About the Author
and planning data can then be fed to scheduling and execution systems. The output is seen in clear and accurate work packages as well as consistent results on the production floor. The human resource issue is addressed on multiple levels. The use of 3D visualization and more accurate 3D-based work-packages can be used to effectively bridge skill and experience gaps ensuring that subassemblies go together correctly the first time. For the engineers and designers, the use of a mainstream toolset for CAD and engineering will attract more talent including skilled engineers from industries with less demand. A PLM system can bring higher productivity and less rework so that more work gets done with fewer skilled people involved. The icing on the cake - starting with a global architecture allows the use of capabilities from other industries where they can be useful. For example, yacht designers enjoy the styling capabilities from the automotive industry. Yacht and defense applications also make use of composite structural design, analysis and manufacturing capabilities from aerospace, and the high accuracy of mechanical design can be invoked when needed. There are built-in meshing tools and solvers for FEA to address strength requirements. Designers and customers can also enjoy the visualization capabilities out of the video gaming world that allow a "lifelike experience" so that the look, feel and performance of a design can be known and additional refinement can be achieved before cutting metal.
Bottom Line Performance
Perhaps the recession will provide you the time needed to investigate and understand how to move forward into a stronger position on the flip side.
Learn more at http://www.3ds.com/shipbuilding
Rob Beadling is currently Dassault Syst�mes Sales Manager for Marine and Energy Industries in North America. He has worked with Northrop Grumman and General Dynamics shipyards in support of their naval shipbuilding programs. Rob has over 30 years experience in the marine industry and related information technologies.
Today's 3D-based PLM technology can bring considerable benefits to the marine industry in general. As the investments made by the Navy and other ship and yacht builders around the world have now matured, the solutions are there to enable smaller enterprises. The architecture and modularity of the solution, allows the smaller enterprise to take only what is needed today to produce a solid return on investment and then expand as growth and new business interests dictate. A minimalist approach can be taken with relatively low investment, and this can still yield good results. It's not about "all or nothing" and it does not have to be a tall mountain to climb. The smaller yards can now take advantage of the latest 3D PLM technology to raise their quality and productivity, expand their throughput and at the same time, attract fresh talent to use their new mainstream technology. Of course, taking advantage of this opportunity will take time and investment.
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