Robert Montau: Catalogue data in Spring Semester 2025

Name Dr. Robert Montau
E-mailrmontau@ethz.ch
DepartmentMechanical and Process Engineering
RelationshipLecturer

NumberTitleECTSHoursLecturers
151-0314-00LInformation Technologies in the Digital Product4 credits3GE. Zwicker, R. Montau
AbstractDigitalization across the Product Lifecycle with Objectives, Concepts and Methods, Smart Connected Products through Industry 4.0
Concepts for Digitalization: Product Structures, Optimization of Engineering Processes with digital models in Sales, Production, Service, Digital Twin versus Digital Thread
PLM Fundamentals: Objects, Structures, Processes, Integrations, Visualization
Best Practices
Learning objectiveStudents learn the fundamental concepts of Digitalization along the product lifecycle on the foundation of Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) technologies, the usage of databases, the integration of CAx systems and Visualization/AR, the configuration of digital collaboration across systems and locations as well as variant and configuration management to enable an efficient utilization of the digital product approach in industry 4.0.
ContentPossibilities and potential of modern IT applications focussing on PLM and CAx technologies. Introduction to the concepts of Product Lifecycle Management (PLM): information modeling, data management, revision, usage and distribution of product data. Structure and functional principles of PLM systems. Integration of modern IT technologies in business processes, e.g. by automatic configuration of product variants via the Internet or to develop products globally across distributed locations. Interfaces in computer-integrated product development. Selection, configuration, adaptation and introduction of PLM systems. Examples and case studies for industrial usage of modern information technologies.

Learning modules:
- Introduction to Digitalization (Digital Product, PLM technology)
- Database technology (foundation of digitalization)
- Object Management
- Object Classification
- Object identification with Part Numbering Systems
- CAx/PLM integration with Visualization/AR
- Workflow & Change Management
- Interfaces of the Digital Product
- Enterprise Application Integration (EAI)
Lecture notesDidactic concept / learning materials:
The course consists of lectures and exercises based on practical examples including the use of modern Web-native PLM applications on Cloud.
Provision of lecture handouts and script digitally in Moodle.
LiteratureTeaching materials are provided in Moodle
- Slides in PDF format with recordings of lectures and exercises (weekly)
- Lecture documentation in PDF format (free of charge) with extensive background information to be used as reference with literature sources and comprehension questions for each learning module
Prerequisites / NoticePrerequisites: None
Recommended: Fokus-Project, interest in Digitalization
Lecture appropriate for D-MAVT, D-MTEC, D-ITET and D-INFK, all within both Master and Bachelor degree

Testat/Credit Requirements / Exam:
- Execution of exercises in teams/individually (recommended 4 out of 5)
- Oral exam 30 minutes (Online), based on concrete problem scenarios
CompetenciesCompetencies
Subject-specific CompetenciesConcepts and Theoriesassessed
Techniques and Technologiesassessed
Method-specific CompetenciesAnalytical Competenciesassessed
Decision-makingassessed
Media and Digital Technologiesassessed
Problem-solvingassessed
Project Managementfostered
Social CompetenciesCommunicationassessed
Cooperation and Teamworkfostered
Customer Orientationfostered
Personal CompetenciesAdaptability and Flexibilityfostered
Creative Thinkingassessed
Critical Thinkingassessed
Self-awareness and Self-reflection fostered
Self-direction and Self-management fostered