Unleashing the Potential of HxGN SDx2 in Manufacturing: A Comprehensive Guide

HxGN SDx2, the latest innovation from Hexagon, is set to revolutionize the landscape of manufacturing with its advanced cloud-native capabilities. This blog provides an in-depth understanding of HxGN SDx2, its benefits, and its role in driving digital transformation within the manufacturing industry.

What is HxGN SDx2?

HxGN SDx2 is Hexagon’s next-generation Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solution designed to enhance engineering, operations, and maintenance processes. By contextualizing, visualizing, and improving work processes across the asset lifecycle, HxGN SDx2 transforms traditional projects and assets into intelligent and autonomous digital counterparts. This transformation is a key component of Hexagon’s vision for a Smart Digital Reality™, where physical assets are mirrored digitally with real-time intelligence and context.

Who Will Benefit from HxGN SDx2 in Manufacturing?

HxGN SDx2 caters to various stakeholders within the manufacturing sector, including:

Manufacturers: Companies involved in the production of goods, looking to streamline operations and enhance productivity.
Plant Managers: Individuals responsible for overseeing manufacturing operations and ensuring optimal performance.
Maintenance Teams: Professionals tasked with maintaining equipment and infrastructure to prevent downtime.
Quality Control Teams: Teams focused on ensuring products meet quality standards and specifications.

Key Uses of HxGN SDx2 in Manufacturing

HxGN SDx2 enhances manufacturing processes by integrating critical data into a cohesive digital thread. This integration facilitates transparency, efficiency, productivity, and informed decision-making while minimizing risks and costs. Key solution areas include:

Asset Lifecycle Data & Information Management: Centralizing and managing data across the asset lifecycle, ensuring that all relevant information is readily accessible.
Asset Modelling & Visualization (Digital Twin): Creating digital representations of physical assets to enhance visualization and monitoring, leading to improved operational efficiency.
Engineering Change Management: Streamlining changes in engineering processes to improve accuracy and reduce rework.
Work Packaging: Organizing and managing work tasks to improve efficiency and reduce downtime.
Document Management & Document Control: Ensuring the proper handling and control of documents throughout their lifecycle.
Design Review and Issue Management: Facilitating design reviews and addressing issues promptly to maintain project schedules and quality.

Relation to Hexagon’s Smart Digital Reality™ Vision

Hexagon’s Smart Digital Reality™ vision involves creating a virtual representation of physical assets, enriched with real-time data and context. HxGN SDx2 is central to this vision, enabling organizations to achieve significant improvements in safety, quality, efficiency, and productivity. By automating processes and analytics, it reduces the need for human intervention, thereby fostering a more intelligent and autonomous operational environment.

Benefits of Using HxGN SDx2 in Manufacturing

HxGN SDx2 offers numerous benefits that optimize the performance of manufacturing operations:

Reduced Production Costs: Streamlined processes and efficient data management lead to significant cost savings and shorter production timelines.
Improved Product Quality: Enhanced integration and visualization tools ensure higher quality in products.
Increased Safety: Real-time data access and advanced analytics contribute to safer operational environments.
Operational Efficiency: Automated workflows and contextualized data improve overall operational efficiency.
Reduced Maintenance Costs: Predictive maintenance capabilities and real-time monitoring reduce the costs associated with asset maintenance.

Technological Advancements in HxGN SDx2

Differences from Previous Versions

HxGN SDx2 introduces several new capabilities compared to its predecessor, HxGN SDx®:

Role-specific Visualization: A “single pane of glass” view that consolidates data and insights for faster decision-making.
Advanced Data Take-On: Utilizes artificial intelligence to automate tasks such as tag extraction, making document creation and organization more efficient.
Enhanced Integration Engine: Not only aggregates data but also adds contextualization, making asset information more accessible and useful.
Evergreen Digital Twins: Ensures the creation and maintenance of up-to-date digital twins, improving data quality and accuracy.

Benefits of a Cloud-Native Environment

HxGN SDx2’s cloud-native architecture provides several advantages:

Zero Downtime for Upgrades: Continuous operations without interruption, crucial for 24-hour plants and global projects.
Frequent Innovations: Regular updates and new features can be deployed instantly, akin to smartphone-style upgrades.
Scalability and Flexibility: The architecture can dynamically scale to meet varying demands, ensuring a consistent user experience.
Strong Security: Data segregation, sovereignty, and compliance are maintained, providing robust security measures.

Integration Capabilities

Integration and automated contextualization of data are at the core of HxGN SDx2. The solution supports integrations with:

Hexagon Solutions: Including design and engineering tools like Smart 3D and Smart P&ID, and enterprise asset management systems like HxGN EAM.
Third-Party Systems: Such as SAP PM, IBM Maximo, and Aveva PI System, ensuring seamless data flow across different platforms.
Powerful Web API: Provides flexibility to connect with additional data sources, enhancing overall system interoperability.

Migration to HxGN SDx2

Support for Existing Platforms

Hexagon will continue to support existing platforms like SmartPlant Foundation® (SPF), SmartPlant® Enterprise for Owner Operators (SPO), and HxGN SDx. However, the transition to HxGN SDx2 is encouraged to leverage its advanced capabilities.

Migration Process

Migrating to HxGN SDx2 involves a Hexagon-managed service that includes health checks and efforts to maintain any implemented extensibility. For SPF/SPO users, a data exchange service will facilitate the gradual transition to HxGN SDx2.

Quantifying the Benefits

Hexagon offers the HxGN AdvantX service, which helps organizations identify their critical challenges and align them with the benefits delivered by HxGN SDx2. This service aids in making informed decisions about adopting the new platform.

HxGN SDx2 represents a significant leap forward in the realm of manufacturing asset management. By embracing this cloud-native solution, manufacturers can unlock unprecedented value, streamline operations, and drive their digital transformation journey towards a smarter, more efficient future.