Scenario and roadmap-based approach for the analysis of prospective production technology needs

Technological opportunities and threats relevant to a manufacturing company have to be identified prematurely to derive purposeful measures regarding the future use of a technology in the production environment. However, the identification of technologies is resource-intensive since companies are often unable to specify their prospective technology needs. This paper therefore presents an applicable method to support producing companies in specifying technology needs. The method consists of three steps that focus on deriving, selecting and describing relevant search fields constituting those needs. Thus, technologies covering the defined needs that may represent a technological opportunity or threat for a company can be found more effectively. The method has been applied at a German automobile manufacturer.