April 16, 2025

Process optimization in production

The path to more efficient industrial processes

Lena in the engine room
Stagnation instead of progress — Many industrial companies have long been aware of the need to optimize their processes. But in addition to an acute shortage of skilled workers, unstructured data flows and internal coordination difficulties, there is often a lack of time, know-how or simply the budget to initiate fundamental changes.  

Despite the growing pressure, many companies are reluctant to integrate digital technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) - for fear of complex implementation, high investment costs or a lack of expertise
The latest Bitkom Manufacturing Report confirms this reluctance: 50% of the companies surveyed are currently still waiting to see how the use of AI will develop. 42% do not have the necessary expertise to integrate appropriate technologies into their processes in a meaningful way. At the same time, an equal number of companies see their economic situation as a threat to their very existence*

In many places, hesitation, uncertainty, and structural barriers are preventing the necessary progress. Companies that continue to delay digitization and process optimization risk being overtaken by more agile competitors - with serious consequences for market share and future viability.
Process optimization is no longer a nice-to-have - it is a strategic must-have.

In manufacturing, it means much more than just increasing efficiency: it is a critical lever for productivity, resource savings, quality assurance, and sustainable process design in production.

But how do companies move from theory to practice?
What methodological steps are required?
And how can artificial intelligence (AI) contribute to process-oriented improvements?

*Bitkom study 2025

What does process optimization mean in modern production?

Process optimization involves the systematic analysis and improvement of existing processes. The goal is to reduce lead times, eliminate waste, improve production quality, and make the best use of available resources.

Typical goals of process improvement in production include:

Productivity increase

Production capacities should be used more efficiently in order to achieve more output with the same use of resources. This includes both reducing downtime and increasing machine running times.

Cost reduction

Optimized processes help to reduce operating costs — whether through lower material consumption, lower personnel costs or better use of machines and systems.

Quality improvement

More stable processes ensure consistently high product quality. This also meets the requirements of audits and quality tests.

Reduction of lead time

Optimized processes lead to a reduction in production time, which enables a faster response to market requirements and improved delivery capacity.
Step by step to increase efficiency

Process optimization in production

1. Determine the status quo — based on data and in real time
The basis of any successful optimization is an accurate analysis of the current situation. Traditional methods such as value stream analysis, which visually depicts the flow of materials and information in a production process, provide important initial insights - but they are usually based on static or historical data. True visibility, however, comes from the continuous collection of real-time data that instantly identifies variances and bottlenecks, enabling data-driven decision making.

Here aiomatic plays a central role: Our Predict package makes it easy to identify patterns and anomalies that are hidden from the human eye. This provides a deep understanding of how machines are actually performing. As a result, companies can make informed decisions to reduce downtime, speed up processes and better utilize resources - without major changes or new IT infrastructure.

Another option is our Retrofit & Predict package with our partner KSB: Existing machines can be quickly and easily retrofitted with the latest sensors - regardless of manufacturer or year of manufacture. We automatically collect data on cycle times, downtimes, temperature curves and vibrations in real time.

2. Define goals — rely on data
With this visibility, measurable goals can be derived. These can include, for example, increasing production speed, reducing the scrap rate or reducing energy consumption. Clear objectives make it easier to measure success and focus on the most important areas of optimization.

In a customized Workshop we help you to clearly define your requirements and develop an individual strategy. Together, we will clarify the technical integration of our software into your existing infrastructure and prepare the implementation and project plan. This workshop lays the foundation for a clearly structured project process that ensures all objectives are met efficiently and on time. In addition, our intelligent Dashboard the basis for fact-based decisions and clear priorities for further process optimization.

3. Derive measures — targeted, scalable and future-oriented
Depending on the status quo and defined goals, concrete measures for process optimization are developed:
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Optimizing work processes

Identification of inefficient processes and targeted adjustments. This makes more efficient use of resources and increases throughput.
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Automation

Automated analyses of real-time data provide continuous condition monitoring of the machines.
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Using AI

AI analyses large amounts of production data to identify weaknesses in processes and to sustainably increase efficiency.
In addition to improving production processes, the solution also contributes to more efficient resource management. By accurately predicting maintenance needs and downtime, companies can deploy resources in a more targeted and efficient manner, reducing costs and making better use of existing capacity, while improving internal communication through intelligent process analysis.

With all relevant data available in real time, teams can make decisions faster and more transparently, leading to better collaboration across all departments. "Successful process optimization is based on a structured approach - from initial analysis to sustainable implementation.

Digital technologies such as those from aiomatic help to make each phase efficient and data-driven.
4. Implementation & performance measurement - continuously improve
All planned actions must be implemented incrementally. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) such as cycle time, scrap rate and energy consumption serve as indicators to measure the success of the optimizations and ensure the continuous improvement process. After the initial measures have been implemented, it is crucial to continuously monitor progress. aiomatic presents all relevant data in real time so that companies can react quickly to changes and make the necessary adjustments immediately. In this way, process optimization becomes a continuous improvement process not only in theory but also in practice - in daily operations, measurable and optimizable at any time.

The role of KPIs in process optimization and important examples

KPIs are an essential tool for measuring the success of process improvement efforts and ensuring that goals are being met. They provide companies with an objective basis for monitoring progress, identifying weaknesses and making the necessary adjustments.

Why KPIs are critical
Choosing the right KPIs helps companies focus their strategies and actions on the most important goals. In industrial manufacturing in particular, KPIs are essential for creating transparency in both production output and resource use. Without accurate metrics, it is difficult to evaluate the success of optimization efforts.

Cycle time

Measures the time from start of production to the finished product. Shorter turnaround times increase production capacity and improve responsiveness to market changes.

Plant availability (OEE)

Measures the efficiency and utilization of machines based on availability, performance and quality. A high OEE rate shows that systems are running smoothly. More about this here.

Rejection rate

Shows the percentage of defective products. Lowering improves quality and lowers costs — often a direct goal of optimization measures.

Energy consumption

High energy consumption burdens costs and the environment. Optimized processes reduce consumption — important for efficiency and sustainability.

Machine run time

Indicates how long machines do not have unplanned
Standstills are ongoing. A long running time stands for stable processes and effective use.

Productivity

Measures output in relation to input. Higher productivity means: more output with less use of resources — the central goal of any process optimization.

Benefits of process optimization in production

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Increase productivity in production:

Optimizations make better use of production capacities and make production more efficient.
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Quality improvement in production:

Identifying bottlenecks and weak points lowers the error rate, which results in consistent product quality.
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Reduction of lead time in production:

Optimized processes enable rapid adaptation to market requirements.
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Resource efficiency in production:

Optimized use of resources leads to a sustainable production approach.
Different approaches

What methods of process optimization are there?

Modern methods of process optimization

Data analysis: Optimizations are made by collecting and evaluating real-time data.
Automation: Machines and robots increase efficiency and precision.
Artificial intelligence (AI): AI analyses volumes of data in real time, recognizes patterns and makes predictions to optimize processes.

Traditional methods of process optimization:

Lean: Aims to reduce waste and maximize added value.
Six Sigma: Minimizes errors and variations through statistical analysis.
Kaizen: Focus on continuous improvement through small, regular adjustments.

Example of a practical application:

Canyon provides a successful example of the use of AI in process optimization. Canyon uses the aiomatic solution to optimize its maintenance processes. With our AI-based solution, machine performance is continuously monitored, sources of error are identified early, and maintenance is planned proactively.

In this way, Canyon not only increases the efficiency of its machines, but also optimizes internal processes and makes better use of resources. A particular advantage is the relief of the maintenance teams. The AI solution from aiomatic continuously monitors the machines, allowing specialists to focus on value-adding tasks instead of manual checks and maintenance planning. This intelligent process automation ensures better use of resources and significantly higher maintenance efficiency.
“The future in maintenance is difficult when the resource specialist is considered. But with aiomatic's AI-based solution, it looks much better again. The team can now focus on other activities while aiomatic monitors and provides early warning.”
Andreas Weber
Technical maintenance manager at Canyon

Conclusion: Process optimization in production

Today, optimizing manufacturing processes is more than an option - it is a necessity for companies that want to remain competitive in tomorrow's industries.

In a world characterized by rapid technological change, modern technologies, and in particular artificial intelligence (AI), offer the opportunity not only to make production processes more efficient, but also to significantly improve quality while reducing costs. The introduction of AI into the manufacturing landscape is changing not only the way companies operate, but also the entire value chain. The Canyon example shows how AI-based solutions such as aiomatic's predictive maintenance software not only improve machine performance and resource utilization, but also optimize internal processes and maintenance procedures.

For companies that have not yet embarked on this journey, there is no better time than now to start optimizing processes. By integrating AI-driven solutions, you can immediately reap the benefits of digitalization without making costly and complex changes to your entire infrastructure.

The future of process optimization

The future of process optimization lies in the seamless integration of digital solutions that eliminate the separation between man and machine and take efficiency to a whole new level. Artificial intelligence will play a central role. It does not only processes real-time data, but also recognizes patterns and makes accurate predictions. As a result, companies will be able to make more informed decisions and improve the efficiency of their planning processes.

From resource utilization to communication, these technologies optimize machines and improve the overall operation.
Robots monitor tomorrow's machines
The path to Industry 4.0 requires continuous development and adaptation. Companies that invest in AI and digitalization today will secure competitive advantages for the future and create the basis for sustainable, successful and flexible production. Only those who are prepared to take the next step towards digital transformation will be able to survive in an increasingly globalized and technology-driven market.

aiomatic is at your partner and offers you a holistic solution for process optimization. Together we can shape the future of your production: more efficient, more flexible and more future-proof.

Contact us today and let us work together towards an intelligent, resource-saving and competitive future.
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