted due to maintenance and usability issues. Instead, the focus is on leveraging IoT and predictive maintenance to empower operators and improve transparency. Oculavis is constantly evolving, with regular updates and new features being developed, including AI integration and chatbots. Oculavis collaborates with universities and research organizations to attract young talent, emphasizing the importance of following one's passion.

Takeaways

Oculavis provides visual support software for the manufacturing industry, offering features such as augmented reality, ticketing systems, asset management, and automatic service reports.
The software improves process efficiency, reduces service costs, and enables the creation of digital business models in after-sales service.
Oculavis helps address the lack of skilled workers by centralizing knowledge and supporting field service technicians.
Success stories include Trumpf Laser Machines, a German manufacturer of laser machines, who achieved global success with Oculavis.
The future of immersive technology in manufacturing is uncertain, with mixed-reality headsets facing maintenance and usability issues.
The focus is leveraging IoT and predictive maintenance to empower operators and improve transparency.


Sound Bites

"It's a video support functionality, first of all, with augmented reality overlay."
"When you do a visual support call, it generates an automatic service report with all the important things."
"You must structure these processes professionally and offer different service levels."
"They are not only using it in health desk or product support operations but also in their equipment as a service team or department."

LINKS:

Digitalitum Website: https://digitalitum.com/
DigitalituM LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/digitalitum/
Markus's LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markusrimmele/

Martin Pluetz LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martinplutz/
Oculavis website:

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Summary

In this episode, Markus Rimmele interviews Dr. Thomas Schüler, CEO of Halocline, about the intersection of manufacturing and digital transformation. They discuss the manufacturing industry's challenges and how digital tools like AR, VR, IoT, and AI can address them. Dr. Schüler shares his background in virtual reality technology and how it can be applied to various industries. He explains how Halocline empowers practical experts in the manufacturing industry to plan and design work environments using virtual reality. The software allows users to sketch and test work environments easily, import objects CAD models, and analyze processes for optimization. Halocline's technology allows for the simulation and optimization of weight and ergonomics in virtual reality (VR) environments. It can analyze the placement and movement of objects in assembly processes to ensure ergonomic standards are met. VR also enables the analysis of human posture and movement, providing insights into optimal working conditions. Halocline has been used in various industries, including medical equipment production and automotive manufacturing, to improve shop floor planning and efficiency. The software has helped companies save time and costs by streamlining the planning process and enabling virtual collaboration. The future of immersive technology in engineering applications looks promising, with advancements in standalone headsets and extended reality features.

Halocline Youtube links:
Halocline Youtube Channel
Halocline in 1 minute
Halocline Sanner Medical Item Part 1
Halocline Sanner Medical Item Part 2

Takeaways

Virtual reality technology can solve shop floor planning problems in the manufacturing industry.
Halocline empowers practical experts to design safe and efficient work environments using their 3D editor.
Halocline offers ergonomic analytics to optimize worker movements and reduce waste. Halocline's software uses virtual reality technology to optimize shop floor planning and improve efficiency.
The software analyzes object positioning and human postures to enhance ergonomics.
Collaboration and feedback from different stakeholders, including workers on the shop floor, are facilitated.

Sound Bites
"We empower the practical experts to be creative, plan their work environments, and plan how to build things safely and efficiently."
"This is something that we can do with virtual reality. And if people invest so much time and effort into this, this is an interesting market to scale."
"You start with an empty hall where you define what the length, the width, the height is, and that creates a three-dimensional room."
"We can analyze the human posture and calculate ergonomics in a virtual environment."
"Different workers have different ergonomic needs, and virtual reality allows for testing with various body types."


LINKS:

Dr. Thomas Schueler LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tschuele/
Halocline website: https://halocline.io/

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DigitalituM Podcast Episode 3 - Marek with Aidar Solutions- Technical Training in VR

Marek Carbon, co-founder of AIDAR Solution, discusses their VR and AR training solutions for manufacturing. IDAR Skills is a no-code editor for VR training, allowing customers to create and customize their own VR training programs. IDAR Service is an augmented reality application that provides step-by-step machine maintenance and repair instructions. The solutions are hardware-agnostic and compatible with various VR and AR devices. They also offer remote support and IoT integration. The goal is to bridge the skills gap in the industry and provide efficient and effective training solutions. The biggest challenges during the implementation phase of the IDAR and IDA solutions include teaching people how to use augmented reality, the lack of standards in AR/VR, and the difficulty of creating interactive 3D models. Implementing the technology's cost and scalability concerns can be addressed by using the IDA service for step-by-step tutorials and starting with more straightforward AR solutions before moving to more complex VR training. The future of immersive technology lies in integrating AI, such as using AI to generate 3D models and analyze user movements for ergonomic analytics. The lack of Wi-Fi connectivity hinders the potential of IoT in the field, but advancements in satellite internet and improved security measures can overcome this challenge. Some use cases of the IDAR solution include training employees at Daimler's new plant, remote support during the COVID-19 pandemic, and training dentists on 3D scanners. Implementing immersive technology is recommended now, as the hardware and software systems are mature and capable.

Sound Bites

80% of the people who got the VR training were able to execute the procedures directly on the patient with very little assistance from experts, and no one was able to execute the procedure from the PDF, just from reading."

"You have an integrated video inside of the tutorial. And this is, you know like the cheapest or more with, you know, like every phone, not all of them, two or three years can support this kind of stuff."

"You're also independent, as you mentioned, from a timeline, you can simulate faults. And you do not have to wait until that specific situation appears."

"What are the biggest challenges you face during the implementation phase of either solution?"

"It is a challenge to teach people how to interact with this kind of device."

"The ROI is not there. How do you challenge your potential clients that this is a good solution?"

SHOW NOTES and LINKS:

Digitalitum Website: https://digitalitum.com/

DigitalituM LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/digitalitum/

Markus's LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markusrimmele/

Marek Carbon LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marekczarzbon/
Aidar Solutions website: https://aidarsolutions.com/

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Manufacturing has its challenges! Digital Transformation has its challenges!

Welcome to the DigitalituM Podcast, where we delve into the intersection of manufacturing and digital transformation.

Summary
In this episode, Markus Rimmele interviews Thomas Paquin Lamontage, the founder and CEO of VISAO. This software company visualizes complex 3D CAD models through web and augmented reality. Thomas discusses how VISAO addresses the challenges of showcasing and demonstrating complex equipment and machinery, especially in sales and marketing. He explains how their web-based 3D engine allows for easy access and deployment of 3D models without additional software installations. Thomas also highlights the importance of security and IP protection in their platform and shares success stories of how VISAO has significantly impacted their clients' businesses.

Takeaways
VISAO specializes in visualizing complex 3D CAD models through web and augmented reality.

• Their web-based 3D engine allows for easy access and deployment of 3D models without additional software installations.
• VISAO addresses the challenges of showcasing and demonstrating complex equipment and machinery, especially in sales and marketing.
• Security and IP protection are important considerations in their platform.
• VISAO has had success in helping clients improve their sales, marketing, and training processes.

SHOW NOTES and LINKS:

Digitalitum Website: https://digitalitum.com/

DigitalituM LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/digitalitum/

Markus's LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markusrimmele/

Thomas LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomaspaquinlamontagne/
Visao website: https://visao.ca/

Product demonstration:

- Maschinex Production Cell : https://demo.visao.ca/viewer/OmVyZSvpTMeQjf0asXJcuw
- Instruction video on how to: https://youtu.be/UJwD8geQ_9Q?si=XriEdjFlc1NvkUDq
- Integration of Visao viewer into the website: https://www.simardsuspensions.com/en/products/front-suspension/ams40t2/
https://www.creaform3d.com/en/portable-3d-scanner-handyscan-3d

- Machitech Automation - model with Animation: https://demo.visao.ca/viewer/TPZe4IirRM27i7ojXHM6Xw
https://demo.visao.ca/viewer/NWmuyTmWTzG53ZL5CXweMA

We appreciate your likes and comments.
If you feel you can add value to this podcast series and want to be our guest, send an email to Sales@DigitalituM.com

We appreciate your likes and comments.
If you feel you can add value to this podcast series and want to be our guest, send an email to Sales@DigitalituM.com