Factory Layout Planning: Avoiding Costly Crane Rentals and Downtime

Building a new factory or relocating a production line involves thousands of critical decisions. Every physical move carries a potential impact on your schedule and budget. When relying on static 2D floor plans, facility managers often face unexpected spatial clashes that only reveal themselves once the heavy machinery arrives on site.

This reactive approach leads to prolonged downtime, expensive equipment rentals, and delayed production starts. However, by leveraging a digital twin, you can validate your entire factory layout in a virtual environment before a single concrete foundation is poured.

Simulating Heavy Machinery to Save $5,000

One of the most powerful examples of this virtual testing came from the planned installation of a large traverse crane. Moving and installing heavy overhead equipment is notoriously risky. If the initial layout is flawed, contractors are forced to wait on site while adjustments are made, racking up hourly rental and labor fees.

By simulating the installation of the traverse crane in Moicon prior to the physical setup, Ovun identified potential logistical challenges early. This simulation revealed a much more efficient installation process. As a result, the team was able to eliminate the need for two full days of crane truck work.

This single digital adjustment saved the company $5,000 in crane rental costs and enabled production to start two days earlier than scheduled. The digital twin had essentially paid for itself before the factory construction was even completed.

Transforming Data Into Actionable Decisions

As Ovun Plant Manager Pal Tasasen noted, establishing a 3D model of the factory allowed them to adjust and optimize machine placement based on workflow principles. This forms a solid foundation for future process simulations, training, and maintenance planning.

With tools like the Moicon Placement and Dimension Manager, industrial engineers can calculate exact clearances and test the flow of materials without disrupting current operations. A digital twin is not just a visualization tool. It is a strategic asset for cost control and operational resilience in a competitive market.

De-Risk Your Next Facility Move

The opening at Rudshogda proves how technology and teamwork come together to build highly efficient workplaces. You do not need to leave your facility layout to trial and error. Whether you are adding a single new CNC machine or building a completely new plant, Moicon gives you the tools to simulate your exact environment in a standard web browser.

Explore Moicon's various features, or book a meeting with us today to see how digital layout planning can protect your project budget.