3D line design by KHS: new features for even greater planning security.

More precise planning, easier handling and a quicker result: the KHS Group is expanding its virtual 3D line design software. Various new features allow customers to gain a holistic impression of their potential system as early as during the offer phase.

Possible sources of error reduced to a minimum and results reached in real time: during the course of a single meeting, users can see how their future line can be integrated into their production environment. After introducing 3D line design to the offer phase two years ago, the Dortmund systems provider has made a key expansion to the software; this KHS service now includes a new generation of mobile laser scanners and technically optimised VR goggles. “With this, we enable beverage producers to enjoy a holistic, detailed 3D experience within a very short time indeed, thus simplifying project planning and greatly improving planning security,” says Patrick Bürger, head of Plant Design at KHS.

Quick and precise surveys by mobile laser scanner

What’s known as laser scanning enables all interfering contours in the production shop to be precisely surveyed and recorded. To this end, the scanner logs all possible obstacles in minute detail. “If all the customer has are 2D drawings that are 20 to 30 years old and often incomplete, this can lead to a number of unpleasant surprises. During the order phase or, in the worst case, at the last minute during commissioning, ventilation systems, columns or other obstructions may suddenly appear that hamper the ingress of our lines and machines,” explains Bürger. In using state-of-the-art 3D laser scanners, KHS directly eliminates this source of error at the initial planning stage.

Up until very recently, KHS used stationary laser scanners in the 3D line design process that were mounted on a tripod. In order to record the space available in the entire hall, the scanners had to be moved to a different place and readjusted after each separate image had been taken. The new generation of laser scanners considerably simplifies and speeds up this process. Operation is intuitive. “You simply hold the scanner in your hand, like a smartphone with a camera and video function. As you move around the hall, the scanner takes 270° pictures of your surroundings. On site, we now only need about 20% of the time we used to for image capture plus post-processing,” Bürger states. “The result is a scatterplot that gives the exact data for the room.”

Efficient design review through new VR technology

Furthermore, the VR goggles themselves have also undergone significant further development. Whereas to date a relatively elaborate external tracking system with two or four calibratable support stands was used, KHS now works with tracking incorporated into the goggles. “We only need the goggles, two joysticks and a laptop to display the data. This means that the setup is much simpler and available much more quickly,” Bürger continues.

The same applies to conversion of the data recorded by the scanner to a VR-compatible format, he adds. “With the improved system, data processing now only takes a few minutes, whereas in the past several weeks were needed.” Any type of modeled KHS line can therefore be projected onto the VR goggles very quickly – direct integration into the scatterplot from a laser scan is now even possible. This has a major benefit. “We can let our customers experience virtually what their potential new line or machine will actually look like and how it will fit into the existing space on site early on in the planning process.” This boosts planning security and builds up trust.

Clever combination of VR and laser scanning

This synergy of mobile laser scanners and VR goggles with integrated tracking is new to the industry, claims Bürger. “To date, we’re one of the few companies on the market to directly combine the scan with 3D planning and incorporate this into customer presentations right from the start.” This service has already been put to successful use for a number of clients in the German-speaking parts of the world. “By the end of the year, we’re aiming on implementing this worldwide, so that beverage producers can profit from the benefits in real time also at all of our international sites,” Bürger concludes.

(Picture copyright: Frank Reinhold, KHS GmbH)

The slow and steady manufacturing Renaissance of India

A veritable renaissance appears to have taken hold of manufacturing in India, aided by policy reforms that have turned the clime favourable. This is for domestic manufacturing and exports in traditional and emerging sectors alike.

India’s efforts towards becoming a global manufacturing hub are integral to its goal of becoming a $5 trillion economy. And this bodes well for the manufacturing ecosystem and stakeholders at large. More importantly, these mark a break with the past.

To be sure, India’s growth path has not been linear. Many developed and developing countries transitioned from agriculture to manufacturing to services to move ahead. However, India’s growth largely bypassed the manufacturing stage, jumping directly from a predominantly agrarian economy to a services-led one. The acceleration in growth was also delayed and picked up only after the liberalisation of the economy in 1991.

In fiscal 1950, agriculture and services contributed ~52% and 33% of gross domestic product (GDP), respectively. But by fiscal 2024, agriculture's share had decreased to a mere 14%, while services had expanded to 66%.

In contrast, China and Japan achieved high growth in the manufacturing sector, riding on government initiatives, reforms and comprehensive policy support. Other Asian economies such as South Korea and Vietnam, too, have been driving their reform agenda, opening their economies, setting up specialised zones for manufacturing and other initiatives, which have given a leg up to their manufacturing sectors.

India has come to the table a little late in the day. The government’s reforms agenda, targeted at manufacturing, has helped it make substantial progress in recent years. Recognising the crucial role that manufacturing plays in creating jobs, the government has taken several initiatives to enhance India’s competitiveness through policy support.

At 27.7%, the share of manufacturing in GDP is the highest for China among Asian economies, aided by several reforms pursued as outlined above. Similarly, Vietnam, has witnessed significant progress in manufacturing, where govt policy initiatives have played a vital role, leading to manufacturing accounting for ~25% of its GDP. The higher share of manufacturing also drives healthy employment.

This is evident in the share of manufacturing in employment for China and Vietnam. India’s share of manufacturing, in contrast, remained rangebound at 15-18% in the past two decades. In recent years, India has implemented numerous reforms to enhance its competitiveness in the manufacturing sector. Manufacturing-focused initiatives such as Make in India and the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme focus on ease of doing business, increasing foreign direct investment (FDI) and boosting local sourcing norms. These reforms have driven India's manufacturing sector, resulting in a 57% increase in foreign direct investment (FDI) equity inflow in manufacturing from 2014 to 2022. The Phased Manufacturing Programme encourages domestic production, reducing reliance on imports.

The Semiconductor Mission enhances technological capabilities through indigenous semiconductor fabrication. The Make in India initiative has successfully attracted foreign investments across various sectors. For instance, Taiwanese tech giant Foxconn will invest $1.67 billion in its upcoming facility in India. Additionally, Vietnamese automaker VinFast has commenced constructing its plant with an expected investment of $2 billion. Such initiatives collectively strengthen India's manufacturing competitiveness and economic growth.

This document – Access India Equity Insights – has been prepared by ASK Capital Management Pte Ltd (and affiliates, ‘ASK’) for general information purposes only. To learn more about ASK’s investment strategies, please write to: [email protected] 

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