Enhancing Product Lifecycle Management through AI-Driven Design Optimization

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has recently gained significant traction in the oil and gas manufacturing sector. This study focuses specifically on the oil and gas manufacturing sector. As a key technology, AI has the potential to revolutionize smart manufacturing and the fourth industrial revolution (Industry 4.0). Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) is integral in managing engineering, business, and operational processes for products throughout their lifecycle. By leveraging AI, companies can enhance decision-making processes that align with economic and environmental considerations. This study investigates AI’s role in the design phase of PLM within the oil and gas sector. The objective is to evaluate AI’s benefits in design optimization and its influence on decision-making. A Delphi-based survey was conducted among 62 experts from multinational oil and gas firms. The findings indicate that AI significantly improves design efficiency, visualization, and prototyping. However, the study highlights integration challenges, data security concerns, and limitations in current industrial communication protocols. Further research should explore AI’s role in the remaining PLM phases and its integration with existing IT infrastructures. Future research should extend to the remaining phases of PLM not covered in this study and address limitations such as integration with existing IT systems and improvements in industrial communication protocols.