Customer-oriented innovation of engineering tools — a holistic methodology to close the gap to customer productivity

An essential factor for cost reduction in automation projects is the use of effective engineering tools that are optimally adapted to the engineering process. However, the features implemented in the engineering tools do not always correspond to the actual challenges of users in automation projects. Until now, no scientifically based methodology has existed for systematically optimizing tool features with regard to adequate support of engineering. This article proposes a classification concept and a methodology that permit classifying and evaluating engineering tools with regard to the support they provide for dealing with the challenges encountered in automation projects. The concept and the methodology are illustrated with real-world examples, and experience is described with the use of the classification methodology in various projects.