Abstract
Researchers do not work on a production line producing long series of the same, but rather in a very flexible setting alike a job shop.
Every project requires another combination of measurements. Every sample can require a variation to established lab operations. The extreme diversity of exploratory research provides measurement data that are complementary to those of product development projects and QA/QC in production.
This makes the research data indispensable for modelling product properties. To yield data that is reusable, in particular for modelling, research measurements must be executed to yield quality data.
The digitalisation of research must respect its nature, finding the compromise between flexibility and standardisation, summarised in “comply or explain”. This allows to get most of the benefits of standardisation and automation where it is possible, and complement this with a more manual and free approach where needed. Timely data collation and analysis of the results ensure the data quality and continuous improvement of the way of working.
Rik Pepermans Consulting was established by Rik Pepermans to guide R&D organisations in their digital transformation. He assists his customers in defining their digital ambition, evaluates their current digital maturity, facilitates creating a roadmap to meet their ambition, and supports its implementation.