generate as much data as we do, especially in the form of such complex simulations, you need to be able to assess what you have, know where it came from, and track it over time. SLM is enabling us to do all of that.” As they began deploying SLM, Dana took a bottom-up
approach that helped the process evolve logically. “Tis was not a top-down, enterprise-wide deployment,” said Popielas. “We considered all the different processes we wanted to connect via SLM and looked at where it made sense to start.”
Creating Guided Templates An important aspect of the implementation process
has been the creation of guided templates within SLM that capture best practices and standard method for simulation work on core products. A next step Dana is working on is to create fully automated templates. “Tese standardized templates are in the front end, with data loaded by non-CAE engineers and simula- tions running in the background,” said Popielas. “Our users don’t need to have knowledge of the specifics of the CAE soſtware they are using, just access to a menu of proven shortcuts that help them accomplish their goals. If additional information is needed during the course of a product validation, they can use SLM to quickly locate input from our physical test labs. Tis automation enables future full virtualization of engi- neering as it is being implemented in all areas.” As deployment proceeds throughout Dana, Popielas said,
given part or assembly. By clicking on a particular image, the user can identify and navigate to all relevant simulations being worked on by whoever is involved in that particular aspect of the product’s development. As the user performs whatever tasks are required that day, all changes (and their history) are updated automatically, and are accessible to everyone autho-
A sampling of the different CAE software programs Dana uses for simulation during the design and development of its products.
“SLM is helping us manage everything so much more effectively. We can easily store data and find it again, literally saving weeks of searching. SLM is not just archiving, it’s an environment where you always have working access to all the information you need.” In the future, SLM’s open platform will also allow the Dana
team to share and exchange relevant data—among themselves, with their customers, and with their own suppliers. “Our user base is very diversified,” said Popielas. “We need to be able to work with any soſtware tool out there. Within SLM we easily generate connectors through which we can line up to the different soſtware packages, which can be CAE tools, a PDF, or even an internally written script, anything with an executable.” SLM process management capabilities make such team-
work smoother by providing consistency and repeatability. “We’re seeing 20–25% time savings over our previous method- ology,” Popielas said. “We can more readily identify the ‘sweet spot’ for cost-versus-performance that generates profitability.” As all this complexity runs automatically behind the
scenes, what the Dana teams appreciate most is the visual in- terface everyone works from when accessing SLM: Live Simu- lation Review, which is based on Dassault Systèmes’ 3DLive platform. Te user sees an on-screen turntable, on which sit 3D representations of the various jobs in progress on any
rized to access the project. Remote teams can all be on the (user secured) Live Simulation Review in order to collaborate, in real time, on model development.
Collaborative Computer-Aided Engineering “Tis is where I think SLM is the leading technology on the
market,” said Popielas. “Te methodology goes hand in hand with what I like to call ‘iCAE.’ Te understanding of the impor- tance of collaborative computer-aided engineering is deepen- ing as the use of simulation becomes increasingly widespread throughout industry. If you want to draw a lot of different disci- plines into the engineering space together, you have to provide a virtual environment that is visually intuitive. Te ability to collaborate this way is a key reason why we went with SLM.” Full implementation of SLM at Dana is expected to be
complete in the near future, and the company’s engineers are already anticipating how the soſtware will enable them to further their exploration of the potential of iCAE. Upcoming enhancements include deploying templates
into engineering spheres such as manufacturing. “We want to integrate manufacturing steps into simulation,” said Popielas. “Understanding the physics of the production process will further improve product quality, as will optimizing the layout of manufacturing stations.”
Motorized Vehicle Manufacturing 61
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