Not ready for industry 4.0: Usability of CAx systems

Abstract

A key issue of leading industrial countries concerns the efficiency and flexibility of automated product manufacturing processes. Existing CAx systems do not fit to the requirements of Industry 4.0. This study investigates usability problems of CAx systems and factors impacting the system and GUI design. Based on expert workshops with industrial partners (software suppliers, manufacturing firms), typical use cases of the manufacturing planning process were identified and analyzed. The results indicate a strong need for standardization activities, for re-thinking the GUI design of CAx systems, and for guidelines that support the harmonization of systems. For this purpose, further research is needed as well as a close collaboration of competing software suppliers, e.g., in standardization committees.