This article focuses on workplace design using the example of ifm.
The company faced the challenge of planning new assembly workstations and optimizing existing ones – under tight spatial constraints and with high ergonomic requirements.
With Halocline Professional, these challenges were solved quickly and in a structured way.
By combining desktop layout and VR planning, employees could be directly involved, variants tested quickly, and decisions made on a realistic basis.
ifm planned the restructuring of an existing production line and the setup of new assembly stations.
Traditional planning with 2D layouts or physical cardboard models was not practical, as changes were time-consuming and difficult to track.
The goals:
- design ergonomic, efficient, and space-saving workstations,
- realistically review material flows and movements,
- involve employees early to increase acceptance.
By using Halocline, the entire planning process became digital, interactive, and transparent – from the first draft to the validated workstation.
Approach
Step 1: Select and Prepare Objects - Create the Foundation
To get started efficiently, the team used the Halocline library with suitable objects for various workstation scenarios.
To ensure a structured start to planning, they:
- selected suitable elements such as workbenches, shelves, and component containers,
- imported objects into the desktop layout planning and adjusted them as needed,
- corrected names and properties to improve clarity,
- created reusable building blocks for similar workstations.
These prepared elements laid the foundation for a consistent and standardized setup.
→ More in the workflow: Quick Start With Modular Workstations
Step 2: Plan the Workstation in the Desktop Layout - Define Structure and Flow
In the desktop layout planning, the team developed the basic layout of the workstation. Work surfaces, material zones, and assembly areas were arranged logically to ensure a clear and smooth workflow.
Important steps included:
- analyzing the assembly flow and arranging components along the process,
- positioning containers and tools ergonomically,
- clearly separating work areas,
- checking space requirements and freedom of movement.
This resulted in an initial functional workstation model that provided a solid basis for the subsequent reality check.
→ More in the workflow: From Rough to Refined – From Desktop to VR
Step 3: Review in VR - Experience Realism and Ergonomics
After 2D and 3D planning, ifm switched to the VR view to experience the workstation at a 1:1 scale.
The immersive environment enabled realistic evaluation of distances, reachability, and work movements.
The team assessed:
- whether all containers were within reach,
- how tools and components could be gripped,
- whether walking paths stayed clear and movements remained smooth,
- which adjustments were required to minimize strain.
Based on these insights, optimizations were implemented directly in the model – fast, intuitive, and without complex rebuilds.
→ More in the workflow: Workplace Design
Step 4: Fine-Tuning and Variant Comparison - Find the Ideal Workstation
Finally, the workstation was further refined.
Through small adjustments to positions, heights, and orientations, an optimized setup was created that was convincing both ergonomically and in terms of process efficiency.
The key points were:
- further shortening material flow,
- avoiding unnecessary movements,
- eliminating bottlenecks,
- saving and comparing variants to make well-founded decisions.
The final workstation could then be exported and shared as a reference for additional workstations.
→ More in the workflow: Workplace Design
Results and Added Value
With Halocline Professional, ifm was able to significantly accelerate and improve its workplace design:
- 50% shorter planning time thanks to instantly visible results in VR,
- Ergonomically validated workstations through realistic reviews,
- Early involvement of employees, increasing acceptance and quality,
- Error prevention and safety, as bottlenecks and incorrect arrangements were identified immediately,
- High flexibility, as changes could be implemented during the ongoing process.
The result was an efficient, ergonomic, and future-proof workstation – validated, documented, and ready for immediate implementation.
Conclusion
The ifm case clearly demonstrates how Halocline Professional digitizes and accelerates the entire workplace design process.
From planning to VR validation to final implementation, a transparent, efficient, and ergonomic workstation emerges – with clear benefits for everyone involved.