MBSE as an Enabler for Collaborative Offer Management for Individual Production Systems

Given the importance of mechanical and plant engineering for European competitiveness, it is necessary to think beyond the current status quo. Mechanical and plant engineering is characterized by the development of large-scale customer-specific products. The development of such complex systems is a challenge for all disciplines, e.g. mechanics, electronics, computer science and control engineering, as they have to interact with each other. During the offer phase, an initial system concept is created. The offer phase is crucial for the company, as it is during this phase that the customer decides whether to buy the system. At the same time, since it is unclear whether the customer will accept the offer, it is a question of cost-benefit for the company. This paper examines the urgency of interdisciplinary approaches in mechanical and plant engineering, particularly in light of the increasing trend towards product customization and the global competitive landscape. The idea of a model-based approach for the offer phase in special machine construction is explicitly discussed. This approach can contribute to an efficient offer phase. The advantages of a model-based approach for the offer phase of mechanical and plant engineering are also presented in this paper. With the help of industry experts, different types of models are analyzed for their suitability for this phase.