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What is functional configuration?

Machines and plants are complex mechatronic systems that require systematic coordination between the disciplines of mechatronic, electric, and software technology. One approach to structuring machines and plants that is well suited for cross-discipline cooperation and coordination is a functional classification of production equipment and the creation of functional units and/or mechatronic components that can be reused wherever possible either within a project or in multiple projects. The goal here is to configure the machines or plants for a specific order to the greatest extent possible based on pre-defined mechatronic components and to generate all production-specific documentation (parts list, engineering drawings, wiring diagrams, software, etc.).

The systematic reuse achieved in this way creates enormous potential in terms of cost/time saving and regarding the quality of machines and plants.

A cross-discipline approach is required to map the high degree of variation in plant and special machinery manufacturing using the minimum number of modular components possible. Unlike traditional engineering, as many tasks as possible should be carried out independent of the discipline: The focus is on the functions and not the tools used to implement them!

Functional configuration consistently uses the functional classification of production equipment, also taking into account that different perspectives regarding a single machine or plant are required with the individual engineering disciplines (e.g., mechanical/electrical engineering).