CAD Training to Technology Insight

With lot of development in Industrial sector and mainly in automotive, energy and aerospace you can find almost all big brand vehicles being manufactured in India now. It’s good to see lot of events, seminars, conferences on CAD software launch are organized in all major cities in India to promote new versions and technologies.

Recently, Siemens PLM organized launch of Solid Edge ST3 in Pune, India.  It was nice to see good response that the new Synchronous Technology Three is getting. You can read overview on success of event conducted in Pune on my previous blog post. Today, I want to share few facts that I noticed during seminar and when speaking to few delegates during tea breaks.

I was sitting next to two senior delegates, having age around 50 years. I think they must be either senior managers or directors of some company. Their profile is not important here; important is subject of discussion between them. I came to know that they are users of CAD packages since last 10 years, have worked on 2D CAD software in past and also have experience using  history based Solid Edge software, which they purchased before launch of ST1. They like the features of ST3 and seem to be going for it in coming days. But, they were worried about the availability of trained manpower to make better use of Synchronous features to improve productivity.

Sometime it is true that one can handle and drive 150cc bike at good speed and comfort then using 600cc bike with unnecessary power and speed if user doesn’t have knowledge about controls and enough practice to drive it. It is not that SE ST1 and ST2 professionals are not available in India. But, after launch of Synchronous Technology mostly the big companies, OEM’s opted to go for new version. The small vendors and industries are still with parametric or history based tools. So getting a experienced professional is difficult task for small industries, no experienced professional will opt to move from big companies to small vendors.

As you know that SE ST3 has integrated order (history) and synchronous technologies combined, CAD managers are worried that if they give SE ST3 in hands of their existing designers, those having expertise in using ‘parametric tools’ they would naturally follow parametric method to design rather than using Synchronous Technology advantage – 600cc!!!

In 2008, Siemens PLM launched an Authorized Training Partner program in India. The program intends to expand the resource pool of skilled professionals available in the marketplace through the extended training ecosystem. Siemens PLM is aware that customers need both the technology and the talent needed to implement robust PLM, CAD solutions to enhance innovation. But today, when you search for Siemens PLM, or Solid Edge training in India you will find very few good private institute going for the courses and most authorized training institutes are closed. I think Siemens must take initiative to restart training program on large scale. Learning CAD software is still not a great deal but having more dedicated training institutes in ‘PLM’ space is prime requirement. Adding more training partners to bring more skilled resources to the market will help companies more easily and effectively expand their use of PLM. 

Last month ‘Autodesk joined hands with AICTE to provide free software to over 10,000 engineering and architectural institutes in India. I think it is good move which would help engineering students to get hands on experience on CAD packages and find better job just after passing final year. Also, such move from Autodesk to provide free students licenses would help to lower piracy. Investment today on students would definitely expand CAD business in India in future.

 

Today, Pro/E courses are offered in almost all institutes throughout India, but condition might change after launch of ‘Creo’ so, better if PTC starts working on learning/teaching strategies now.

Siemens PLM India has its special training cell conducting training courses for every Siemens PLM product, but many professionals and students looking for the courses are not aware about it. Also, you can see most courses schedule are not updated they still show Solid Edge Version 19.0 Training and nothing mentioned about Synchronous Technology.

http://www.plm.automation.siemens.com/en_in/support/training_calendar.shtml

 

Sub links are broken,

http://www.plm.automation.siemens.com/en_in/support/current_courses.shtml

 

Learning CAD online is still not much popular in design professionals and students, many reasons for that like no local websites/companies providing learning solutions have to pay fees in dollars which is around two – five times more compared to the fees charged by institutes teaching in classroom mode. Non availability of personal CAD packages to practice at home and lack of good broadband service in some areas.

 

I think CAD vendors must seriously take initiative to generate trained manpower required to fulfill their customers demand. Must support private CAD Institutes, VAR (resellers) and engineering colleges to start certified courses and guide students to better career options.

 

Please share your thoughts on learning CAD…

Happy cadding!

Sachin Nalawade

www.dailycadcam.com

Overview on Solid Edge ST3 Launch Seminar - Pune

I attained Siemens PLM seminar on”What’s new in Solid Edge ST3?” on Nov 23, 2010 organized by Siemens and sponsored by 3DConnecxion at Hotel Le Meridien, Pune.  It was nice to see large number of delegates present in a hall excited to know about new version; around 300+ professionals from various companies nearby Pune were present to learn more about Siemens new version of Solid Edge with lot of consumer focused enhancements. Design professionals have just heard or read about Synchronous Technology advantages, but such events gives us opportunity to see how easy and quick it is to use SE ST3.

Solid Edge with Synchronous Technology 3 software can be said as a major turning point for 3D design with new modeling paradigm that combined parametric modeling with explicit modeling. It was really amazing to see the development in Synchronous Technology since it was launched in June 2008.

The presenter from Siemens started speech with company’s vision of synchronous technology to fulfill designer’s requirements, accelerating design with overview on various enhancements. It is good to know that the latest version extends synchronous technology into assembly design, integrates ordered features with synchronous modeling and migrates manufacturing drawing dimensions to an associated 3D model.

There were many history based modeling tool users like me present for seminar, and it was nice to see the way the synchronous technology was presented with live examples. Presenter first showed using “Inter-Part Relationship command” to automatically recognized similar geometry between synchronous or imported geometry and creates relationship linking them together. He showed us an example of several holes in mounting plate that can be automatically matched to their counterparts in a bearing mount. Similarly the changes can be automated across multiple parts.

Solid Edge ST3 now provides integrated design environment that lets user add ordered features to synchronous design. Good to see that a single model can contain both ordered and synchronous features. This lets designers use existing methods while leveraging synchronous features with greater flexibility. The same was explained using complex bend part. You may not believe but, moving from ordered features to synchronous is just one click task!

Another amazing feature added to ST3 is “Migrating 2D Dimensions to 3D Models” ST3 can take manufacturing dimensions defined on a 2D drawing and transform them into editable 3D driving dimensions on associated imported 3D models. He showed us using “Create 3D Command” to transfer dimensions from drawing views to its 3D model. ST3 applies dimensions of 2D to 3D, allowing immediate 3D edits.

Another big thing we see in most new versions of MCAD software in 2010 is integrated capabilities of “Simulation”. Even, a CAD designer can now easily handle the simulation tool for simple tasks. ST3 includes additional constraints and loads to simulate more design scenarios. “Model Simplification” option can be used to synchronous designs, for faster results. The integrated simulation tool has few limitations, so serous simulation work can be done using Siemens specialized tool femap.

Everyone knows that Siemens have competent SharePoint based CAD data management system since 2001 with thousands of users worldwide. Now “Solid Edge Insight” is a totally integrated data management system offering transparent PDM capabilities using SharePoint.

There are tons of enhancements in Assembly, Part modeling and Sheet metal design. Live rules, one my favorite command, would explore it later. Sheet metal design has new “Close Corner Option” which includes U, V, Square, mitered corners support. The option lets users create any corner type easily.

One more enhancement that caught attention is “PMI Dimensions” the option helps user to directly edit the value of product manufacturing information (PMI) dimensions during placement and lock these values to speed workflow.

Siemens have worked hard to improve the usability of Solid Edge; now customizing Ribbon Bar is very easy task. The user can now define the placement of mostly used commands.

I think product have just become better with Siemens addressing thousands of customer requests, it was difficult for Siemens team to cover every enhancement in such a short seminar. But still one gets good idea about the SE ST3. Lot of discussion took place on new technology. Delegates were given good reply to every query.

After tea, audience got chance to listen to Mr. Andy Parnell Hopkinson, Sales director of 3Dconnexion a Logitech company. 3Dconnexion is world leader in providing professional 3D mouse for CAD applications. Actually it was first time I saw “3D mouse” live! I also got chance to used it to zoom, pan and rotate 3D CAD model on Andy’s notebook. It can be customized to provide instant access to 10 frequently used commands. But it takes you around two days to master each control on 3D mouse to get work done by your left hand simultaneously.  I too agree with Andy that regular mouse we use are not designed for 3D work, we need something better to fulfill our needs, work faster. I think I would like to use one and become more productive.

There are various models of 3D mouse available; the cost is between Rs 6000 to 24000. The 3D mouse supports more than 130 applications, all major MCAD software are supported. It was announced that from now onwards 3Dconnexion mouse can be purchased through Siemens resellers in India. The device is really worth, just need to convince your CAD managers for spending extra bucks for gaining more productivity!

Lastly, Mr. Anil Kumar, the next presenter gave a brief overview on “CAM Express” He introduces audience to new version 7.5. The CAM Express provides advance capability needed by NC programmers to utilize advance, efficient machine tools, such as high-speed mills, multifunction mill turns and 5-Axis machining centers.

CAM Express is CAD neutral; it is designed to be used independently of any specific CAD system. He showed us importing SolidWorks part file and how it can be edited in CAD express if required without going back to CAD system. The CAM Express is available for integrated use with Siemens CAD applications (NX and SE).

The seminar concluded with thanks giving and answering queries of attendees by Siemens team.
Just take a look on few more similar events throughout India in coming days to experience Siemens PLM Solid Edge ST3 live.

http://www.plm.automation.siemens.com/en_in/about_us/events_webinars/sest3_launch.cfm?stc=wwiia420000&elq=d1c5b86e6a2d4cb38884e3e5268e478a

24th November, Mumbai
Hotel Hyatt Regency

26th November, New Delhi
Hotel Crowne Plaza Today (Okhla)

30th November, Bengaluru
Hotel Chancery Pavilion

1st December, Chennai
Radisson Hotel GRT

Happy Cadding!

www.dailycadcam.com

Can I be the Solidworks World 2011 Official Internet Correspondent.

Solidworks  announced SolidWorks World 2011 Internet Correspondent Contest. 

My entry...

I am Sachin Nalawade, an Automobile engineering graduate from India. I  have passion for design, cars and bikes. I would be happy to work as Internet correspondence in SolidWorks 2011.

Few reasons why I must be consider for the job.

·         I read every CAD blog, article, watch videos daily without missing any! I am ‘Editor’ for www.dailycadcam.com, my blog http://cadxperts.blogspot.com/

·         I have around 4 years of experience in product design, CAD application testing, SolidWorks AutoCAD customization

·         I have started my own CAD Media company, CADCUBE Systems last year after losing my job in recession: August 2009. Visit my site www.dailycadcam.com  - for  CAD CAM CAE CFD and PLM Update and today I have 7500+ register subscribers for DailyCADCAM weekly newsletter

·         I alone have created my site www.dailycadcam.com from scratch and have 4500+ best tips, articles, reviews, videos, customization tips, add-ins systematically arranged for almost all major 2D/3D CAD, CAE software

·         My site have register users (7500+) from 19 countries, out of which 75% are design professionals from India , actually my target audience for next 6 months are Indian professionals

·         I also share important news on CAD industry with users and have good relations with media/press of major CAD companies worldwide

·         I am lucky to get invited for local events conducted by SolidWorks resellers, Siemens, Autodesk and others

·         I am active CAD blogger and have friendly relations with top bloggers in world …..

·         I help engineering students in educational projects on CAD  and help them find jobs through my friends network in CAD Industry

·         I have active participation on various forums on CAD, Communities on Linkedin

·         I tweet to spread CAD!

·         I believe in social networking and sharing knowledge. I have inspired many design professionals and friends to start blogging about CAD

·         I have suggested many start-ups and CAD resellers to start blogs to share their knowledge and help their customers

·          I am working on restarting  SWUGN Pune, making it more active in coming days with the help of local SW resellers

·         I  work as freelancer for  creating video e-learning material for students using Camtesia (www.ednexa.com)

·         I read all the rules and meet the criteria

·         Being the correspondent sounds like a more then greatest opportunity for me to prove myself as CAD Blogger, CAD media editor/journalist, I t would help my small CAD media company to grow in the world of CAD.

Happy Cadding!
Sachin Nalawade
Sachin@dailycadcam.com

SolidWorks Innovation Day 2010 Pune, Bangalore Nov 16, 2010

Opportunity to attain ‘SolidWorks Innovation Day 2010’ events in Pune and Bangalore. Good chance for those who have missed the event last month. Actually, we must first thanks to all the resellers and the sponsors for lot of efforts taken to conduct such events throughout country. I think SolidWorks resellers have taken lot of efforts to market new SolidWorks 2011 software.

Indian companies believe moving from one version to another as strenuous task or it is very exacting to convince management to go for latest version, most of the time management is busy with finding projects and meeting deadlines with the available resources. I remember in 2006, one of my friends working as CAD engineer in reputed company asked me “What is SolidWorks?” It was astonishing to hear such a query from design engineer working on CATIA. But today, the conditions have changed; every CAD professional and engineering students now know the tool “SolidWorks”. Hats-off to marketing strategy of DS SolidWorks Corp. Active resellers network definitely played a big role for success of SolidWorks in India. It would be interesting to see their role in SolidWorks on Cloud in future.

So, if you are SolidWorks users, decision makers, 2D CAD user and looking for suitable 3D CAD package, or CFD analyst. Then the event is for you come join to witness what’s inside SolidWorks 2011 and how you can translate ideas into great success!

SolidWorks Innovation Day 2010  By BEACON

Venue: Le Méridien Pune, Raja Bahadur Mill Rd, Pune - 411001
Date: 16th, November 2010

Register: http://www.dailycadcam.com/events/64

And,

SolidWorks Innovation Day 2010  By Conceptia Konnect

Venue:	Hotel Atria, Bangalore
Date:	16th Nov 2010

 Register: http://www.ckonnect.in/newsletters/innovationday/

Last day to register for the events. See you in Pune Hotel Le Medidien. Let’s discuss about the new features in SolidWorks 2011 in next post.

Happy cadding!

Sachin Nalawade

www.dailycadcam.com

Overview on ‘SolidWorks Innovation Day 2010’ Event, Pelf Infotech - Pune

Recently I had an excellent opportunity to attend ‘SolidWorks Innovation Day 2010’ organized by Pelf Infotech, Pune on October 19, 2010 at Hotel Westin for its customers and potential customers mostly working with 2D CAD packages. SolidWorks have good number of users in and around Pune and Pelf Infotech have been serving to more the 200+ clients.

So, obviously the event was having huge crowd of more than 250 dignitaries from SME’s, design service providers, MNC’s and R&D firms. The attendees were given warm welcome by Pelf Infotech.
The program started with the welcome speech by Mr. Ajinkya Huddar, Managing Director - Pelf Infotech Pvt. Ltd. He gave an overview on services provided by Pelf. He shared some fantastic and innovative ideas on 3rd generation CAD; need to switch from 2D to 3D tools, FEA, sustainability and publishing tools to design better quality products. Videos on 3rd generation SolidWorks and road-able aircraft were shown. Really interesting stuff!

Mr. Sandeep Srivastava, SolidWorks, western region, was next to give presentation, he explained the importance of innovations to drive companies to success. He showed the list of most innovative companies in world and asked what is common in most of these companies? thinkkkkkk…??? Any guess.
*
*
Its SolidWorks, used to design at some stage to shape innovative ideas to real products.

Then, he came to Sustainability. Really awful to see the images on condition of Earth and humanity today - Acid rain. Water pollution. Global warming. Dying animals, plants, and fish. He then gave brief overview on SolidWorks initiative for designing sustainable product, green design to save nature and humanity. Thanks for good initiative by DS SolidWorks Corp.

Visit SolidWorks Sustainability website to explore further - http://www.solidworks.com/sustainability/index.htm

Then, there was some silence after completion of presentation by Mr. Sandeep, the spot light was moving 180 degrees in a hall, then it was announced that the unveiling of SolidWorks 2011 would done by the hands of lucky spectator where spotlight would stop, and we got the lucky one! Everybody enjoyed the pleasant moment to find person to launch 2011. A huge cake with ‘DS SolidWorks 2011’ written over it was cut with some crackers to boost the happiness.

The ‘Launch of SolidWorks 2011’ in Pune was officially announced.

Then, in next session there were presentations by application engineers from Pelf Infotech, who presented the real-situation in companies handling design projects and way to manage work with SolidWorks.
It was amazing to see the list of ‘new enhancements in SolidWorks 2011’ the list is too long, some 200 enhancements in latest version. Let me list few which I find more interesting, they are.
• PhotoView 360 and walk-through
• Defeature Tool
• Fast Drawing Detailing
• Planer Simplification and enhanced Beam Analysis
• HVAC and cooling Modules
• Routing Improvements
• Welded Structure Improvements
• 3DVIA Composer
• EPDM
• Enhanced Memory Management
• Flow Simulation

An Insightful presentation on ‘choosing a right Workstation’ was given by Mr. Suhas Pingat, Market Development Manager at HP. He talked about the range of Workstations supporting CAD, CAE applications and importance of having right hardware to get optimum output from latest CAD packages.

Then, in lunch break we got chance to see the ‘Object 3D Printing System’ prototype machine, It supports STL and SLC file formats. Nice to see a physical prototype of product before going for manufacturing!

In second half, Customer Case Study - By Yashodeep Fabritech was presented by representative of Yashodeep Fabritect. Really good to hear about the experience of a small vendor on using 3D CAD package to drive his company to success. He showed how conveyors, powder transfer system, tanks and vessels, heat exchangers and bleaching tube, etc were designed using SolidWorks and his experience with 2D CAD tools.

Later, there was demo on ‘SolidWorks Flow Simulation’ a new CFD tool for quick and easy simulation of fluid flow, heat transfer and fluid forces. Adding CFD tool is biggest enhancement in 2011 according to me, it was primary requirement for many SolidWorks users to build successful products. I feel the tool is easy to use and a CAD designer with little training on this tool can perform simulations easily.

Mr. Anand, Pelf Infotech, gave a brief introduction on using 3DVIA for product documentation, really great way to create, update and distribute product communications utilizing 3D design data and bills-of-material information. Using 3DVIA for making User manuals, maintenance manuals, training manuals is best way to train customers, users.

A representative from Moldex3D demonstrated the ‘Moldex3D eXplorer for SolidWorks'. Part of the company's line of CAE products for the plastics injection molding industry. The eXplorer tools help identify potential design problems and solutions to optimize part design and manufacturability. Quality issues such as air traps, weld lines, and hesitations can be simulated and analyzed. He also gave brief overview on new features in latest release of Moldex3D R10.0.

There was small demo on LOGOPRESS used for Sheet metal Stamping and Die Designing. Various modules were explained.

Mr. Mandar Parkhi, Mark Design Solutions (P) ltd presented their product ‘CADECplus Configurator ‘an automation tool that enables designers to find logical answers and provides tools to implement logic within design process. Hats Off to Innovative Technology! For details visit their website

http://www.markengg.com/Cadec.html

All the sessions were very interactive; lots of queries were answered by the presenters effectively. The event concluded with Vote of Thanks by Mr. Ajinkya Huddar, managing Director - Pelf Infotech Pvt. Ltd followed by prize distribution for luck winners.

Check videos on new enhancements on DailyCADCAM

Happy Cadding!

Sachin Nalawade
www.dailycadcam.com

AdaptiveCAD - New 3D CAD Software by Adaptive 3D Technologies India

An Interview with Founders Satya Ganni (CEO) and Nem Kumar (CTO) of Adaptive 3D Technologies on their Company Background and Future Plans of Launching New 3D CAD Software – Part I

Today, I visited Adaptive 3D Technologies, a small exciting start up in 3D CAD Space in India. I wasn't really expecting much as no company in India actually thinks of creating completely new 3D CAD package, but rather they are happy working as partners, resellers, plug-in developers, service providers. After a short demo of AdaptiveCAD, I noticed that the system created by “Adaptive 3D Technologies” was not just another modeling system. With surprise! I saw some new ideas and strong efforts to rethink the whole modeling problem with a fresh approach. I feel system is easy to use and having lots of features to manage complexity of modelling. I thought it would be interesting to get a firsthand look of Adaptive 3D Technologies innovative ideas and vision. Here I am in Adaptive 3D Technologies office in Pune speaking with founders Satya Ganni (CEO) and Nem Kumar (CTO), here is the interview.


Can you give some background on Adaptive 3D Technologies?

Satya Ganni :Adaptive 3D Technologies started in April 2010 and is primarily an Engineering Tools Software company. Our primary focus is to build Great Engineering and Software tools that will help artists, designers and Organizations across the world speed up their design cycle(TTM and NPI ) and help them develop products efficiently

In short ,we are a Engineering Product company which develops Software that helps "Customers" make better Products


What is your Primary Product Line?

Nem Kumar: Our flagship product is "AdaptiveCAD" which a 2D and 3D Design Software built entirely from scratch by our team. We have developed Strong "IP" around this tool which will help differentiate against competition. It is localized to fit the needs of “Indian” and "Asian" markets.
We have good product pipeline in the next few years and are excited about the same.


What prompted you to start another CAD company and how did you come up with this Idea?

Satya Ganni: We are primarily designers and software folks who worked on a lot variety of 2D and 3D CAD tools in the market and are frustrated by the user experience, workflow and other technical challenges faced. Few colleagues from the CAD Industry also shared same thoughts and that's what prompted us to develop a better, efficient and technologically different 3D CAD Product in this space.

How are you funded currently and how big is the team?

Satya Ganni: We are currently self funded and have an excellent team of around 6 people.

When do you plan on releasing the Product?

Satya Ganni: Currently we are in stealth mode and plan to launch
"Beta Version" of the Product in December this year and bring it to General Availability for customers in Q1 of 2011.

What technology components are you using?

Nem Kumar: Our product is powered by world most superior "Geometric Kernel" and "Constraint Manager" and we will shortly have a press release on the same in alignment with our “Beta Launch” timeline. These components bring superior performance and robustness to our product and we are very happy that we are able to get them.

Who are your primary customers and whom you are targeting?

Satya Ganni : We are strongly focused on 4 Verticals for Version 1 release of our product "Adaptive CAD". We are already working with few customers in these verticals on “Beta Testing” and getting good feedback from them.

Any Final Notes to DailyCADCAM viewers?

Satya Ganni : We need your continuous Inputs, feedback on design Challenges that you are facing with existing tools, processes and your support to help us build “Better Products” and please visit our Website (www.adaptive3d.com) and do sign for "Beta" version of the product. We promise and ensure that every input/feedback is considered and responded back. You can also reach me anytime at satya@adaptive3d.com or through the Information request form online in our website.

Thanks Sachin for taking time to step by and in presenting our story to DailyCADCAM.com viewers. We wish you and your viewers all the best.

I would like to thank Satya Ganni (CEO) and Nem Kumar (CTO) for taking the time to answer all my questions. If you have any questions for Adaptive 3D Technologies or for DailyCADCAM, please leave a comment below and we will be glad to answer.
The next part, we will cover AdaptiveCAD from a technical standpoint, thanks…

Sachin Nalawade
Editor
www.dailycadcam.com

Event Report: Siemens PLM Connection 2010 Pune

I was going through the news ‘Chrysler Group LLC Contracts with Siemens PLM Software for Product Design and Development Platform’ and meanwhile got call from one of my friend working for Siemens media, he invited me to attain the company’s user-run annual conference in my city. Really cool thing to happen in Pune!

The theme of event was very catchy ‘Success at the Speed of An Idea’. As predicted the registration counter was having long queue even though it was raining heavy outside blocking traffic all the way.

When I entered the seminar hall crowd was already enjoying video on ‘President Barak Obama’s visit to Siemens’.

US President Barack Obama visits Siemens in Fort Madison, Iowa

Mr. Vivek Marwah (Director Marketing) welcomed attendees followed by the next speaker Mr. Suman Bose (Country Managing Director and Vice President) gave brief update on Siemens PLM. He talked about Siemens PLM’s expansion plans in India. He believes that in coming days Siemens will expand network not only to metros in India but would reach to more than thirty small cities/towns. Expanding Siemens PLM was not only the agenda but wanted to improve, rebuild partners network with expertise in handling customers issues by providing better tech support and solutions locally.

The next to address was guest speaker Mr. Mangesh Kale, MD, PARI

Mr. Mangesh Kale.

PARI is India’s largest automation headquartered in Pune, with more then 600 employees and eight facilities worldwide.

He started with the impact of PLM on modern business. He was right person to tell the importance of Siemens PLM as PARI has already deployed Siemens products in their company and have achieved amazing results in stimulating the growth of company.

He believes that 21st century businesses are based on following pillars.

Innovation – systematically

Deployment – with discipline

Returns – with predictably

Obsolete – re-innovation

What is innovation? Was the question asked by Mr. Kale, he stated;

- Innovation is new way to do something

- Something new that is made useful

- Deployable output is expected

- Innovation is NOT congruent to invention

Above all the terms where explained with day-to-day life examples. He showed the innovative index of various countries on screen, it was shocking to see India’s Innovative performance in ‘negative’ compared to other countries. Throughput, PPP also are too less in India.

Really long way to go for Indians to compete global market.

He then covered the most awaited topic ‘Indian Engineering Business and PLM’ he highlighted the challenges ahead of Indian companies to compete global market.

There are various PLM solutions available by the global giants as well as small vendors. So as to avoid primary confusions he stated following selection criteria, objectives, methodology for companies looking out for PLM solution:

• Fit of the product philosophy to your organization’s working methodology (eg: If you are farmer staying in rural area it is better to have Mahindra SUV then having a Mercedes car.

• Technical capabilities and specifications

• Scalability

• Maturity and flexibility of solution provider, on time local support

• Support infrastructure of solution provider

• Ease and speed of deployment

• Cost (He specified that cheap PLM product won’t let you succeed – Many vendors offer free PLM, but then user has to pay huge amount for support, implementation and training)

Objectives of PLM:

• Reduce time to market by 30%;

• Reduce multi

ple instances of data by 90%

• Productivity (Toyota roll out its new car in just 18 months compared to 34+ months required before implementing PLM and increasing the throughput by 100% and increasing manpower just by 30%.)

• Process oriented approach

• Increasing collaboration between various functions

In his end note Mr. Kale said that 'PLM is a tool or an asset which does not work on its own, you need to sweat for it to make product successful'

Mr. Rajah Cathivad, the next speaker discussed the policies of Siemens PLM to fulfill customers demands. He said that hitting market first with right product has become necessary for companies in highly competitive market.

Then Mr. Sasi Kumar, Technical Consultant Workstations - Asia Pacific HP talked about the relationship of HP and Siemens, discussed important aspects of choosing the right HP and Nvidia product configuration for CAD, CAM, CAE and Digital Mfg.

It was really good to see that more and more hardware companies are coming up with specialized hardware configurations for CAD, CAM users in India.

Keynote Session and NX HD-PLM Showcase

After a tea break, there was some dramatic entry by two speakers from Siemens wearing a ‘HD-PLM’ and other wearing ‘NX’ t-shirts with bollywood hits played in the background. Real excitement to see the powers of NX and Teamcenter under the HD-PLM technology framework!

Mr. Madhusudhan Varadaraj, talked about HD-PLM: Reinventing product lifecycle decision making. With HD-PLM, the functions that used to reside in two separate windows - 3D models in NX, product lifecycle data in Teamcenter, can be displayed in a single, unified application window, inside NX7. He gave brief presentation on how Siemens PLM helps in Making Better Decisions Faster with High Definition PLM. Then, Mr. Avik Gupta, presented ‘Redefining productivity in product development’

To know more about HD-PLM just watch videos shown to us:

Siemens PLM Software High Definition Product Lifecycle Managment (HD-PLM) Vision Video

Introducing HD3D from

Siemens PLM Software

Siemens PLM - NX freeform modeling demonstration powered by synchronous

technology

Siemens PLM - Introducing High Definition 3D (HD3D) in NX

Post lunch sessions were divided into two tracks:

Track 1: Product development productivity with NX

• Solution for manufacturing productivity(CAM)

• Solutions for simulation productivity(CAE)

I attained Track 2: It started with customer case study presented by Mr.Shree Moorthy, (Global Head of the PLM LOB at Tata Technologies). Mr. Moorthy gave very informative coverage on the services provided by TTL and challenges faced in implementation of PLM.

Next to present case study was Mr.Vishwanath, Bajaj Auto Ltd. He talked about the Bajaj Auto’s experience on implementation of PLM. He pointed out that the challenges faced by companies in highly competitive market and said that PLM is only solution with capabilities for information management, process management, knowledge capture and support for global collaboration. Using PLM the company has achieved a reduction in design-to-launch time and expects a further reduction in coming days.

Later there was another interesting presentation by Mr. Anmol Kaul on “A Day in Your Life” with Teamcenter. He showed how one can use Teamcenter with real-world example, showed videos to explain it in better way.

In tea-time chatting, I have pleasure to meet Mr. Vivek Marwah (Director Marketing), Mr. Frederick Menezes (Manager, Learning Media Development Siemens PLM) to discuss few things on Social media in CAD Industry, and CADCUBE Systems plans in bringing together and building a designers community in India to share common interest.

Next speaker was Mr. Rahul Sehgal, He gave brief presentation on Technomatrix Digital Manufacturing Solutions for Realtime Savings. He covered following topics in details with more involvement of attendees in hall.

Siemens PLM Tecnomatix software Overview

• Process Planning

• Digital Verification

• Documentation

• Change Management

He wrap-up event with a Quiz.

One more thing that caught my attention was a stall outside seminar hall by ‘Prema Software Solutions’ the company has developed CADCustomization++, an automation knowledge management tool for Solid Edge.

Prema Software Solutions - visit

It was really a great experience to attain Siemens PLM Connection along with 700+ attendees from various industries throughout Maharashtra, MP, and Gujarat.