# Build Smart and Sustainable Operations in Half the Time with Industrial AI

Modern industry is increasingly complex, driven by a push towards smart manufacturing, agile factory operations, and operational resilience. 3D UNIVERSES provide simplicity – a place where you can harmonize assets, clarify processes, and effortlessly generate new business models faster than ever before.

## The Factory of the Future Will Be Virtual, but the Benefits in Performance Will Be Real

Global markets are more unpredictable today than ever. Every day, companies face new dimensions of risk, from geopolitical challenges to supply chain instability to shifting consumer expectations. Operating in these circumstances demands **unparalleled resilience and flexibility**.

For manufacturing decision-makers, however, this imperative is often at odds with the reality on the ground. Factories are complex environments, where even the smallest change can have a big impact on processes throughout your facilities and beyond. In a world where product lifecycles are getting ever shorter, and where the necessary skillsets are in short supply, legacy manufacturing systems can struggle to adapt at the required pace.

## 3D UNIVERSES Combine Knowledge of Factory, Process and Supply Chain for Truly Holistic Visibility

By uniting the virtual worlds of machine data, and the real world of your factory floor, 3D UNIVERSES serve as a unified space to orchestrates your manufacturing operations, where everything you need to deliver smart, agile, and knowledge-driven manufacturing operations is at your fingertips.

Through the seamless integration of AI, data, and generative user experiences, new approaches that combine the virtual and the real can be developed and delivered at the speed required to turn industrial operations from static process-based entities to the basis for truly agile and resilient businesses.

## Up to 90%

## Up to 10x

## Up to 50%

 ![](https://www.3ds.com/assets/invest/2025-12/3d-universe-combine-knowledge-factory-process-supply-chain-background-image-1920x900.webp)

## Leverage AI in Smart Manufacturing Operations With 3D UNIVERSES

By letting you instantly see how your operations are functioning, where they are lacking, and how issues can be addressed, 3D UNIVERSES help you shift the paradigm. You move from reactive to prescriptive management for every single task, work cell, assembly line and operational process in factories – providing a vital **shortcut to resilient and circular V+R manufacturing operations**.

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### Virtual Twin of the Factory:Visualize Raw Data and Clarify your Path to Transformation

Suppose you could visualize your factory in its totality, down to the last speck of dust: do you think you’d leave everything as is? Or do you think you’d start identifying processes that could be improved or machinery that could be optimized?

Opportunities abound. The problem is, we can’t always spot them.

The power of 3D UNIVERSES links together every virtual twin in your ecosystem, and connects these virtual models to real-world data, giving you 100% accurate, up-to-the-minute V+R insight into your operations, identifying areas for improvement with ease.

3D UNIVERSES also make it easier than ever to build those twins in the first place. Automated equipment detection can draw from a proprietary library of more than 2,000 models to scan your factory and populate it with relevant assets. A single data framework then brings all this information together into a holistic, interoperable whole, supporting digital factory virtualization and **speeding up the creation of the Virtual Twin of the Factory by a factor of 10**.

[(Virtual Twin of the Factory Video Loop)](/media/23647)

And with 3D UNIVERSES’ end-to-end connectivity, this twin can be instantly integrated into your existing operational network, helping you perform production line simulation and make better informed decisions about resource allocation, asset optimization, reshoring, and beyond.

A process that **used to take weeks becomes a matter of a few days**, letting you focus on the real value-driving work of managing your factory.

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### **Virtual Twin of the Production System:**Build the Knowledge-Powered Factory that Manages Itself

The factory of the future is intelligent. Whether you want to go full-on lights-out manufacturing, or just want to augment specific processes, 3D UNIVERSES are the enabler.

3D UNIVERSES take established knowledge and know-how – from the intangible best practices accumulated by manufacturing experts over a lifetime of service, to the technical specifics scattered across thousands of documents – and put that at the foundation of your operations, embedded in the Virtual Twin of the Production System and the Virtual Twin of the Manufacturing Process.

3D UNIVERSES can even facilitate training and lower the knowledge barrier to entry for a wider cohort of potential employees – all helping current talent go further.

They also help you embrace new innovations. Programming the necessary tool paths for complex geometrical shapes, for example, can be a time-consuming process. But with AI-driven NC programming, operators can generate recommendations and **accelerate the creation of controls by up to 90%**, while avoiding mistakes that could be dangerous to equipment or personnel.

[(Virtual Twin of the Production System Video Loop)](/media/23648)

**More efficient production also means more sustainable production,** helping reduce energy use, material waste, raw materials, transportation costs, and more: one customer reduced CO2 emissions by 50% by being able to better retrofit their operations via V+R virtual twins; another was able to reduce scrap by 39% in their steel-cutting operations.

From production automation to robotics optimization, the capabilities provided by the 3D UNIVERSES open up a limitless array of new options to drive value and efficiency – it’s just up to you to choose which path you want to take.

##  Virtual Twin of the Supply Chain Image

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### Virtual Twin of the Supply Chain:Reveal the Invisible to Expand the Horizon of Decision-Making

Markets fluctuate. Suppliers come and go. Technology gets outmoded.

In short, **change is unavoidable**. But adapting to it can mean having to answer multi-million-dollar questions, from what equipment you should buy to who your next partner should be. These are the calls that can make or break businesses and making them correctly relies on the complete understanding of your operations.

Within 3D UNIVERSES, you can connect the Virtual Twin of the Factory with both upstream assets like the Virtual Twin of the Product, as well as suppliers and distributors, allowing you to place manufacturing operations within their full industrial and commercial V+R context.

Industrial AI is then able to rapidly identify relationships between cause and effect that could be invisible to the naked eye. Surfacing **trustworthy, hallucination-free insights within hours, rather than the weeks** it might take a human analyst. The human stays in the driver’s seat, but the range of options to choose from has been broadened and the speed in which decisions can be reached significantly increased.

Once a decision has been reached, 3D UNIVERSES help you implement it at scale. For example, if you face materials shortages or need to switch to more sustainable inputs, products can be reformulated or redesigned, with new materials parameters integrated intelligently into the design processes, **guaranteeing that products are performant, compliant, and 100% manufacturable**.

If a factory is like an orchestra, then the role of the operator has traditionally been that of the conductor – keeping everything in time, keeping things working like they should. But with 3D UNIVERSES, you move from being the conductor to being the composer – creating new value and new outcomes, from a position of complete control.

[(Virtual Twin of the Production System Video Loop)](/media/23657)

## Learn More About the Brands Making 3D UNIVERSES Possible

## Artificial Intelligence in Manufacturing &amp; Supply Chain

Transform your operations with Artificial Intelligence in manufacturing and supply chain to enhance efficiency, predict demand, and streamline logistics.

[Artificial Intelligence in Manufacturing &amp; Supply Chain Highlight Banner](/media/23678)

[   Learn More     ](/products/delmia/artificial-intelligence-manufacturing)

## Virtual Twin for Manufacturing

Visualize, simulate and optimize your manufacturing with a real-time virtual twin that goes beyond the digital twin experience.

[Virtual Twin for Manufacturing Highlight Banner](/media/23592)

[   Learn More     ](/products/delmia/virtual-twin-manufacturing)

## Sustainable Manufacturing

Greener Solutions for Global Impact.

[Sustainable Manufacturing Highlight Banner](/media/23593)

[   Learn more     ](/products/delmia/sustainable-manufacturing)

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## Frequently Asked Questions

## Where can I learn more about 3D UNIVERSES applied to manufacturing?

To explore how 3D UNIVERSES are applied in manufacturing, visit the [DELMIA Augmented Reality page](/products/delmia/augmented-reality-manufacturing "Augmented Reality in Manufacturing"). This resource provides detailed insights into how augmented reality enhances operational efficiency and decision-making on the shop floor. You will also find several customer examples demonstrating its real-world impact.

## What are examples of AI use cases in manufacturing?

AI is transforming manufacturing by optimizing processes, enhancing precision, and driving smarter decision-making. Key use cases include:

- **Predictive Maintenance:** AI predicts equipment failures, reduces unplanned downtime and maintenance costs, and automates maintenance manual creation.
- **Operational Efficiency:** AI automates repetitive tasks, recommends optimal operations, and accelerates problem analysis for better decision-making.
- **Quality Control:** Predictive analytics detect defects early, ensuring consistent quality and reducing scrap.
- **Energy and Cost Optimization:** AI reduces waste, minimizes errors, and optimizes resource and energy use.
- **Process Engineering:** AI automates the conversion of EBOM to MBOM, saving manufacturing engineering time.
- **Virtual Twin Creation:** AI identifies assets to build virtual twins for simulations, speeding up insights and decision-making.
- **Production Scheduling:** AI improves schedule accuracy and asset utilization, increasing on-time orders and customer fill rates.
- **Equipment Operations:** AI advises operators on tool paths to save time, energy, reduce waste, and improve safety.

To discover more about these innovations, explore the [DELMIA Artificial Intelligence](/products/delmia/artificial-intelligence-manufacturing "Artificial Intelligence in Manufacturing") on AI in manufacturing and supply chains.

## Are 3D UNIVERSES accessible to companies not currently using Dassault Systèmes technology?

Dassault Systèmes is dedicated to supporting businesses by ensuring seamless integration of 3D UNIVERSES within complex IT system and business infrastructures. The openness of the 3DEXPERIENCE platform allows for flexibility, collaboration, and innovation, making it adaptable to meet the needs of companies, regardless of their existing technology stack. To [learn more](/3dexperience-platform/openness "3DEXPERIENCE Platform Openness").

## How can I learn more about 3D UNIVERSES?

If you’re an existing customer: Reach out to your usual client account team contact to schedule a dedicated meeting.

If you’re new or unsure: fill out this [form](/how-to-buy/contact-sales "Contact Sales") to contact us directly. If your company works with a reseller, feel free to mention their name in the comment section.

If you are ready to purchase, visit our [online store](/store "Buy online and get instant access to your solutions") to purchase pre-packaged solutions.

## How can I get started with 3D UNIVERSES?

If your company is already using the **3D**EXPERIENCE Platform on the cloud, you already have the foundation to leverage the power of 3D UNIVERSES. No migration is needed. Some products will be enriched during the regular release cycles, while others will be created to account for the step change in value.

For organizations needing assistance to transition to the **3D**EXPERIENCE on the cloud, or to fully adopt all the 3D UNIVERSES functionalities, our Cloud Service team is here to help with a wide range of possibilities from migration to tailored high value-add solutions. It includes faster AI adoption, improved business performance, and more sustainable outcomes all provided as add-ons to the cloud annual subscription. Learn more [here](/consulting-services-value-engagement/industry-services "Industry Services")

## What skillsets do I need to create or interact with content in 3D UNIVERSES?

If you're a Dassault Systèmes customer, you will already have the foundational data, skills and knowledge and know-how needed to create and benefit from 3D UNIVERSES. There's no need to overhaul your entire business systems or retrain your team. It's all about building on your existing knowledge, expertise, and data to unlock new possibilities. Transition from a file-based organization to a data-driven one, reducing time to market, increasing innovation and reducing operational costs whilst leveraging your virtual assets across the entire organization. And don’t worry: your virtual companions will guide you every step of the way, helping you explore 3D UNIVERSES and maximize its potential!

If you are not already familiar with Dassault Systèmes solutions, please refer to the “How can I get started with 3D UNIVERSES?” question of this FAQ.

## Is my data protected when used on 3D UNIVERSES?

Yes, your data is fully protected. 3D UNIVERSES operates on a cloud-based platform, offering flexibility, scalability, and global accessibility while prioritizing data security.

Dassault Systèmes implements robust security measures, including encryption, network monitoring, access controls, and threat detection systems. The company follows industry best practices and frameworks such as ISO 27001 and continuously updates its security protocols to mitigate emerging cyber threats.

Dassault Systèmes applies a data governance framework that ensures customer data used in AI systems is managed responsibly and in compliance with applicable regulations and contractual commitments.

AI capabilities are developed following privacy-by-design and security-by-design principles, with safeguards to protect confidentiality, integrity and intellectual property.

Personal data is processed only for clearly defined and legitimate purposes, in accordance with contractual terms and the company’s Data Privacy Policy.

Access is restricted, monitored and governed through robust information security controls certified under international standards.

## Are 3D UNIVERSES accessible to Small and Medium-sized businesses?

Absolutely! 3D UNIVERSES are designed to deliver virtual twin experiences for everyone and everything, empowering businesses of all sizes to enhance collaboration, drive innovation, and achieve sustainable, real-world results.

Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) using the **3D**EXPERIENCE Platform on the cloud can start leveraging 3D UNIVERSES right away.

Ready to upgrade? Compare, explore, and select the bundle that best fits your needs below. Discover how each solution enhances product development and secure your bundle online today:

- [Design and Engineering for PLM Express](/products/plm-express/design "Streamline Product Development with AI-Driven Design Engineering")
- [Design Simulation for PLM Express](/products/plm-express/simulation "Empower Engineering with Scalable Simulation Solutions")
- [PLM Governance &amp; Lifecycle](/products/plm-express/governance "Get Next-GEN PLM for Maximum Collaboration and Innovation")

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