February 27, 2024 3 minutes reading time

First Metro Line in NXTGEN Smart Industry Capability Booster Project Launched

The NXTGEN Smart Industry Capability Booster project develops training modules on topics such as Industry 4.0, knowledge of production systems, and digital skills. The Capability Booster aims to facilitate the widespread adoption of these technologies in the manufacturing industry, particularly in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). To achieve this, we use the metro line metaphor and metro station terminology for micro-learning modules (2-4 hours), where metro lines represent the logical sequence for completing these modules based on different target groups. Recently, the first metro line, the A-line, has been created.

During the kick-off, the focus shifted from Apps to Identification and Connectivity to clarify the topic of this metro line. Key requirements, lessons, and pitfalls were identified with selected enthusiastic early adopters to ensure future success. In these sessions, the content was further refined to focus exclusively on identification and localization.

The A-line now targets SMEs that want to experience the impact and added value of implementing automatic identification and localization of products, tools, and/or logistic carriers. What is the current level of automatic identification and localization within companies, and what are the necessary steps to further integrate this into processes and elevate it to the next level? The target groups are production managers, process and IT engineers, operators, and assembly and logistics team members.

Focus areas A-line

In the A-line, the following topics, among others, are covered:

  • What new insights can be gained by knowing the location of your products, tools, or logistic carriers, for all target groups.

  • What types of technologies can be used for automatic identification and what initial steps should be taken for the technology and process roadmap.

The next steps are to further develop the metro stations with available teaching materials or materials that still need to be developed. Additionally, we will test the results in pilots with target companies within the NXTGEN consortium.

With the development of the different metro lines and their interconnections, an accessible training offering for SMEs will be developed, which we hope will contribute to the intended impact of the NXTGEN SI program.

Looking for Partners

For the pilot phase of the A-line, we are looking for SMEs that are just starting to explore this topic or are already planning an implementation. Interested in being inspired by early adopters and other SMEs participating in this metro line? Contact Henk van der Burgh (hjvdburgh@hhs.nl) for more information.