A No-Code Digital Thread Graph Prototype: Runtime Configurable, Cloud-Native, and AI-Driven
摘要
Traditional PLM systems face two key challenges: decades-old technology inadequate for today's industrial complexity, and customization that consumes approximately 71% of implementation costs yet remains necessary as standard solutions rarely satisfy specific requirements. This paper introduces a configurable Digital Thread using a graph-based approach. The Digital Thread connects different lifecycle phases and IT systems through consistent, integrated data. The adaptability of the data models is achieved through a No-Code Modeling Engine based on a defined System Meta-Model – allowing alignment with existing IT infrastructures and customer-specific use cases while maintaining a standardized core and cloud compatibility. The prototype includes a No-Code Graph Builder for populating the knowledge graph, a No-Code Graph Explorer supporting visual and tabular searches, an open REST API for seamless integration, and an AI Lifecycle Assistant enabling natural language interaction and comprehensive CRUD operations. All components, including the UI, dynamically adapt via the modeling engine during runtime, ensuring continuous adaptability.