New in Solid Edge Version 14 from EDS are innovations addressing complex part modelling, usability, managed collaboration, even larger assemblies, faster drafting capabilities, and broadened interoperability and scalability for the consumer, machinery, electro-mechanical and tooling industries.

Another significant advance in Version 14 includes the ability to create much larger assemblies (now topping 100 000 parts), manage their components and significantly reduce the time it takes to create drawings of large assemblies. New interoperability between I-deas, a CAD system also developed by EDS, is also included in Version 14 along with a new scalable architecture enabling users to migrate from Insight to Teamcenter, the multiCAD engineering process management solution for multisite product teams.

Rudolph de Kock adds that PLM is about capturing the intellectual capital of CAD/CAM and harnessing it to improve a product's time to market. "Insight, the Solid Edge unique PLM solution creates a new paradigm shift in innovation in PLM as it redefines PLM strategies, thereby improving time to market and profit margins," he adds.

Perhaps the most noticeable feature of Version 14 is its new shape creation technology, Rapid Blue that is part of Version 14's PLM offering. Rapid Blue consists of a series of unique features including blue dots, blue surfs, shape preserving curves, convert to curve, dynamic editing, and complementary features such as surface blending, filleting and analysis capabilities for robust complex shape creation. Blue dots, an industry-first tool, addresses order dependency and provides more freedom and control for evaluating and manipulating shapes in realtime. Shape preserving curves provide highly predictable behaviour during shape creation and editing with silhouette points, edit points and control vertices, allowing preservation of the initial sketched shape. Rapid Blue shape creation technology builds on the surface cleanup capabilities released in Solid Edge V12 to free designers from systematic history based constraints of other design systems.

And how has the South African market taken to the release of Version 14?

Defining philosophy

According to de Kock, the roadshow to promote Version 14 was a resounding success. Colin Johnson, who flew out from the UK to be part of the show that passed through all the country's major cities echoed his sentiments. "Solid Edge has already established itself in South African industries. Version 14 brings added value and functionality to users and strengthens it position as the technology of choice in local markets."

Johnson further explains that in keeping with the defining philosophies of EDS, Solid Edge garners much of its successful implementation in local industries from its adaptability. A case in point is the fact that that the Anglo Platinum process plant has already saved millions of rands as a result of 3D models created using Solid Edge. De Kock agrees: "Engineers at Anglo Platinum have welcomed the added functionality of Solid Edge and have successfully adapted its features to the process industry. As a result, the plant has been able to save about R2 million a month."

Nurturing partnerships

The recent roadshow was not only about promoting Version 14 but also depicts a strong partnership between EDS and its local distributor Esteq. "The objective of my visit is not only to publicise and educate users and potential users of EDS products about the benefits of adopting a PLM strategy," says Johnson, "but also to cement the strong relationship we have with Esteq who I believe is our gateway to the rest of Africa."

The relationship between Esteq and its overseas principal in not just one between developer and distributor. Rather, it involves proactive participation from both companies in order to develop products that will be of benefit to its users. De Kock explains that there was constant interaction between the two companies when it came to developing Version 14. "There is a two way communication channel between the two companies. This allows us to exchange ideas, solve teething problems and offer strong after sales support to our clients. In addition, we ensure that the software developers create technology that suits the specific needs of the client."

PLM may seem like just another catchphrase that is doing the rounds in the local CAD/CAM industry. The reality is that the benefits of adopting a PLM strategy, where information from conception of an idea through to the final product, are significant. It is refreshing to know that both EDS and Esteq have recognised that PLM can make a positive impact in the local context and are working closely together to ensure that South African industries are educated about the positive impact that PLM technology can have on their businesses.

For more information contact Esteq, 012 991 5570.