As part of the ongoing MODAPTO Horizon Europe project, the Lithuanian Innovation Center (LIC) organised a study visit to SEW‑USOCOME in France on 13 November 2025, together with five Lithuanian manufacturing SMEs. The visit offered first-hand exposure to MODAPTO Pilot 2, focusing on modular production systems and advanced scheduling optimisation—key enablers of flexible, data-driven manufacturing in Europe.
A Focused Programme Combining Theory and Practice
The one-day programme blended technical insights with real industrial demonstrations. In the morning, SEWUSOCOME experts presented their manufacturing operations, automation solutions, and global positioning. This was followed by a joint presentation from SEWUSOCOME and the University of Lorraine, outlining the Pilot 2 architecture, implementation challenges, and operational benefits of modular and reconfigurable manufacturing.
In the afternoon, participants toured the factory floor, observing MODAPTO use cases in action. Demonstrations included production scheduling optimisation, reconfigurable manufacturing cells, Digital Twin dashboards, and simulation tools for planning and scenario testing. The visit concluded with structured feedback collection.
SME Perspectives from Lithuania
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The participating SMEs represented diverse sectors, textiles, food processing, metal fabrication, and electronics, allowing for broad reflection on MODAPTO’s applicability. The delegation also included LIC representatives Linas Eriksonas and Rimantas Serva.
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UAB Linas LT, a linen textile manufacturer, recognised strong relevance between Pilot 2’s scheduling optimisation capabilities and its own complex fibre-processing workflows. Managing natural fibres across multiple sequential stages presents planning challenges that mirror the optimisation scenarios demonstrated at SEW.
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UAB Pandmeta, which produces technological equipment and modular metal constructions, saw clear alignment with its project-based manufacturing model. The company’s need to switch rapidly between customised projects makes reconfigurable manufacturing concepts particularly attractive.
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UAB Panevėžio fonas, known for combining stainless steel, wood, and electronics in its diverse product portfolio, identified strong value in tools that help manage shared production resources and coordinate multiple product lines within one facility.
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UAB Ustukių malūnas, a producer of organic grain products, recognised that scheduling optimisation could support both product variety and stringent quality requirements by improving production flow planning and resource use.
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UAB Metalistas LT, specialising in custom metal fabrication, noted the potential for flexible routing and scheduling tools to support its highly variable, project-driven operations.
Feedback and Learning Outcomes
Participant feedback was highly positive, with an overall satisfaction score of 4.8/5. Content relevance was rated equally high, while reported knowledge gain reached 4.2/5. Many participants praised the clarity of the demonstrations, noting how complex optimisation concepts were effectively translated into real-world, visual examples.
Potential for Application in Lithuania
Several SMEs expressed interest in applying MODAPTO concepts within their own operations. Participants highlighted real-time monitoring, scheduling optimisation, and process simulation as particularly valuable. At the same time, they acknowledged the importance of solid data infrastructure and organisational readiness for successful adoption.
Continued Engagement and Knowledge Transfer
The visit sparked further interest in MODAPTO activities. Three participants expressed interest in upcoming training programmes, one requested follow-up discussions on adoption, and four showed interest in visiting additional MODAPTO pilot sites.
Strengthening Knowledge Transfer and Future Development in Lithuania
The study visit to SEW USOCOME provided Lithuanian SMEs with important insight into how modular manufacturing systems and optimisation tools can reshape production planning, increase flexibility, and support data-driven decision-making.
The lessons learned from Pilot 2 reinforce the value of collaboration between industry and research, cross-border knowledge exchange, and continued integration of digital tools across manufacturing sectors.
These insights will support the ongoing modernisation of Lithuanian industry and contribute to the broader objectives of MODAPTO – helping European manufacturers become more adaptable, efficient, and resilient in an increasingly demanding global landscape.