Automotive design and systems integration specialists, DESign were tasked with using SIMUL8 to model an automotive body construction area for a Ford manufacturing plant.
More and more Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) are mandating that Tier 1 & 2 automotive suppliers use SIMUL8 as the simulation and throughput analysis tool of choice, in order to be awarded contracts. With our extensive support tools and new features, it’s important to us that SIMUL8 users can get up and running straight away.
Learning SIMUL8
DESign, had never used SIMUL8 before and were tasked with learning SIMUL8 for this project. From using SIMUL8 Academy, our self-paced e-learning platform, and with help from Glenn, SIMUL8 Support Advocate, DESign were able to pass over our first set of results to Ford in just 1 week.
Anthony Dunn, Simulator, DESign.
At first DESign were apprehensive, as in the past we found that learning how to use new simulation software was very time consuming. Straight away DESign were able to pick up the basics of SIMUL8 quickly and get started on the project at hand.One of the main features DESign found extremely useful was the grouping functions in SIMUL8. When simulating conveyors we could quickly change the number of carriers in the system and run the simulation. We couldn’t believe that it only took a couple of minutes to find the optimal number of carriers for the plant.
Getting Results Fast
The simulation helped DESign to develop a layout and a process to best achieve the required throughput targets by identifying bottlenecks, experimenting with different ideas and optimizing carrier quantities. DESign were able to efficiently develop a design which would meet Ford’s requirements and SIMUL8 allowed DESign to demonstrate the results of various scenarios.
With the help of SIMUL8 Academy and the SIMUL8 Support team DESign were able to complete the full project in 10 weeks, giving Ford all of the results they needed to meet their throughput targets.
Anthony Dunn, Simulator, DESign.
Creating Engaging Simulations
After a week of learning SIMUL8 and working on the Ford plant layout DESign provided Ford stakeholders with the first set of results. With the ability to see the simulation on top of the plant CAD layout, the stakeholders at Ford were instantly engaged with the simulation.
Sarunyou Naksrisuk, Ford
Throughout the modeling process DESign worked alongside a Ford Industrial Engineer, testing different inputs and concepts. This way, DESign could validate the simulation and make live changes in minutes to get new sets of results straight away. Working in an agile environment helped DESign understand his client’s requirements and implement before presenting to stakeholders.
One thing that helped engage Ford stakeholders was the ability to match Ford’s colors they use for the different stages an object reaches in the process. Being able to change icons and colors based on their different stages helped to engage the Ford team and help them gain understanding of their processes within the simulation.
With all of the SIMUL8 support available, from public & online training, coaching and our support team, our users can get started with SIMUL8 and engage stakeholders immediately. If you’re new to SIMUL8 and need help to get up and running just get in touch and we’ll be happy to help get you started.