Simulation software can help manufacturers achieve ‘right-first-time’ production solutions

12 May, 2008

Prior to forming SimX, key members of the company gained considerable experience in selling Visual Components to manufacturers and academic institutions, also providing implementation, training, and maintenance services. A particular aspect of the experience, being continued at the new company, included developing systems based on the Finnish product, incorporating highly realistic and accurate, truly physics-based simulation software.

“We want to sell Visual Components software in the UK because, in particular, its low cost means that SME manufacturers may now be able to invest in essential and high quality simulation functionality,” said Bob Lloyd, CEO, SimX. “The equivalent would be more expensive from big CAD vendors.”

He added: “We believe the functional value represented by the lower cost simulation software, combined with our knowledge and skill, can help SME manufacturers achieve ‘right-first-time’ production solutions, and fight back in a highly competitive world market.”

Craig Lybeck, sales director, Visual Components, said: “We appointed SimX because members of the company have had considerable prior experience of our software, coupled to success in its application and proven knowledge of industrial automation systems. The new company represents an ideal partner for UK manufacturers wanting to improve the competitiveness of their business operations through automation.”

The Visual Components software suite enables a manufacturer to simulate, dynamically and in real-time, to a high degree of accuracy and realism, factory layouts, production process lines, workcells, a variety of robot types and related systems. As a result, risks may be identified and eliminated, layouts optimised, costs saved, and ‘right-first-time’ outcomes achieved, all before any financial investment, or commitment to physical implementation, is made.

On-screen the best configuration may be achieved, for example, by checking space constraints, clashes between equipment, human interaction, material flows, and other crucial ‘what if’ operational details. Modular and fully integrated, the software provides for 3D visualisation, discrete event and robot simulation by means of a component author (3DCreate), a layout configuration tool (3DRealize) and a free simulation viewer (3DVideo).