EDS PLM Solutions recently launched Unigraphics NX, a new era development and manufacturing software, with features that are aimed at streamlining processes and reducing complexity of new product development.

Companies operating in the product design and development arena are under constant pressure to increase profitability and market share. According to EDS, three of the major challenges facing manufacturing companies are to reduce overall product development costs, shortening product development cycles and creating high-quality products that outstrip those of competitors. These challenges can only be overcome by harnessing industry - leading core technologies, brought together in a total product engineering solution.

The first important core-technology that was integrated in the new Unigraphics NX deals with knowledge-driven automation in the form of process wizards. These pre-packaged applications capture industry-specific process knowledge, structure it in best-practice workflows, and link complex activities and technologies into automated sequences.

Secondly, Unigraphics NX offers WAVE technology that is unique in the industry. This allows for schematic product templates to be created to capture high-level design criteria and system level interfaces. Because the templates are design geometry independent, WAVE technology makes it easy to re-use engineering information in different products.

Acquiring and sharing knowledge also provides companies with a key strategic advantage. With Unigraphics NX it is possible to capture, leverage and share knowledge throughout the product development process. This product enables manufacturers to bring together and capture knowledge, apply, manage and re-use it as a corporate resource.

Foundation

Four key characteristics form the foundation of Unigraphics NX. The first is a core platform built on industry standards that powers knowledge-enabled applications. Repeatable segments of the engineering process are automated, reducing cycle times. The second characteristic is a new user interaction model, specifically designed to support highly productive process-orientated workflows. Model creation is streamlined and standard parts and features are easily added to the model by means of a simple drag and drop method. Intelligent software, including the next generation of Dynamic Navigator, helps the user to take the correct action.

Thirdly, the NX Gateway provides a new level of interoperability for associative integration. Companies using EDS PLM Solutions CAD/CAM/CAE applications or third party applications can directly exchange and re-use design information. This reduces data exchange costs and data integration problems.

The fourth characteristic is a foundation of industry standards consisting of a set of NX-shared services and open adaptors designed to address the entire span of integration from design and knowledge collaboration, to enterprise application integration.

Unigraphics NX is distributed in South Africa by Esteq Design Technologies.

For more information contact Henk Viljoen, Esteq Design Technologies 012 991 5570.