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2PLM John Stark Associates |
Number 19 |
- Welcome Page 2 - Update Page 3 - News Page 4 - Brief lines | Welcome to this issue of 2PLM, an e-zine distributed every two weeks on a free subscription basis. This week's article, Simulation and the Design Dialectic: The Heart of PLM is from Joel Orr. * Simulation and the Design Dialectic: The Heart of PLM * Recently, my colleague Evan Yares conducted an informal poll regarding the definition of PLM. He was surprised to find little agreement. Even people within the same company had widely diverging ideas as to what PLM encompasses. It wasn't just that the "P" stood variously for "process," "product," and "plant." Everyone seemed to have no idea where the boundaries of PLM are, or ought to be. So if I am to put forth a thesis that simulation and the design dialectic (whatever that is) are "the heart" of PLM, I had better define what I mean. For this context - that of John Stark's wonderful publication - I pick "product" for the "P." I'll define "lifecycle" as including everything from early concept to ultimate disposition - rust, recycling, or rehabilitation. The challenge is in the "M" - the management of all this. To manage the product lifecycle, or any of its parts, one must have a clear definition of what one is trying to achieve; a means of evaluation; and ways to affect the progress of the process. Let's grant for a moment that we know what we want to achieve, although that is frequently not the case. And let us grant, too, that we have ways to affect the progress of the process. How do we evaluate the process by which concept becomes design becomes prototype becomes process design becomes process becomes product becomes maintained product becomes superannuated product? To evaluate such a process, we require a prediction of its outcome. And that is where analytical science fails us. The fact is that engineering design is not deterministic. There is not a predetermined outcome for a given set of steps. There are too many variables, and there is chaos (in the mathematical sense) - so the outcome is generally unpredictable. Design is a process of trial and error, rather. And it is nicely described by the model that the philosopher Hegel wanted to use for history (but which did not fit that domain): the dialectic. An operational definition of the dialectic dynamic: A thesis is defined; that gives rise to an antithesis, which is not so much an opposite as a reflection of the thesis; the contradictions of the thesis and the antithesis resolve into a synthesis - which becomes a new thesis. This cycle continues until stopped by external factors - reaching some goal, or running out of time or money. A way to create working models of designs thus becomes a "dialectic machine." The designer starts with a concept, and realizes a functioning model of it in a simulation environment. (A powerful example of such is the Swedish Dymola, based on the open-source Modelica language.) The simulation can be rapidly built, tested, and refined, without the inertial brakes of machine shops and real-world factors such as gravity and friction. Clearly, simulation is beneficial to design. But are we justified in insisting it is the focal point for all of PLM? I believe so; here is why: the "management" aspect of PLM requires a way to measure and track the functioning of the system. A simulation can be, as David Gelernter pointed out years ago in Mirror Worlds, the quintessential instrument panel for the system itself - a kind of "machinunculus" of the system, a small version whose parts map naturally onto the real system. The benefit of using a simulation system in this way is that it is much more accessible and malleable than the real thing. We can place ourselves virtually in the midst of dangerous environments - radioactive or high-pressure, for example - and make the observations and adjustments that are required, without exposing ourselves to real dangers. We can also build the simulacrum before the system itself is complete, and use it to train operators - who are then ready to start work immediately upon completion of the thing itself. (Like Reality Capture Technology, on whose board I sit, does for complex petrochemical and other plants.) The simulation becomes the ultimate collaboration environment for all phases of the product lifecycle. We can bring participants into the simulated world easily, regulating their access through standard IT means - and making sure all are seeing the same information, unimpeded by the possibility of wrong versions or missed messages. The phrase, "islands of automation" was often used, years ago, to characterize the factory; automation techniques had been applied to individual operations, but not to the facility as a whole. And certainly not to the enterprise as a whole, comprising far more than just the factory. The problem is still with us. The new "islands of automation" are bigger, but still disconnected. Engineering design does not "talk" to manufacturing, which seldom "talks" to customer service, and so on. A simulated environment can provide the required bridges, and make a place where all the conflicting tensions and pressures can be resolved. Are we there yet? Technologically, we have all we need. But socially, we are at least one generation removed. We have not provided a map of the future that can satisfy the people who must bring it about. We have not shown all the managers and workers where they will sit in the brave new world. That leads them to fear they will have no place there, and therefore they find reasons to resist all the "progress." And since their fears are not unfounded, more holistic and creative approaches than we have seen so far are needed before we will see major transformations along these lines. I think the experience of middle-aged managers can be invaluable in the future simulation-based PLM systems. But it is up to the enterprise as a whole to work out the transition in such a way that these people, and all the others who are afraid of a future that excludes them, can see how they will belong, and retain their usefulness and dignity. Joel can be contacted at joel@joelorr.com |
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News |
Bentley Systems, Incorporated announced it has filed a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission relating to a proposed initial public offering of its common stock. Details Cadence Design Systems, Inc. announced it has signed a definitive merger agreement to acquire Simplex Solutions, Inc. Under the terms of the agreement, Cadence will acquire Simplex in a merger with an equity value of approximately $300 million. Details Innoveda, Inc. announced the divestiture of its system-level design software unit to Divestiture Growth Capital (DivestCap). Details Mentor Graphics Corporation and Innoveda, Inc. announced that they have signed a definitive merger agreement providing for Mentor Graphics to acquire all of the outstanding shares of Innoveda for a total purchase price of approximately $160 million. Details PlanetCAD Inc. and Avatech Solutions, Inc., a provider of design automation tools, training, integration services, and technical support, announced they have executed a Merger Agreement to merge Avatech Solutions, Inc. into a wholly owned subsidiary of PlanetCAD Inc. Details * Financial * Ariba, Inc. announced results for the second fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2002. Revenues for the second quarter of fiscal 2002 were $57.2 million. Details Dassault Systemes reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2002. Total revenue increased 11% to Euro 182.5 million in the first quarter of 2002, compared to Euro 165.1 million in the 2001 first quarter. Details Geometric Software Solutions Co. Ltd. (Geometric), reported a 49% increase in consolidated revenues, Rs. 707.13 million for the year ended March 31'02, compared with Rs. 474.19 million for the year - ago period. Details  Hummingbird Ltd. reported its unaudited consolidated results for the second quarter ended March 31, 2002. Sales for the quarter ended March 31, 2002 were $46.1 million, representing a decrease of 9% compared to the quarter ended March 31, 2001. Details INCAT International Ltd. announced results for the first half of its fiscal year that ended February 28. Revenues were 43.5 million GBP ($63.5 million USD). Details Innoveda reported its financial results for the first quarter, ended March 30, 2002. For the first quarter 2002, revenue was $15.7 million. Details MAPICS, Inc. reported results for the second fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2002. Total revenue for the second quarter was $31.5 million compared with $34.0 million a year ago. Details MSC.Software Corp. announced financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2002. MSC.Software reported revenue of $66.4 million, an increase of 49% over revenue of $44.7 million for the first quarter last year. Details Mentor Graphics Corporation announced first quarter revenues of $128 million. Details NexPrise, Inc. announced results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2002. In the quarter ended March 31, 2002, NexPrise signed customer agreements with a contract value of approximately $800,000. Bookings, which represent the contract revenue for the next twelve months, were approximately $750,000. Reported revenues, which are the value of customer agreements recognized evenly over the length of the contracts, were approximately $700,000. Details Open Text Corporation announced financial results for its third quarter ending March 31, 2002. Total revenue for the quarter was $36.8 million, down 6% from the previous quarter. Details SGI announced results for its third fiscal quarter, which ended March 29, 2002. Revenue for the third quarter was $314 million, compared with $364 million in the preceding quarter. Details Tecnomatix Technologies, Ltd. announced its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2002. Revenues for the first quarter of 2002 totaled $20.4 million, compared to $22.2 million for the same period last year. Details Workgroup Technology Corporation (WTC) announced its financial results for the fourth quarter ended March 31, 2002. For the fourth quarter of fiscal 2002, WTC reported revenue of $1,784,000 compared with $2,011,000 in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2001. Details * People * CoCreate Software Inc. announced that technology industry veteran Mark Cutler has joined the company as president of CoCreate Asian Operations, where he will work with key distribution partners, cultivate market leadership and provide support for CoCreate products and services for the Asia Pacific region. Details Cyco Software announced that it has appointed EJ Harof to the position of Vice President of Sales and Marketing. In this new role, Harof will be responsible for Cyco Software's sales and marketing operations in North and South America. Details Formation Systems announced the appointment of Trent Landreth as vice president, professional services. Details i2 Technologies, Inc. announced that it is dividing the leadership of its large Americas Sales Region into two regional organizations to be led by Rob Bearden and Darryll Dewan. Details LMS International, a leader in innovative Test and Virtual Prototyping solutions for functional performance engineering, announced that Filip Pintelon has joined the company as Vice President of the Test Division. Details MAPICS, Inc. announced the creation of a new chief technology executive position to lead all technology and solution development activities. The company has named Alan MacLamroc to fill the newly created role. Details Mentor Graphics Corporation named two new vice presidents. Robert Hum was named vice president and general manager of the Model Technology group and the Design for Test group. Eric Selosse has been promoted to vice president and general manager of Mentor's Emulation Division. Details Synchronicity, Inc. announced that industry veteran Patrick Romich has been named chief executive officer and to its board of directors. Details * Implementation * Agile Software announced that more than 40 Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) providers - which includes seven of the world's top ten - are leveraging Agile solutions. Details Bentley announced how Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), Canada's largest public transportation system, shortens several work processes, improves emergency protocols and publishes its CAD drawings using Digital Print Room. Details Cadence Design Systems Inc. announced a major extension to its strategic licence agreement with Ericsson. The agreement gives Ericsson access to all Cadence electronic design automation (EDA) software, services and training to support its design operations worldwide. Details Cadence Design Systems, Inc. announced that its SP&R design technology was selected by Sun Microsystems Inc. for use in the development of some of its largest, most complex application specific integrated circuits (ASICs). Details Documentum announced that Pharmacia Corporation has expanded its use of the Documentum ECM platform for several new initiatives in its global manufacturing and research and development business units. Details  Eigner announced that it has expanded its relationship with Lockheed Martin's Missiles and Fire Control business. Details Elysium Inc., a provider of CAD translation software, announced that the Mild Seven Renault F1 Team has selected CADporter software to streamline its racecar development. Details Entrada Software, Inc. announced that its eChange Solutions document management software has resulted in major success for customers in the energy and utilities industry. Details Lascom announced that Aluminium Pechiney is using Advitium to manage its technical documents. Details SAP AG announced that Dade Behring has successfully implemented mySAP Product Lifecycle Management (mySAP PLM) to develop and introduce its high-quality clinical diagnostic products. Details SolidWorks Corporation announced that Baker SPD, a manufacturer of oil field drilling and production products, is using SolidWorks 3D CAD software. Details SolidWorks Corporation announced that PWR Championship Racing has switched to SolidWorks 3D CAD software to speed design time while reducing the risk of errors that could affect performance and safety. Details SolidWorks announced that Nova Cruz Products Inc. burned rubber in the personal transportation market with its recently unveiled Voloci, an electric motorbike designed in SolidWorks 3D CAD software. Details Tecnomatix Technologies, Ltd. announced that Bombardier Transportation, the world's leading manufacturer of railway vehicles, placed an order in Q1'02 with Tecnomatix for eMPower Quality software valued at over US$ 140,000. Details Tecnomatix Technologies, Ltd. announced that Comau, a manufacturer of welding systems for the automotive industry, will expand the use of Tecnomatix eMPower solutions throughout its organization. Details Tecnomatix Technologies, Ltd. announced that Halin BV, of The Netherlands, has selected eMPower solutions from Tecnomatix Unicam, Inc. Details * Developments * ANSYS Inc. announced DesignXplorer. DesignXplorer offers dynamic interaction with the design envelope. Details ANSYS Inc. announced the first customer shipments of version 6.1 of the complete ANSYS software suite. Details Alibre announced the launch of Alibre Design 4.0, a 3D mechanical design, real-time collaboration and peer-to-peer data sharing application. Details CADCAM-E announced support for new versions of CIMMDT-UG & IGES/UG translators. Details Documentum announced the availability of Documentum Content Intelligence Services (CIS). CIS, an extension to the Documentum platform, automates and controls the enrichment and organization of enterprise content. Details EDS announced that Unigraphics NX MCAD software successfully completed comprehensive customer testing and will start shipping in August. Unigraphics NX represents the next step in merging the best capabilities of the Unigraphics and I-deas CAD/CAM/CAE solutions developed by EDS PLM Solutions. Details  Enabled Systems announced the release of a suite of integration packages which allow the functionality of their ESysPDM Product Data Management system to be used with the core applications engineers use in their day to day work. Details FORMTEK announced the release of FORMTEK:ORION v4.3.1 Enterprise Content Management Software. Details Formation Systems announced Optiva 4.0, a new web-based Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) platform that drives innovation into the supply chain. Leveraging its real-time innovation engine, Optiva 4.0 fosters collaboration throughout the innovation process, from idea through product development and launch. Details Framework Technologies announced the release of two new modules, ActiveProcess and ActivePortfolio. Details PROCAD announced the launch of an interface to integrate its PDM solution PRO*FILE with the 3D CAD system of Unigraphics. Details PTC announced the availability of Pro/ENGINEER Routed Systems Designer (RSD) 3.0, an industrial strength diagramming tool for systems designers and manufacturers around the world. Details STEP Tools, Inc. announced it has released ST-Parasolid v 3.0, a professional STEP-Parasolid-STEP data translator. Details Structural Research & Analysis Corp. introduced COSMOS/FloWorks, a computational fluid dynamics software powered by NIKA's flow simulation technology. Details Workgroup Technology Corporation (WTC) announced that its collaborative PDM solution, WTC ProductCenter, now meets the requirements for electronic-based product data management of the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Federal Regulation Rule 21 CFR Part 11. Details Workgroup Technology Corporation (WTC) announced the availability of a new release of its collaborative PDM solution, WTC ProductCenter 8.1. Details Verity, Inc. announced the availability of a new version of K2 Developer, a product specifically designed to be incorporated into large business software applications. Details 3D Systems Corp. announced it is developing a new solid imaging technology that produces plastic-like models using a combination of photocurable hot melt materials and inkjet printing. Details 3D Systems Corp. announced the introduction of its new Accura material product line, which comprises a variety of proprietary material classes for its SLA, SLS and multi-jet modeling (MJM) suite of products. Details * Relationships * ANSYS Inc. and TranscenData announced the availability of the ANSYS Automatic Geometry Healing Module with ANSYS 6.1 software. Details ANSYS Inc. announced it has been chosen as the Preferred Global CAE Partner by Autodesk, Inc. Details Accelerated Technology, the Embedded Systems Division of Mentor Graphics, announced it has become a Symbian Platinum Partner. Details Alibre announced the creation of a program for value-added resellers (VARs) to sell Alibre Design, the company's application for 3D mechanical design, real-time collaboration and data sharing. Details Cadence Design Systems, Inc. announced it has entered a joint venture to establish a software institute in Beijing that will train postgraduate-level engineers in electronic design. Details Cimmetry Systems Inc. and MatrixOne, Inc. announced a new OEM agreement whereby MatrixOne will provide Cimmetry's Visualization & Collaboration capabilities to its customers through its core collaboration platform, eMatrix. MatrixOne will offer AutoVue from Cimmetry as a means of providing customers and their supply chains access to Web-based, real-time, visual collaboration early in the design phase to improve engineering products and processes. Details Dassault Systemes and the State Marine Technical University of Saint Petersburg announced the establishment of a joint Shipbuilding Competency Center, based on Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) technologies and practices. Details Documentum and Easypress Technologies announced an alliance to deliver an out-of-box integration between the Documentum ECM platform and QuarkXPress. Details Documentum announced a technology agreement with EMC Corporation to integrate the newly announced EMC Centera content addressed storage (CAS) solution with the Documentum ECM platform. Details Elysium Inc., developers of CADporter data translation software, announced an agreement with Hibbitt, Karlsson & Sorensen, Inc. (HKS), makers of the ABAQUS suite of software for advanced mechanical simulation. Details  FileNET Corporation announced a software license agreement with Verity, Inc. to integrate Verity's search technology into FileNET's extended ECM product family. Details Hummingbird Ltd. announced a technology agreement with EMC Corporation, a world-leader in information storage solutions. Details INCAT and mould-maker / component producer Chesham Precision Moulds announced they have joined forces to offer original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) a comprehensive 'one-stop-shopping' service for the design and production of high-precision moulded plastic components. Details Informative Graphics Corporation announced that Informative Graphics Europe (IGE), its wholly owned subsidiary in Duesseldorf, Germany, has negotiated a partnership agreement with Kisters AG. Kisters AG will represent three IGC products in Europe, including Brava! WebKit, Net-It Central and Brava! Central. Details Mentor Graphics Corporation announced a partnership agreement with TransEDA, a leader in ready-to-use verification solutions for electronic designs. Details Pilgrim Software, Inc. announced that it has agreed to a consulting agreement with IDEAL Consulting. In the agreement, IDEAL will provide Crystal Report training services to Pilgrim clientele. Details Polyplan Technologies announced that CGTech, the developers of VERICUT, the NC tool path verification and optimization software program, is now a technological partner of Polyplan Technologies. Details Polyplan Technologies announced that Siemens has entered into an agreement to promote, distribute and integrate its PolyCAPP line of software. Details PTC announced that Streamline Technology Group has become a member of PTC's value-added reseller program, adding PTC's line of product development solutions line to their offerings. Details 3D Systems Corp. announced it has entered into an exclusive license agreement, including enforcement rights, with Richard Helinski of Narragansett, R.I., fundamental to dispensing multiple solidifiable materials from an inkjet print head to form three-dimensional objects. Details * Other * ACS Software, Inc. announced it is celebrating its 21st year in business. ACS Software delivered a PC-based EDMS system in 1986, and there are currently over 22,000 AutoEDMS installations worldwide. Details Cadence Design Systems, Inc. announced its support for the standard property specification language defined by Accellera to enable assertion-based simulation and formal verification. Details EDS announced the availability of its E-factory suite of software for all academic institutions belonging to the Partners for the Advancement of CAD/CAM/CAE Education (PACE) program. Details Hewlett-Packard Company announced that in a comparison of Linux strategies by top IT vendors, HP's offered significant differentiation in its Linux hardware and software offerings, services and support, and Linux community leadership according to a new research report issued by D.H. Brown Associates, Inc. Details KollabNet Inc. announced it is seeking 25 "early adopters" for its new software, a requirements capture tool that increases the velocity of product design and development, and captures best practices without creating additional administrative burdens. Details Manugistics Group, Inc. announced the opening of its European Automotive Centre of Excellence in Germany. Details USA PDES, Inc. announced that LKSoft (Kuenzell, Germany) has joined the global STEP consortium. Details Workgroup Technology Corporation (WTC) announced that it has retained Covington Associates, a Boston, MA based technology investment banking firm, to render financial advisory and investment banking services in connection with its ongoing exploration of strategic alternatives. Details 3D Systems Corp. announced it filed court papers in two separate actions on April 16 and one on April 17 seeking injunctions defending its laser sintering (LS) patent rights. Details 3D Systems Corp. announced that Vantico exercised its option to return to 3D Systems 1.55 million shares of 3D Systems common stock to satisfy the terms of the $22 million settlement executed on March 19, 2002. Details |
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