# Connected Manufacturing and Autonomous Systems

Discover how Dassault Systèmes connects progress in artificial intelligence, robotics and data to enable smart, adaptive industrial operations.

(IE) From Reactive Operations to Connected Manufacturing

Source: [McKinsey & Company](https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/future-of-work/ai-automation-and-the-future-of-work-ten-things-to-solve-for)

(IE) 60%

productivity growth expected from AI and automation

(IE) 93%

of lighthouse factories achieved growth by embracing automation

(IE) 30%

of activities in 60% of all occupations could be automated

Early automation strategies focused on machines preprogrammed to execute repetitive tasks with speed and precision. While effective, these systems were rigid, difficult to integrate and slow to adapt, keeping operations largely reactive.

Today, **software-defined machines** powered by **embedded software in machinery**, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, robotics and Industrial Internet of Things (IoT) technologies are taking machines beyond reactive operations. Instead of just executing tasks as programmed, they sense, think, execute and continuously optimize — marking a shift toward end-to-end **connected manufacturing** and autonomous systems.

(IE) How AI Adds Value

Combining AI, advanced sensors and robust connectivity is key to enabling autonomous systems across **connected manufacturing**. AI-driven **intelligent industrial machines** enable teams to analyze data, predict outcomes, adapt in real time and improve operations without human intervention. Embedded AI capabilities and software control in connected machines help manufacturers gain the agility to:

- Run automated operations in real time
- Anticipate and pivot instantly to new demands
- Free workers from repetitive menial tasks and elevate their roles
- Improve productivity, safety and quality
- Foster increased **human-robot collaboration**

(IE) Accelerate Connected Manufacturing With the 3DEXPERIENCE Platform

At the core of **connected manufacturing** and autonomous systems is a continuous loop of data capture, real-time processing and data-driven decisions and actions. Here’s where the **3D**EXPERIENCE® platform comes in. By connecting data, systems and processes into a unified model, it creates the right foundation for sufficient data, real-time operations, adaptive systems, remote maintenance updates and agile service models — all to support strong machine learning and autonomous capabilities.

(IE) Sufficient High-Quality Data

(IE) Sufficient High-Quality Data

**Connected manufacturing** and autonomous systems rely heavily on data to improve traceability, reduce errors and ensure decisions are made right the first time. The **3D**EXPERIENCE platform provides a single, shared data foundation across design, engineering, manufacturing, quality and service, creating a high-quality data pool that machine learning models can use to enhance connected operations and autonomous capabilities.

With this single, rich data repository, teams work with consistent, real-time information to accelerate **data-driven manufacturing innovation** and perform corrective actions more quickly and effectively.

[(IE) Sufficient High-Quality Data Video Banner](/media/24376)

[Get smart machinery engineering](/industries/industrial-equipment/smart-machinery-engineering)

(IE) Real-Time Connected Factory

(IE) Real-Time Connected Factory

**Connected manufacturing** demands fast, reliable connections and seamless integration. The **3D**EXPERIENCE platform connects operational data with virtual models, enabling machines to process data, make decisions and execute responses instantly.

With real-time visibility into machines, processes and performance, safety procedures and efficiency measures can be validated virtually, averting manual oversight while boosting automated, data-driven and self-learning capabilities.

Advanced sensors, edge computing intelligence and **cloud-based machine control** give teams the control needed to monitor operations and solve issues in real time.

[(IE) Real-Time Connected Factory Highlight Banner](/media/24377)

[Achieve operational excellence](/industries/industrial-equipment/resilient-sustainable-manufacturing)

(IE) Adaptive, Resilient Systems

(IE) Adaptive, Resilient Systems

**Virtual commissioning** powered by our **3D**EXPERIENCE platform enables teams to evaluate changes in a virtual environment before applying them in the real world. This means machines can adapt quickly to demand shifts and self-optimize after design updates or operational constraints, while maintaining efficiency and resilience throughout the value chain.

By combining intelligent sensing and edge computing, these machines and systems can anticipate, adapt and even recover from unexpected disruptions better — an ability crucial to remaining responsive as demands grow more complex.

[(IE) Adaptive, Resilient Systems Highlight Banner](/media/24378)

[Explore flexible production line](/industries/industrial-equipment/flexible-production-line)

(IE) Remote Maintenance Updates

(IE) Remote Maintenance Updates

**Connected manufacturing** goes beyond production into lifecycle management. Through platform-driven connectivity, updates and insights are securely delivered to the equipment, allowing issues to be identified and addressed earlier. For example, inline quality control checks and **predictive maintenance software** detect issues early during production to prevent costly batch rework and unplanned downtime.

With end-to-end connectivity, maintenance is planned and performed without stopping production. Remote updates and inventory management reduce service costs and enable condition-based maintenance rather than scheduled maintenance, driven by real-time asset performance data.

[(IE) Remote Maintenance Updates Highlight Banner](/media/24379)

[Discover predictive maintenance](/industries/industrial-equipment/equipment-as-service/predictive-maintenance)

(IE) Flexible, Agile Service Models

(IE) Flexible, Agile Service Models

Flexible and agile service models transform the conventional, rigid, siloed systems into a model-based approach that continuously learns, adapts and self-optimizes to changes. The **3D**EXPERIENCE platform’s virtual twin experience is key to empowering teams with intelligent, advanced control to simulate and validate actions before implementing them in the real world.

By connecting operational data with field service management, after-sales operations become proactive. Services become a strategic lever as automated insights help service teams to anticipate issues, improving asset reliability, strengthening autonomous operations and unlocking new revenue streams.

[(IE) Flexible, Agile Service Models Highlight Banner](/media/24380)

[Transform field service](https://blog.3ds.com/industries/industrial-equipment/transforming-field-service-with-installed-base-virtual-twin/)

## (IE) (List of cards) Scale the Future of Connected Industrial Operations

The future of industry isn’t just automated. It’s fully connected, **self-aware, software-driven** and autonomous — helping organizations scale complexity, respond faster to changes and achieve new levels of industrial operational excellence.

Here’s how some industry leaders are succeeding:

(IE) The Smart Path To Manufacturing Excellence

[Global & Software-Defined Solutions](/industries/industrial-equipment/software-defined-solutions)

[Smart Machines](/industries/industrial-equipment/specialized-manufacturing-machinery/smart-machines)

[Service Lifecycle Management for Smart Machines](/industries/industrial-equipment/software-defined-solutions/service-lifecycle-management)

[(IE) Industrial IoT Solutions for Smarter Equipment](/industries/industrial-equipment/software-defined-solutions/industrial-iot-solutions)

[Collaborative Innovation and Robotics](/industries/industrial-equipment/software-defined-solutions/collaborative-robotics)

Classic standard

(IE) Your Connected Manufacturing Questions Answered

What is connected manufacturing and how does it impact the smart factory and the connected worker?

**Connected manufacturing** connects machines, people, materials and business systems from end to end, so data flows in real time and decisions are made closer to the shop floor, boosting efficiency. It links robots, PLCs and sensors to MES, QMS and ERP systems, creating a continuous digital thread from design through production and service.

A smart factory uses real-time data to operate efficiently. For a connected worker, this means clear work instructions, real-time feedback and faster fixes to any issues.

With the **3D**EXPERIENCE platform, connecting the virtual world of modeling and simulation to real operations becomes seamless. Teams work from the same data, see the same KPIs and act on live production insights instead of static reports.

What are the five types of manufacturing? What is an example of each smart manufacturing?

The common production models in manufacturing are:

1. **Job shop manufacturing**
    - High-mix, low-volume production where flexibility matters, such as in aviation and marine components
    - Model-based process planning and flexible MES enable fast routing changes with full traceability to fix flaws
2. **Repetitive manufacturing**
    - High-volume standardized production, such as in electronics and toys
    - Line simulation, robotics planning and advanced scheduling optimize takt time, OEE and global synchronization
3. **Discrete manufacturing**
    - Assembly-line approach where workers and machines can adjust or configure each unit as items move through the line
    - It sits between job shop and repetitive manufacturing — combining efficiency with flexibility — tightly synchronized to stay coordinated while steps and cycle times continue to vary greatly. This applies in the manufacturing and medical devices industry.
4. **Batch manufacturing**
    - Production in defined lots, common in pharma, food and specialty chemicals
    - Connecting recipe definitions with execution systems ensures closed-loop quality and compliance
5. **Continuous manufacturing**
    - Non-stop manufacturing processes such as refining or steel, chemical processing and pharmaceutical
    - Virtual twins and real-time monitoring reduce variability while protecting uptime and ensuring better product quality

What are connected factories and smart, connected machines?

Connected factories synchronize smart equipment, people and systems in real time — tightly integrating the physical factory and its manufacturing process with its virtual twin.

Machine status, quality test results, workforce activity and material flow are captured live and fed into the virtual twin to facilitate planning, scheduling and analytics on real production data, enabling closed-loop optimization.

Dassault Systèmes **3D**EXPERIENCE platform seamlessly connects the physical and virtual factory through the virtual twins. This enables simulation before installation, live quality tracking and optimization of production schedules when conditions change. Smart connected machines go beyond automation to sense changes, share data and adapt in real time.

The result? Factories that are both optimized and agile.

What are connected industries?

Connected industries extend digital continuity beyond plants, integrating OEMs, suppliers, partners and service networks across the entire value chain. Instead of optimizing in silos, companies share models and data from concept to recycling — coordinating design, manufacturing, logistics and service as one interconnected ecosystem. Dassault Systèmes orchestrates this vision on the **3D**EXPERIENCE platform.

By unifying design with CATIA, simulation with SIMULIA, manufacturing with DELMIA, and lifecycle collaboration with ENOVIA, manufacturers move from isolated projects to a connected value network, accelerating innovation, resilience and sustainability.

How do Dassault Systèmes’ connected, smart factory tools increase operational efficiency and give industries a leading edge?

Dassault Systèmes’ **3D**EXPERIENCE platform and industry solution experience connect virtual planning with real-world execution. For example, manufacturers can design and simulate processes before deploying them, monitor performance metrics and detect anomalies in real time. This reduces rework, shortens development time, improves OEE and strengthens traceability.

Additionally, **connected manufacturing** powered by the platform gives manufacturers the visibility, speed and control to predict, validate virtually and improve decision-making, shifting operations from reactive to proactive. This is the real competitive edge that will set them apart as industry leaders.

## (IE) (Connected Manufacturing) Explore our Industry Solution Experiences

Learn more about how our industry solutions can help you to achieve your professional ambition and business objectives.

 ![Connected Manufacturing and Autonomous Systems > Dassault Systèmes](https://www.3ds.com/assets/invest/2026-03/ie-connected-manufacturing-autonomous-systems-hero-banner-1920x856.webp)

[(IE) Connected Manufacturing and Autonomous Systems Highlight Banner](/media/24375)

Ind. Challenge

Connected Manufacturing