Press release – April 23, 2026
CIMdata highlights the potential of CONTACT Fourier AI for the digital thread
In its latest analysis, the international management consultancy emphasizes the role of CONTACT Fourier AI in the effective integration of AI into product processes. The solution provides companies with the strategic framework to systematically align technology, data, and organizational change to unlock the full business potential of AI.
Companies in the manufacturing industry grapple with increasing product complexity, product variety, and growing regulatory pressure. In addition, many AI initiatives fail due to a lack of integration into engineering processes, insufficient trust in the data foundation, and concerns regarding intellectual property protection.
According to CIMdata’s experts, CONTACT Software’s AI solution Fourier AI overcomes these critical hurdles and enables the strategic use of Artificial Intelligence in the manufacturing industry. CIMdata emphasizes that Fourier AI acts as an integrated layer within the CONTACT Elements platform – like an “experienced colleague” who provides in-depth knowledge of product data and history. The solution reduces redundant AI implementations and leverages the existing governance structures of CONTACT Elements.
Measurable value through data-driven results
A key aspect is the retrieval-based approach. This ensures that the AI’s responses are based on customer-specific product data, which significantly reduces “hallucinations” – a crucial factor for obtaining valid results and building trust. A deep integration into PLM workflows ensures that the AI supports decisions directly where they are made.
The measurable business value is demonstrated by an automotive supplier who uses Fourier AI for test case generation. The solution reduces the time it takes to create a test case by approximately 12 minutes, leading to five-figure annual cost savings while simultaneously improving consistency and quality.
Building trust through security and easy integration
Fourier AI protects intellectual property by ensuring customer data remains isolated and confined within the customer’s environment under role-based access control and is never shared for training purposes. The solution complies with the EU AI Act and allows for easy implementation within CONTACT Elements, eliminating the need for customers to hire dedicated AI specialists or build a complex infrastructure.
CIMdata concludes that Artificial Intelligence accelerates decisions and reduces risks when decision-makers view it as a strategic extension of the digital thread rather than an isolated technology. Therefore, “CIMdata recommends that manufacturers focused on enhancing their digital thread capability evaluate CONTACT Software’s Fourier AI as part of their digital thread solution assessment.”
CONTACT’s Fourier AI is now available in the latest release of CONTACT Elements. Read the full CIMdata commentary here.
