The QM Corner impressively demonstrated how process mining makes real process data visible – enabling companies to optimize faster and make smarter decisions.
Increasing complexity, a growing number of variants and high cost and time pressure characterize mechanical and plant engineering. Transparent and robust processes are a decisive factor for success. This is precisely where process mining comes in: It creates data-based transparency about real process flows and makes it possible to identify well-founded optimization potential – beyond assumptions and selective analyses. To provide practical impetus on these topics, ProduktionNRW hosted the first QM Corner of the new year on February 5, 2026.
Process mining for mechanical and plant engineering
In his presentation, Lucas M. Schroth, Managing Director of Process.Science, showed how data-based process analyses can help manufacturing companies to sustainably increase their performance. The systematic evaluation of real process data forms a reliable basis for better decisions. Traditional process descriptions – for example in manuals or interviews – often do not reflect the actual process. Process mining contrasts these subjective assessments with an objective data basis and makes deviations, inefficiencies and potential areas for optimization clearly visible.
In addition, the seamless integration of the solution into existing IT landscapes – including common ERP systems – was emphasized. A practical case study from the procurement sector illustrated how companies can use process mining to gain transparency about ordering processes, identify bottlenecks and increase operational efficiency. Dashboards and process models were used to show how order volumes, throughput times, deviations and supplier performance can be visualized and evaluated. The sample application presented also made it clear how deeply users can delve into individual process variants, root cause analyses and comparative views – a great added value for both strategic and operational optimization.
Discussion and exchange
The concluding discussion focused primarily on practical questions from the participants. There was particular interest in how event logs can be reliably recorded in the company and what system requirements are necessary for this. The participants also wanted to know how up-to-date the underlying process data in process mining typically is and at what intervals updates should be made in order to detect deviations at an early stage, for example. Another key point was the scope of the required data: It was discussed which minimum information must be provided in order to be able to visualize valid processes and in which cases additional attributes significantly expand the scope of analysis and informative value. Overall, it became clear that transparency regarding data sources, update cycles and data quality is crucial for successfully setting up a process mining project and making it usable in the long term.
Organizer
The event was organized by ProduktionNRW. ProduktionNRW is the cluster for mechanical engineering and production technology in North Rhine-Westphalia and is organized by VDMA NRW. ProduktionNRW sees itself as a platform for networking, informing and marketing companies, institutions and networks with each other and along the value chain. Significant parts of the services provided by ProduktionNRW are funded by the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Protection and Energy of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia.