Design Automation Würth develops screw configurator

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Adolf Würth has been leveraging Driveworks software for CAD automation for some time. Recently, with the support of Bechtle PLM Germany, the company aims to further enhance its capabilities by developing an automated screw and product configurator. This initiative is set to streamline the design process and improve efficiency in product customization

The Adolf Würth GmbH & Co. KG from Künzelsau, Germany, is a worldwide leading provider of fastening and assembly materials. To increase its competitiveness, manage its product variants efficiently, and offer its customers individual service in the future, Würth was looking for a solution and a competent partner who had the necessary know-how and experience to implement the pilot project of a screw configurator.

The choice fell on the automation and product configuration software Driveworks and Bechtle PLM Germany GmbH, which has specialized in consulting, training and support of customers in the field of Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) for over 20 years. "We had the vision of building a screw configurator. It quickly became clear that there was a solution from Bechtle PLM, with whom we have been working for a long time," explains Amelie Kleinknecht from the "Driveworks" project team at Würth. Driveworks is being tested in the Reinhold Würth Innovation Center Curio. Bechtle PLM supported Würth in the analysis of requirements, the conception of the solution, the installation and configuration of Driveworks, the training of the employees and the ongoing support.

Driveworks pilot project in the Innovation Center

Würth has set its sights on offering customized solutions that support individual requirements and configurations. To achieve this goal, the pilot project was established, the software solution Driveworks was implemented and tested for use. "In ongoing operations, you need to think carefully about how and when to implement such a change. Therefore, the pilot project Driveworks initially took place in the R&D environment. This enables us to gain the necessary acceptance, and then to open up further product areas with it. These are broadly diversified at Würth - from system cases to screws, hand tools to power tools," explains Benjamin Ascher, Head of Fastening Technology Product Development at Würth, about the step-by-step approach.

The Driveworks pilot project is located in the Innovation Center and is based at the company headquarters. The first successes were evident after just one month of testing. "Driveworks simplifies model creation and automates it," says Ascher.

CAD models as the basis for configuration

The first step was to digitally map the range of screws in the fastening technology sector. To do this, the Bechtle subsidiary developed a screw and product configurator that enables Würth to quickly and easily create and customize different types and sizes of screws.

The configurator is accessible via a web interface and allows screws to be configured according to individual wishes. Existing CAD models and drawings serve as a basis for configuration and are a valuable support, also in the development of new products. "For simple illustration, there are for example five different diameters per screw type and 20 different lengths for a screw model x. That's already a total of 100 models. CAD data should be available for each individual configuration," reports project employee Amelie Kleinknecht.

The initial focus is on internal processes

"It would be technically quite possible to roll out the configurator for Würth customers via the company website," says Thomas Wiesmann, project manager and solution consultant at Bechtle PLM. However, the focus is currently on the internal application of Driveworks. But the software's greatest advantage is to speed up and automate internal company processes. This is particularly useful in the areas of research and development, design and product management.

The benefits that Würth has achieved with Driveworks in a short time are remarkable:

• Reduced design time and costs through the automation of routine tasks and the avoidance of errors.

• Increased customer satisfaction and loyalty by providing quick, and precise quotes that exactly reflect customer wishes.

• Increased competitiveness and higher revenue through the expansion of the product portfolio and the opening up of new markets.

• Improved internal efficiency and collaboration by integrating Driveworks with other systems such as ERP, CRM, and PDM.

"Würth is an example of a company that optimizes its business processes with Driveworks and thus will strengthen its market position," Thomas Wiesmann continues. "With the support of Bechtle PLM, Würth has gained the knowledge and competence to successfully use Driveworks' automation solution and manage Würth's product variants. With Driveworks, Würth remains future-strong and can also offer its customers added value in the future," Wiesmann is pleased.