Metrology Software Market

Market Overview

The global metrology software market size was valued at USD 935.87 million in 2022. It is projected to reach USD 1,785.29 million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 7.44% during the forecast period (2023-2031). 

Metrology software is the way users interact with OGP measurement systems. They control, keep an eye on, show, and report all aspects of the measurement process. The OGP program enables as little or as much work as necessary from operation to operation. Users can build and carry out measurement routines, and then collaborate on the results using PC-DMIS metrology software. In its simplest form, metrology is the scientific study of measurements and their progressive use in many industries. Metrology has a broad range of applications and has become a crucial process in various sectors. Because of this, it is anticipated that the global market for metrology software will increase in the years to come.

Market Dynamics

Market Drivers

Increased Drive toward Automation of Processes in the Manufacturing Industry

Many machine tool controllers currently have bi-directional and quick interface capabilities that can be used with metrology software to process measurement data and determine advanced geometrical and tolerance features of parts as they are being manufactured. The capacity to do metrology calculations as a feedback loop to make critical adjustments during the manufacturing cycle is made possible by having this capability directly on a manufacturing machine. 'Adaptive manufacturing' is made possible by strategically utilizing measurement programs throughout the manufacturing process. This reduces the entire manufacturing cycle time while improving part quality. Then, using specialized software like North Star Imaging (NSI) efX-CT, a 3D model of the scanned part is created, highlighting its internal and external features. In addition, numerous industry suppliers are rapidly adopting technical advancements to improve the accuracy of their products. AI is one such technology that is assisting these suppliers in speeding up processes without sacrificing accuracy.

Increasing Need for Intelligent and Effective Data Acquisition, Analysis, and Evaluation and Powerful Data Management and Reporting Tools

Data-driven manufacturing enables management to track labor and production rate changes, address maintenance and quality problems, and reduce business and safety risks throughout the operation. Players are concentrating on developing fresher metrology software solutions, which are helping to fuel the market's main development engine. Users can generate intelligent polygonal meshes for part inspection using one of the new features in the release, Model-Based Definition (MBD) for meshes. MBD mesh files may be used to verify items made by additive manufacturing instead of a CAD model, saving a lot of time and money. The only measuring program designed on a CAD platform, Verisurf supports all portable arms, laser trackers, laser scanners, manual and programmable CMMs, and any CAD file.

Market Restraint

Lack of Awareness to Challenge the Market Growth

Organizations' reliance on manual procedures and informal risk management methods is impeding the use of metrology software for measurement. Today, dozens of manufacturers, hundreds of distinct types of CMMs, and a wide range of software applications operate the devices. This makes software exchange between coordinate measurement devices more challenging. Businesses engaged in the semiconductor manufacturing industry occasionally require additional metrology help. Due to technological advancements, these businesses must continue to employ engineers and maintain cutting-edge measurement labs. However, the corporation would have to spend a lot of money setting up the necessary systems if it wanted to adapt the metrology process to the shift in semiconductor equipment. A targeted ROI that fits the business plan is challenging because of the costs involved in establishing the metrology department. A considerable fee is paid for recruiting the metrologists, maintaining and calibrating the 3D metrology gear, software, and software upgrades, and offering frequent training.

Market Opportunities

Demand for High-Quality Products from Consumers

To optimize their manufacturing processes and lower costs while retaining efficiency and profitability, users of metrology software have increased their desire for improved product quality. Long structural components, such as rails or support beams, are frequently the basic building blocks for much larger and more complex goods, like cars, trains, ships, or building support parts. Due to the substantial physical size of such structural objects, inspection is typically performed manually by quality-control personnel who use gauge fixtures or CMMs to measure the key features physically. However, as manual quality control relies on pass-or-fail criteria, complete traceability and 100% in-line inspection are generally unavailable. The preference for near-line or in-line measuring techniques over off-line quality inspection, which allows for higher sample rates and quicker inspection periods in the automobile industry, is anticipated to fuel the expansion of metrology software for the sector. Furthermore, the rise of metrology software is expected to be driven in the near future by the rising demand for electric vehicles.

Regional Analysis

The global metrology software market is divided into four regions: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA. 

Asia-Pacific Dominates the Global Market

Asia-Pacific is the most significant revenue contributor and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.18% during the forecast period. Asia Pacific is predicted to experience the fastest growth of metrology software solutions due to the region's numerous automotive and aerospace giants and their growing interest in high-accuracy metrology solutions. China is a hub for manufacturing worldwide, and since manufacturing processes have become more precise and sophisticated, the metrology software market is anticipated to grow in this sector. China already has multiple manufacturing facilities for major national and international companies. Haier has successfully implemented cutting-edge production techniques combining 5G and mobile-edge computing in its smart factories with the help of Huawei and China Mobile. These systems combine machine learning, artificial intelligence, and 5G edge computing in manufacturing settings. These may carry out several tasks and are relevant to many manufacturing circumstances.

In Japan, businesses have formed various alliances and partnerships to strengthen their measurement and inspection solutions, expand their presence, and increase their clientele. Numerous companies have been looking for a robust technological solution that can fully automate and create more economical visual inspection and measurement solutions that significantly boost quality control and lower manufacturing expenses. In addition, Singapore and India have grown dramatically in recent years, adding new aerospace manufacturing facilities and luring international players to open up local shops.

North America is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.91% during the forecast period. The need for metrology software in North America is anticipated to rise as its use spreads throughout the automotive, manufacturing, shipbuilding, and healthcare sectors. The shipbuilding industry in North America is dealing with several difficulties related to expanding measuring surveys and installing new measurement equipment. The consequent shift in the industry toward more significant measuring system usage has boosted the demand for metrology software. The North American Cooperation in Metrology (NORAMET), the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and the Dimensional Metrology Standards Consortium are just a few of the groups that produce measuring standards in North America (DMIS). These groups regularly publish publications outlining updated measurement standards that manufacturers in various industries must adopt. This also drives up demand for metrology software governed by recently released norms. Because it enables measurements to be made during production rather than in measuring rooms, metrology software is increasingly being used in modern factories and production lines. In addition, it is anticipated that growing applications of reverse engineering and additive manufacturing will propel the market for metrology software in the North American continent.

Europe is expected to grow significantly over the forecast period. The adoption of metrology tools and software in various industry verticals, including automotive, electrical and electronics, pharmaceuticals, and aerospace, is fueled by the growing trend toward complete automation of manufacturing facilities. This is fueling the market's expansion throughout the continent of Europe. Manufacturers must concentrate on accuracy and precision since measurements are required for producing numerous parts for cars and airplanes and to comply with laws and rules supporting safety. The overall demand for metrology software solutions has benefited as a result. The European Union Council also decided to join a cooperation called the European Partnership on Metrology to boost funding for metrology research and capabilities and, as a result, foster the development of valuable innovative goods.

In addition, nearly ten billion euros will be made available by the EU through Horizon Europe, which aims to encourage investment in metrology and digital technologies. By creating autonomous European metrology networks to support new innovative products, address societal challenges like health, the environment, or climate change, and make it possible to design and implement necessary regulations and standards effectively, the public partnership seeks to accelerate Europe's global leadership in metrology research. The European Research Project Z-Factor, which aimed to develop an integrated management platform for zero-defect manufacturing in industrial sectors such as high-speed steel tools, carbide, and electronic components, has involved several European enterprises.

Numerous changes have occurred due to increased commerce in Latin America, including the recent opening of metrology showrooms in these regions, a growth in operations there, and an improvement in brand recognition among diverse vendors. For instance, Nikon Mexico constructed a new metrology showroom in Queretaro, Mexico, to give potential customers access to the most recent metrology solutions for non-destructive (NDT), CAD comparison, and quality testing applications. Industrial and measuring microscopes, portable arms and scanners, software solutions, and coordinate measuring devices are some of the goods and services provided (CMMs). The Latin American transportation and logistics market has also been growing, and many businesses are eager to upgrade the region's infrastructure and set the stage for future development. Autonomous systems can operate more frequently without a crew on board than conventional systems. The need for metrology solutions in the railroad sector is driven by the increased inspection frequency and sophisticated data analytics that allow early detection of deteriorating track network conditions to improve maintenance and renewal planning.

Segmental Analysis

The global metrology software market is segmented by end-user vertical.

Based on end-user verticals, the global metrology software market is bifurcated into automotive, aerospace, electronic manufacturing, and other end-user verticals. 

The automotive segment is the highest contributor to the market and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 6.11% during the forecast period. Every industry needs quality control because it ensures that the goods are identical and of the highest quality. The car sector makes high-end manufacture possible, making it a particularly significant aspect. A better, tighter, and more regulated manufacturing line is made possible by consistent data and precise measurement. Automakers can mass-produce many identical parts using metrology to ensure the car runs smoothly and safely. Due to the ever-shrinking product life cycles, the automotive industry has historically been ahead of most other sectors in adopting new innovative manufacturing technology. A key technology for producing high-quality automotive goods while boosting productivity and lowering costs is 3D metrology.

The automotive industry has recently witnessed a shift from off-line quality control inspection to near-line or in-line production measures with more frequent sampling and shorter inspection intervals. The most advanced automakers now automate assessment and incorporate the inspection data created into their complete product management systems. This enables the generated actionable data to deliver intelligent manufacturing decisions in real time and maintain consistent product quality. When it comes to implementing diverse production technologies, the car industry is a pioneer. The use of 3D metrology is pivotal in the automotive sector since it allows for the creation of higher-quality products. Utilizing this technology increases productivity while reducing costs. The transition from off-line quality control inspection measurements to in-line or near-line manufacturing has been a growing trend in the automotive industry. The change necessitates longer inspection times and more frequent sampling.

Cell phones, tablets, and screens are examples of consumer electronics products requiring high precision. The biggest problems with quality assurance are the interactions of a wide variety of materials and the intricate geometries of these items. The consumer electronics industry has turned to 3D metrology to overcome these challenges, hence contributing to the growth of the metrology software market. Metrology and quality control are crucial to microtechnology. The outer dimensions of green bodies and sintered parts can be measured using measurement methods created for use in micro-electronic or micro-electro-mechanical systems/micro-opto-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS/MOEMS) manufacture. Leading users of dimensional metrology to improve factory effectiveness and streamline the quality process are electronic manufacturing companies in industrialized economies.

Additionally, end-users can use dimensional metrology to measure an item and find manufacturing errors before selling it. As a result of rising globalization, electronic manufacturers in emerging markets are starting to recognize the value of integrating high-precision metrology equipment into their manufacturing and quality inspection processes. With tremendous growth potential over the following ten years, the worldwide dimensional metrology business for electronic production is currently in its early stages of development. Optical sensors must be exact, quick, and able to measure in-line for mass production lines in the consumer electronics sector. As a result, metrology software is the ideal solution for producers of electronic components and will significantly increase their production. Suppliers of semiconductor metrology software can be found all over the world and in the United States. They abide by various quality standards and legal regulations. In Europe, semiconductor metrology tools are marked with the CE mark to show compliance with pertinent European Union (EU) directives. Suppliers are required to adhere to standards established by groups like the International Standards Organization (ISO).

Recent Developments

• August 2022- LK Metrology Ltd launched an advanced version of TouchDMIS software and demonstrated the newest CAMIO programming and measuring software.
• December 2022- Authentise Launched Flows and FlowsAM Digital Manufacturing Software.