Dexcom is an emerging medical technology leader headquartered in San Diego, California, specializing in the development and production of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems. These devices are essential in helping patients monitor their glucose levels in real-time, offering a less invasive alternative to traditional blood glucose meters.
Dexcom’s latest device, the Dexcom G7, allows users to effortlessly track their glucose levels, helping them make smarter decisions about food and activity in the moment to take better control of their diabetes. With the launch of this new device, Dexcom continues to push the boundaries of innovation, ensuring smaller, more effective, and user-friendly products.
Challenges in scaling operations
Faced with increasing demand for its CGM devices, Dexcom needed to scale its operations without compromising efficiency, safety, or cost-effectiveness. It was also crucial to maintain a focus on customer experience to ensure broader accessibility while continually improving the product.
To overcome these challenges, Dexcom adopted Siemens’ Plant Simulation technology. As Mohamed Elsayed, Industrial Engineering Manager – Modeling & Simulation at Dexcom, explains:
“We’re making Plant Simulation part of Dexcom’s DNA. It supports our decision-making process, allowing us to continuously advance our product while optimizing operations and boosting productivity at a lower cost.”
Simulation driving productivity and innovation
Dexcom implemented Plant Simulation to digitally replicate its factory sites and optimize production processes. This technology enables them to model, analyze, and optimize their operations in a virtual environment before making physical changes, resulting in enhanced safety, increased productivity, and better resource utilization, ultimately reducing costs and increasing product accessibility.
Notable use cases of Plant Simulation at Dexcom
Enhancing production line efficiency Dexcom used Plant Simulation to optimize production lines, modeling different scenarios and workflows. This allowed them to identify bottlenecks and allocate resources efficiently, increasing production throughput and ensuring smooth transitions when introducing new products.
Improving facility layout and safety The company used simulation to improve safety and layout configurations, including parking lots. By modeling various scenarios, they optimized traffic flows and minimized congestion, improving safety and employee convenience.
Designing new manufacturing sites As Dexcom expands globally, they use Plant Simulation to design new manufacturing sites before construction begins. The software helps model emergency scenarios, like fire drills, ensuring safe and efficient evacuation routes and compliance with safety regulations.
The future of simulation at Dexcom
Looking ahead, Dexcom plans to democratize factory simulation, making it accessible to more employees, including those on the shop floor. The goal is to integrate this technology into everyday decision-making, enabling real-time adjustments based on resource availability and production demands.
By leveraging Siemens Plant Simulation, Dexcom has embedded a culture of continuous improvement and innovation in its operations. This technology not only optimizes processes but also supports Dexcom’s mission to improve the lives of people with diabetes worldwide.
Manufacturers: Still Doubting Automation In today’s manufacturing sectors, companies continually face various pressing challenges. Labor shortages and rising labor costs require innovative solutions to maintain productivity with fewer workers.
Additionally, relentless inflation continues to put pressure on raw material costs, thus reducing margins. Manufacturers are also competing against tight production deadlines, driven by the imperative for shorter time-to-market, a direct consequence of increasing global competition.
To overcome these widespread issues, many executives and factory managers are turning to automation and metrology solutions. However, they seek to leverage these technologies even further to maximize their investments. So, what are the possible next steps?
This article provides insights on how manufacturing companies can harness the potential of 3D scanners in automated environments. It also offers guidance for adopting approaches that balance initial technology investments with future scalability toward full automation.
Despite widespread recognition of automation as an indispensable factor in modern manufacturing, manufacturers are still hesitant to fully adopt automated production lines. This reluctance is rooted in organizational culture and operational considerations.
The Perception of Automation is Too Complex For many manufacturers, the perceived complexity of automation acts as a deterrent. The notion that automation requires a radical overhaul of existing processes and equipment fosters fear of the unknown. There is a prevailing concern that introducing sophisticated systems like robots and cobots will lead to job losses and a significant learning curve for employees.
Psychological resistance to change is further exacerbated by the misconception that automation is an all-or-nothing proposition rather than a scalable process that can be integrated gradually and managed with familiar tools.
Lack of Internal Expertise Another barrier to automation is the apparent lack of internal expertise. Small and medium-sized manufacturers, in particular, may not have the resources to maintain a dedicated IT department capable of implementing and maintaining advanced automation systems. They may assume that without specialists to guide the automation process, the chances of successful implementation decrease, preventing them from taking initial steps, despite the availability of more user-friendly automation tools.
Misconceptions About Cost Implications A misunderstanding of the costs involved amplifies doubts about automation. Manufacturers tend to focus on the immediate financial outlay while overlooking or underestimating the potential return on investment, which includes long-term savings and efficiency gains. This narrow view of finances obscures the true value of automation and its ability to optimize operations and reduce costs over time.
The Integration of 3D Scanners as the First Controlled Step Toward Automation 3D metrology-grade measurement solutions stand out for their versatility. They can be used at various stages of the manufacturing process, including product design and development, quality control and assurance, reverse engineering, and directly on production lines.
The Role of 3D Scanning in Bridging the Gap in Automated Manufacturing During the preliminary phase, 3D scanners help create accurate and detailed design models, laying the foundation for quality. As products move through the manufacturing cycle, 3D scanners can be used for evaluations and quality control on the fly, transitioning easily from manual and practical operations to semi-automated processes.
This adaptability offers manufacturers a tangible starting point for automation, allowing them to begin gradually and progress without the need for a complete overhaul of automation.
For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), where each investment has even more weight in terms of return, 3D scanning technologies can be a cost-effective solution for taking a step toward automation without immediately adopting a fully automated system. This enables SMEs to gradually increase their automation capabilities along with their growth and financial comfort level. By implementing 3D scanning, these companies can harness the benefits of automation, such as greater precision and speed in production, without the large-scale investment that larger, more complex robotic systems would require.
The Inherent Scalability of 3D Scanning Technology Perhaps the most compelling argument for incorporating 3D scanning technology is its inherent scalability. It’s a future-ready investment that supports a company’s growth trajectory. As businesses evolve and market demands change, 3D scanning systems can scale to meet increased production needs or extend capabilities to new product lines.
In Summary: 3D Scanners Assist in the Transition Toward Automation For manufacturers facing the pressures of modern markets, starting with a versatile and upgradable 3D scanning solution provides a strategic path forward.
By selecting the right 3D measurement technology and implementation approach, companies can enhance their product development and quality control processes, improve efficiency, mitigate upfront costs, and lay the foundation for future automation.
A strategic investment in 3D scanning not only addresses current manufacturers’ needs but also sets the stage for progressive growth, ensuring they can adapt and thrive with emerging automation technologies.
Choosing the Right 3D Scanner When selecting 3D scanning equipment, it is important to consider key factors to ensure the solution chosen can meet your company’s needs both now and in the future. These factors include:
Scalability: It’s best to choose technology that offers both portable and automatable options. This allows for an initial investment in portable devices that can be expanded into automated systems as needs evolve and budgets permit.
Versatility: The technology should handle complex geometries and various materials without requiring extensive preparation, making it suitable for a wide range of applications and ensuring its long-term usefulness.
Speed and Precision: These are essential to maintain productivity and quality. The chosen technology should provide fast data acquisition and high precision to meet strict tolerances and quality standards.
Software Compatibility: It’s essential to seek solutions that work seamlessly with external simulation and metrology software, allowing for efficient data transfer and use throughout the manufacturing process.
Provider Expertise: When selecting a 3D scanning manufacturer, it’s important to choose one with extensive knowledge of both hardware and software. This ensures access to optimized support when addressing the most challenging production workflows. Additionally, you should inquire whether the provider has previously worked on automation projects with their 3D scanners or if they offer dedicated 3D measurement solutions for automated processes, such as quality control. It’s also worth checking if the provider offers integration services for their technologies in production environments.
Siemens Digital Industries Software and Oracle Red Bull Racing Celebrate 20 Years of Innovation in Formula 1™
Siemens Digital Industries Software is celebrating two decades of partnership with Oracle Red Bull Racing, marking one of the longest and most successful technical collaborations in Formula 1 today.
Christian Horner, CEO and Team Principal, emphasized the importance of this collaboration: “With Siemens, we have a digital backbone that enables us to turn ideas into reality faster than ever. Their tools give our engineers the freedom to innovate, adapt, and stay agile, which in Formula 1 can be the difference between winning and losing. It’s a partnership that continues to push us to new heights each season.”
Since 2004, Oracle Red Bull Racing has built its engineering infrastructure on the Siemens Xcelerator software portfolio. Since then, the team has effectively managed logistical challenges, increasing design complexity, and the growing number of parts and thousands of engineering changes each year, all while improving manufacturing repeatability.
Today, Red Bull Racing relies on Siemens Xcelerator and the world’s most comprehensive digital twin technology to thrive under the immense pressure of the Formula 1 racing season, designing, refining, and manufacturing cars while continuing to drive the team’s success on the track.
Ben Sheath, Vice President and General Manager of Siemens Digital Industries Software in the UK and Ireland, said: “Working with Red Bull Racing from day one has been an incredible journey, both personally and professionally. I started as an engineer at Siemens, supporting their vision, and 20 years later, I’m proud to see how our collaboration has helped fuel their success. Seeing Red Bull Racing become a powerhouse in Formula 1, knowing Siemens technology has been a key part of that, fills me with immense pride. It’s a partnership built on pushing boundaries, and I’m thrilled to have been a part of it every step of the way.”
Siemens Xcelerator has enabled the team to digitally transform their processes, from reinventing the speed at which engineering changes can be executed and managed, to adopting the latest product engineering technology that allows for rapid part design, composite part development, and harness engineering.
The team is continually designing, manufacturing, and even additively producing parts at their technical center and on the track. When combined with the team’s focus on measurable performance and data-driven guidance for progressive improvements based on real-time actionable information, Siemens Xcelerator supports the team’s leadership in engineering, manufacturing, and ongoing success.
Key Facts: Siemens Digital Industries Software and Oracle Red Bull Racing Technical Partnership
Digital Twin Technology: Oracle Red Bull Racing relies on Siemens’ comprehensive digital twin technology, enabled by Siemens Xcelerator, to design, test, validate, and manufacture championship-winning cars at the incredible speed demanded by Formula 1.
Design Efficiency: The team has seen a 300% improvement in the cycle time of part designs using Siemens NX™ for product engineering. The software’s complex shape modeling capabilities have also made aerodynamic design 1,000% faster per iteration.
Managing Complex Parts: With around 10,000 unique parts per car, the team uses Teamcenter® software to manage specific car configurations required for each track around the world, reducing design approval times from weeks to hours.
Generative Design: The team reduced design time from two weeks to two days by utilizing generative design capabilities in NX to create optimized designs for structural support components and cooling systems.
Composite Materials: Design and manufacturing of composite materials with the support of Siemens’ Fibersim™ portfolio have resulted in a 30% improvement in design time to delivery.
Customized Seats: The engineering team created custom seats that support each driver in an optimal position, reducing fatigue and improving control during races through a combination of Simcenter™, NX, and Fibersim software.
This partnership exemplifies how Siemens technology not only drives performance on the track but also redefines engineering and manufacturing standards in Formula 1.
Sat Nusapersada Boosts NPI and SMT Efficiency with Siemens Process Preparation Software
Sat Nusapersada, one of Indonesia’s largest Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) providers, has chosen Siemens’ Process Preparation software to enhance its New Product Introduction (NPI) processes and increase the efficiency of its Surface Mount Technology (SMT) production lines by 33%.
Founded in 1990, Sat Nusapersada is the first high-tech EMS listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange, serving global brands like Asus, Huawei, Xiaomi, and Sharp. With growing customer demands, Sat Nusa expanded its SMT lines to 24. However, as production capacity and monthly requests for quotes (RFQs) increased, the company needed to reduce manual work, particularly in the NPI phase, to maintain efficiency and competitiveness.
Following a thorough evaluation, Sat Nusapersada implemented Siemens’ Process Preparation software. This solution allows the company to streamline assembly, testing, and inspection processes, keeping all information updated in a single environment. The software eliminates the need for manual corrections, reducing errors and improving consistency across their operations.
“We’ve seen significant improvements in our production capacity since implementing Siemens’ Process Preparation software,” said Stanly Rocky, general manager & public relations at Sat Nusapersada. “With less manual rework, we’re able to better serve our customers and meet the fast-paced demands of today’s electronics industry.”
The results have been impressive. Sat Nusapersada reduced the time needed to gather incoming project data by 92%, and overall line efficiency improved by 33%. The software also streamlined SMT programming tasks, cutting down time by 31% for line configuration setup and other related processes. Additionally, the design for solder stencils was reduced by 50% thanks to the software’s learning libraries.
Alex Teo, managing director and vice president for Southeast Asia at Siemens Digital Industries Software, commented, “It’s great to see Sat Nusapersada benefiting from Siemens’ Process Preparation software. Our focus is on helping customers like Sat Nusa scale their production lines to meet the increasing global demand for electronics.”
CFD for clean air: How simulation is transforming spaces and processes.
Until 2020, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) for ensuring clean air was not a topic that captured the attention of the general public. However, with the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for clean and healthy air became a matter of global concern. This led to CFD reaching the mainstream media. Although public attention has been reduced following the pandemic, the need for purified air in public facilities, offices and transportation remains crucial. Moreover, it is not only humans who require high standards of air quality; many industries need controlled environments to avoid contamination that can affect the production of goods.
CFD simulation is an essential tool in this ongoing challenge. Simulation software from Siemens’ Simcenter portfolio is used in a variety of applications to ensure that air is purified, improving both our breathing and manufacturing processes.
Three ways CFD helps ensure clean air
While CFD simulations do not replace public health guidelines, they can be useful in three key areas:
Understanding pollutant transport and mitigation 2. CFD allows modeling the movement of aerosols and particles in space and time. This is especially useful in controlled indoor spaces such as rooms, automobiles, trains, airplanes, clean rooms, and food factories.
Improve and redesign indoor spaces for safety. With CFD, multiple configurations for ventilation systems can be analyzed, ensuring efficient removal of particulate contaminants in indoor spaces. It is also possible to optimize the location of air purifiers and air barriers.
Designing equipment to remove hazardous substances and purify air. CFD enables the design of more efficient air purification devices used in public buildings, transportation and industrial environments.
CFD case studies for clean air
Public transportation
Airbus: Used Simcenter STAR-CCM+ to model the transport of cough particles in aircraft cabins, evaluating the effectiveness of face masks.
Norton Straw:** Analyzed ventilation strategies in trains, such as opening windows or installing plastic barriers, optimizing passenger safety.
Buildings
HOLT Architects:** Redesigned office spaces to reduce airborne virus transmission. Simulations evaluated the effectiveness of HVAC systems, window openings and the use of disinfection devices.
JB&B:** Showed how opening windows in classrooms dilutes contaminants, helping to minimize the risk of contagion in schools.
Industrial production
FS Dynamics:** Developed an advanced methodology to avoid contamination on lithography machines in the semiconductor industry.
Creaform Engineering: Simulated vaccine filling lines in clean rooms, ensuring regulatory compliance and minimizing economic losses.
Beyond Human: Purification in Industrial Processes
In addition to protecting people, CFD simulation plays a key role in maintaining hygienic standards in the production of food, drugs and other sensitive goods. Companies such as Excelitas Noblelight and Clean Air Limited have used CFD to design innovative devices, from UVC air purifiers to fume hoods, improving both efficiency and sustainability.
In short, Computational Fluid Dynamics not only helps improve the quality of the air we breathe, but also transforms key processes in multiple industries. Ready to explore what CFD can do for you?
The 5th Italian Exhibition Mexico Roadshow has established itself as a key event for the industry, offering a cutting-edge platform to explore how technological solutions are transforming the industrial sector. Led by Jean Macías, the event featured Gerardo Pérez Lechuga, Head of Digital, Enterprise and Cloud Solution at Siemens Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean, who presented Siemens’ vision for a more sustainable future.
Siemens: A Pioneer in Sustainable Digital Transformation
During his presentation, Gerardo Pérez Lechuga emphasized Siemens’ commitment to industrial sustainability, showcasing how its comprehensive technological solutions drive operational efficiency while reducing environmental impact. Technologies such as cloud computing, the Internet of Things (IoT), and automation not only enhance processes but also optimize resource use and minimize waste, paving the way for a cleaner, more responsible manufacturing landscape.
“Digitalization is not just a competitive advantage; it is a shared responsibility to build a more sustainable future,” Pérez Lechuga stated, reaffirming Siemens’ role as a leader in digital solutions.
Driving the Future of Industry with Siemens
Siemens’ approach, centered on the integration of technology and sustainability, demonstrates that aligning business growth with positive environmental impact is not only achievable but also essential. Companies adopting this model strengthen their competitiveness while playing an active role in the transition toward a greener economy.
A Key Event for Industrial Transformation
With Siemens at the forefront, the 5th Italian Exhibition Mexico Roadshow provided immediate solutions and a clear vision for the future of the industry. The event demonstrated that digitalization and sustainability are not fleeting trends but foundational pillars for building a more efficient and environmentally conscious industrial landscape.
Through events like this, Siemens reinforces its commitment to leading the way toward a more responsible industry, equipping businesses with the tools they need to face today’s challenges and prepare for the future.
