Interview with experts - 3 questions for Stefan Keller, Citrine Informatics

23.08.2024

In our short series "Three questions for...", we interview selected personalities on various topics. Among other things, the questions address topics that are discussed by the interviewees in the form of keynote speeches or other activities as part of Bayern Innovativ's "Circular Materials - Digitalization and Sustainability" congress.

Today we are interviewing Stefan Keller, Senior Account Executive at Citrine Informatics. 

Mr. Keller, how can digital technologies promote sustainable materials and resource-efficient processes?

Stefan Keller: Digital technologies play a key role in promoting sustainable materials and resource-efficient processes. I see three main ways in which these technologies can contribute to this:

In materials development and optimization, digital technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are used to develop new more sustainable and efficient materials more quickly and efficiently or to adapt them to the current rapidly changing market conditions (including raw material availability and legislative changes). Existing data is used to predict the properties of materials and to optimize them virtually even before physical material tests are required.

When designing products, CAD software and simulation tools allow designers and product developers to design them in such a way that they consume fewer resources, have a longer service life and are easier to recycle afterwards. Digital prototypes can be tested and optimized before physical models are created, significantly reducing the use of materials.

In the area of production, Industry 4.0 technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and digital twins enable more precise monitoring and control of production processes. This leads to a more efficient use of resources such as energy, water and raw materials and to an increase in productivity.

What advantage do material databases offer in the development of sustainable products?

Stefan Keller: Material databases offer numerous advantages in the development of sustainable products. In my view, the three most important ones include

1. Well-managed material databases generally contain detailed information on a wide range of materials, including their mechanical, thermal and environmental properties. This makes it easier for designers and engineers to select materials that meet performance, sustainability and cost requirements.
2. Databases are increasingly enabling direct comparison of different materials with each other, taking into account life cycle analysis (LCA), carbon footprints, recyclability and other environmental aspects.
3. The use of material databases can significantly reduce the time needed for material selection, enable more efficient decision-making and thus reduce development costs. Developers do not have to manually search for material information or perform numerous tests if the data is already available in the database.

Where do you see the biggest challenges in implementing such material databases in companies?

Stefan Keller: The implementation of material databases in companies poses several challenges, both of a technical and organizational nature. In my view, the most widespread hurdles include

• The sometimes inadequate data quality and the required data management - data for material databases comes from different sources and is often not standardized, which makes it difficult to implement in a uniform database. Companies often have outdated and incomplete data records. These must first be viewed and then relevant data records completed before they can be used sensibly in a database.
• Integration into the existing data landscape - companies already use ERP or PLM systems as well as LIMS or ELN systems in the development laboratories. The seamless integration of a material database into these systems often requires individual adaptations and interface programming. The material database should be compatible with other tools such as CAD software, simulation tools or AI tools to ensure an efficient workflow.
• Change management - The relevant employees / end users must be involved in the implementation of these databases at an early stage in order to increase acceptance. The added value for the company and each individual user must be clearly communicated, especially if employees need to change their existing ways of working.
• The user interface of the material database should be user-friendly and intuitive in order to achieve a high level of acceptance within the company. It is important to design a simple and clearly structured interface that meets the requirements of the users.

Overall, the successful implementation of material databases requires not only technological solutions, but also organizational changes and strong management of the transformation.

Thank you very much for the interview Mr. Keller.