The importance of digital solutions in production is constantly increasing. The availability and use of data along the entire product life cycle opens up potential for existing and new business models in industrial assembly. This can combine sustainability and added value, particularly in the area of circular economy. In addition to enabling business models, the digital product file enables compliance with legal reporting obligations, such as supply chain and CO2 laws, which require comprehensive data management.

Many companies struggle with heterogeneous system landscapes that lead to bottlenecks in data transmission and thus to data loss along the product creation process. In this context, the digital product file offers a promising solution as a “single point of truth”. It collects information and data on products, processes, usage and resources in a single, trustworthy location, thus creating information singularity. To implement the digital product file, technologies are needed that can capture the relevant data. These technologies already exist for some industries, but have so far been associated with high initial costs. Companies therefore need clear business cases to demonstrate the immediate benefits of the digital product file.

By participating in the study, you benefit from the community exchange around the digital product file. In order to be able to act as a first mover in a resource-saving manner, the study offers a risk-sharing structure that aims to design a scalable and manufacturer-independent solution. The deep-tech ecosystem of the RWTH Aachen Campus creates optimal conditions for innovative developments. The result of the study is a prototype pilot solution for the digital product file, which clearly shows the potential based on the formulated requirements.