Breaking Barriers: How Cloud Technology and AI Are Reshaping Product Development

In today’s fast-paced environment, manufacturers are grappling with a myriad of challenges that demand swift adaptation and innovation. Companies feel the pressure to accelerate product development and launches more than ever. This urgency is compounded by global events affecting supply chains, raw material availability, and product pricing. Arena and Onshape recently hosted a joint webinar with Jon Hirschtick, Chief Evangelist at PTC, and customers Kornit Digital and Skarper to discuss how manufacturers must evolve to remain competitive.

The Shift Toward Resilient, Collaborative Product Design

The traditional waterfall approach to product development is giving way to agile processes that accommodate the unpredictable nature of the modern market. Manufacturers are increasingly adopting cloud-native solutions to streamline operations and foster collaboration across geographically dispersed teams. This shift is not just about speeding up processes but also about ensuring resilience in the face of unforeseen disruptions.

Harnessing the Power of Cloud Technology and Real-Time Collaboration

The integration of cloud-native product lifecycle management (PLM) and computer-aided design (CAD) solutions has revolutionized product development by facilitating seamless real-time collaboration. Connecting cloud-native systems, such as Onshape CAD and Arena PLM, eliminates the inefficiencies of file-based workflows and provides a singular, up-to-date data source accessible to all stakeholders. The ability to communicate and resolve issues in real time underscores the transformative potential of cloud technology. “A customer showed me an example of a problem that got resolved in nine minutes through real-time collaboration,” recalled Hirschtick. “Previously, the customer would have spent a whole day sending several emails back and forth to solve the issue.”

These cloud systems are particularly advantageous for distributed teams, enabling access to project information from anywhere, on any device. This flexibility is crucial for companies that need to adapt to remote working environments and dynamic team compositions. Moreover, cloud solutions reduce the need for powerful hardware, as processing is managed by the vendor, further lowering costs and barriers to entry.

Adaptability and Teamwork Drive Success

Companies cannot rely on cloud-native solutions alone to enhance collaboration. Ran Peled, Head of Design from Skarper, said, “Understanding how your different teams communicate and developing that personal connection, in addition to integrating cloud tools, is also crucial to working together better.”

Jon Hirschtick also emphasized the need to adapt new processes. He noted, “You think differently about how to organize your work, how to do release management, and there are new flexibilities you didn’t have before where you say, ‘Hmm, which way is best?’”

AI’s Emerging Role in Product Development

Artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to significantly impact product development, offering tools that boost efficiency, enhance creativity, and reduce risk. While AI isn’t expected to replace product team members, it serves as a powerful augmentation to existing workflows. Liran Vaitrov, PLM Business Analyst from Kornit Digital, recommends taking baby steps when implementing AI into product development processes.

To determine where AI can be leveraged to improve product workflows, companies should focus on:

• Repetitive tasks that require automation
• Risk evaluation in supply chains
• AI-driven design options to expand creative possibilities

Strategies to Future-Proof Product Development

Manufacturers looking to future-proof their operations should consider the following strategies:

1. Adopt Agile Processes: Transition from rigid frameworks to agile methodologies that accommodate rapid change and innovation.
2. Invest in Cloud Technologies: Utilize cloud-native solutions to enhance collaboration and data management, reducing time to market.
3. Use AI Wisely: Integrate AI tools that complement human creativity and improve efficiency without overwhelming existing processes.
4. Foster a Culture of Continuous Learning: Implement initiatives like “lunch and learns” to keep teams informed and engaged with the latest industry trends and technologies.
5. Plan Change Management Carefully: Align technology adoption with strategic goals, ensuring that transitions are smooth and well-timed.

Preparing for the Future of Product Development

The future of product development lies in embracing change and capitalizing on technology to navigate a volatile market. Cloud-native solutions like Arena and Onshape are necessities for modern manufacturers aiming to stay ahead, and AI can further enhance product development workflows. As the industry continues to evolve, those who adapt swiftly and strategically will lead the way. Watch the full on-demand recording of “The Future of Product Development: A Panel Discussion with Onshape, Arena & Industry Leaders.”