AI for the Engineer-to-Order preliminary phase

AI support for the ETO pre-order process

In Engineer-to-Order companies, the quality of the pre-order process, from customer request and quotation to engineering and work preparation, has a major impact on the lead time, quality and profitability of an order. Yet these multidisciplinary activities are often still fragmented because information and expertise are spread across people, documents and IT systems.

As a result, customer requirements are missed, engineering efforts are underestimated, business opportunities remain untapped and existing knowledge is insufficiently reused. Artificial intelligence now offers new opportunities to support this entire pre-order process more efficiently, consistently and reliably.

This webinar marks the starting point of a broader initiative by Sirris and Flanders Make to support the Engineer-to-Order pre-order process with AI. Together with Flemish industry, we aim to develop a practical methodology that helps companies organise their quotation, engineering and work preparation processes more efficiently and integrate AI in a reliable way.
 

For whom?

This webinar is aimed at Engineer-to-Order (ETO) companies in the manufacturing industry, such as machine builders and manufacturers of customer-specific products.

It is particularly relevant for:

• engineering managers;
• designers;
• sales engineers;
• cost estimators;
• work preparation specialists;
• IT and digitalisation managers;
• anyone involved in optimising the ETO pre-order process.
   

Key takeaways

During the webinar, we will explore how AI can contribute to:

• a more efficient RFQ and quotation process;
• analysing customer requests, tender documents and technical specifications;
• finding and reusing existing knowledge and solutions more quickly;
• supporting engineering and work preparation;
• managing customisation and variant complexity and increasing reuse;
• supporting design choices that enable future business models, such as upgrades, retrofits, remanufacturing and reuse.

We also look at the impact of choices made during the pre-order process on the entire product lifecycle.

We would also like to hear which challenges and AI applications you believe should be prioritised. Your input will help Sirris and Flanders Make tailor future support to the needs of Flemish industry.

Programme

We will conclude with a brief look ahead at potential follow-up initiatives, ranging from collective research projects, such as IRVA, COOCK and R&D projects, to learning networks, group guidance and individual company support. Participants can also express their interest in a follow-up initiative.