product will operate under real-world conditions, before it is even built.
Simulation 360 is securely delivered in the cloud through a pay-as-you-go model. This makes it cost-effective, easy-to- deploy and radically easier to use than competitive solutions, giving more companies access to invaluable simulation pro- grams. I say the solutions are invaluable because simulation grants critical insight into potential product failures, liabilities and performance issues that could have a significant impact on a manufacturer’s business.
The Factory Design Suite helps manufacturers test factory layouts before they implement and develop them or adjust existing layouts. An inefficient layout can severely limit pro- ductivity and slow manufacturing, making the ability to test a layout a critical step in saving time [money] and avoiding errors. As an example, General Motors reported a $1 million savings by altering the layouts of two of its plants and thereby accelerating product development.
ME: What manufacturing industries or manufacturers are taking advantage of digital design and simulation? Blatcher: Almost all industries are using digital design and simulation tools, but the automotive industry has been a particularly quick and rapid adopter of these solutions, given the extraordinary complexity and pressures involved with auto- motive design. What this means is that companies have the ability to address any malfunctions, issues or imperfections early in the design process. In an industry like automotive— where there are narrow profit margins per vehicle—it’s crucial to be able to predict even the most minor of issues that could set back product delivery or development.
One way that automotive companies are capitalizing on the benefits of simulation is through technologies like Autodesk’s Project Falcon software, which creates a virtual wind tunnel and simulates airflow around vehicles, as well as consumer products and buildings. The tool allows you to adjust velocity and surfaces and visualize the real-time responses to those
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