Can Do and mechanical engineering

Can Do, as a project management software with AI, is suitable for project management in various industries. In the past, Can Do has been recognized in PMOs of software developers, IT management, wholesale, and energy providers, among others. Thomas Schlereth has authored a paper for the industry publication MM – MaschinenMarkt, specifically highlighting the advantages of Can Do for the mechanical engineering industry.

Every industry has its peculiarities, and this holds true, especially for project management. While it is true that 'Can Do project management software is generally applicable in any industry,' this general statement does not address the specific requirements of individual sectors. Therefore, Thomas Schlereth, CEO and Head of Development at Can Do, has authored a paper specifically tailored to the mechanical engineering sector – one of the core industries in Germany. In his paper, Thomas addresses questions such as:

• What are the pain points in project management for mechanical engineering?
• Where and how can Can Do eliminate these?
• How do mechanical engineering companies utilize Can Do?

You can download the paper by clicking on the following button. For a summary of the key facts, we have compiled it in this article.

1. The main challenges

These are the most significant topics that the mechanical and plant engineering sector must address and consequently, the respective project management as well:

1.1 Skills Shortage

Among the challenges, almost a perennial issue – and yet as relevant as ever: The skills shortage has been a persistent problem for the industry and medium-sized businesses for years. The digitization of companies could provide some relief, but it suffers from the same issue: IT professionals are in as high demand as engineers and designers. Additionally, the aging workforce contributes to the departure of knowledge and experience into retirement.

What is needed now: Companies that position themselves as attractive employers through a modern environment, professional (project) organization, and hybrid working options, thus winning the competition for the best talents.

1.2 Global Personnel Structures

The export-oriented German mechanical engineering industry is globally oriented, and this globalization requires the cross-continental distribution of production and engineering services. Even in such an environment, project management must manage and plan a resource pool while optimally distributing available skills worldwide.

Interestingly, this is a scenario where the mechanical engineering industry can learn from another sector: In the software industry, projects have been globally distributed (with Can Do) for decades, and project managers have full access to these resources. This makes companies more dynamic, resilient and appealing to new capable employees.

1.3 Realistic Planning

Unfortunately, the course of project-specific and internal projects often doesn't unfold as planned. However, this is not necessarily due to the project execution but is rooted in an unrealistic plan, which often resembles more of a wishful thinking.

Project planning in projects can only benefit when it aligns more with reality than with overly optimistic, often day-to-day specifications. Can Do is a project management software that allows for a much more realistic planning approach – even with imprecise information such as "During the next quarter".

1.4 Differences from Other Types of Projects

Especially in mechanical and plant engineering, the value creation has shifted towards conception and development. In these areas, scarce and expensive specialized personnel must be used efficiently. Accordingly, careful resource planning is crucial, requiring state-of-the-art computer technology.

2. Modern Project Management

2.1 Tools

There are tools that make successful project management and efficient resource planning possible in the mechanical engineering sector. Unfortunately, they are not widely used everywhere, and even today, some projects are organized using spreadsheets or to-do lists. A modern project management solution like Can Do not only reduces administrative burdens but also provides additional benefits, such as:

• Transparency across all projects
• Identification and assessment of risks and key performance indicators
• Feasibility assessment of future projects
  

2.2 Resource Planning

The human resource is the central success factor for almost all projects in companies. Inaccurate predictions, volatile work behavior, self-organization, and challenging without overwhelming are keywords that characterize good resource planning. Ignoring these factors risks plunging employee planning and management into chaos.

2.3 Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence in resource planning and coordination has been integrated into the Can Do system several years ago. Through machine learning, the software can simulate the individual working patterns of employees, predicting whether the various parallel tasks can be effectively organized by each individual. The AI in Can Do enhances your project management with these advantages and more:

• Simulation of how a team can organize itself and distribute the work
• Highlighting planning risks
• Generating specific recommendations and solution proposals based on neural networks
• Filtering entities requiring human intervention
• Enterprise-wide capture and organization of the resource pool
  

3. Opportunities for Companies

In conclusion, in his paper on the topic "Deployment of Can Do and Artificial Intelligence in Mechanical Engineering", Thomas Schlereth reflects on the opportunities that arise for machine and plant manufacturers through the use of this advanced project management software. These include:

• According to customer feedback, potential savings of up to 25% in project management time.
• Enhanced transparency and robust value considerations
• Central project control center also for the supplier network
• Value for employees and a positive impact on employer branding
• Get a head start into the future of AI-driven personnel and resource planning now.

Read or experience it yourself

As practical and informative as Thomas Schlereth's paper is, it can naturally only make industry-general statements. If you desire specific information on the application of Can Do in your company and wish to have your individual questions answered, simply schedule a virtual meeting and our consultants will provide immediate, expert responses to all your inquiries regarding Can Do for modern project management in mechanical engineering.