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Measurable Benefits

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For over two decades, ITI has helped hundreds of clients implement simulation-driven processes.

Using SE/ALD, an aircraft engine manufacturer evaluated more than 1,000 concept alternatives using simulation-driven design and got to market a full year before their closest competitor.
An agricultural tractor manufacturer developed a new product in half the time of conventional methods at 30% cost reduction, with the tractor setting best-in-class performance standards in noise reduction and turning radius.
On its initial simulation-driven development program, a power tool manufacturer produced a cordless driver that increases market share 63%. The methodology was applied to other tool programs with similar results and is today being implemented throughout the company.

Similar results are being documented by those who manufacturer everything from automobiles and printers to home appliances, lawn and garden equipment, office furniture, hard disk drives and more.

Building multiple physical prototypes is rarely practical or cost effective. Conversely, validated virtual models representing a number of design alternatives can be modified, analyzed and evaluated to lead design decisions at a fraction of the time and cost. An important measure in simulation-driven development is the number and cost of design changes, as shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1: Engineering Changes & Associated Costs

With the traditional design-analyze-build-test approach the cost of design change and the amount of money spent in the series of prototypes are enormous. To lower design change costs and the shape of the curve somewhat, many companies today use digital engineering, where CAD models replace engineering paper drawings and some level of computer analysis is performed after designs are created. The greatest impact is made with SE/ALD simulation-driven development in radically lowering the number of design changes later in development by concentrating engineering efforts upfront in the process. Thus, companies must focus more resources earlier in the process, with as much as two-thirds of their engineering budget spent before detailed design begins.

Figure 2: Return on Investment for Upfront Engineering

As shown in Figure 2, this increase in upfront simulation can result in significant added return on investment (ROI) and improvements in breakeven production volumes. But a paradigm shift in top management thinking is critical in providing sufficient funding early enough in the program.

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