Siemens PLM Software India has introduced the third version of Solid Edge. Further enhancing the capabilities of synchronous technology, Solid Edge ST3 fulfills the vision of synchronous technology by continuing to help users to accelerate design. ST3 enables users to pre-plan less, speed ECOs by eliminating model regenerations and improve imported data re-use with non-native modeling. The ST3 extends synchronous technology into assembly design, integrates ordered features with synchronous modeling and migrates manufacturing drawing dimensions to an associated 3D models.

Speaking to IPF in Mumbai, Vivek Marwah, Director-Marketing, Siemens PLM Software India, said, "Earlier there were two types of technology arms - history based modular arm that offered predictable edits but lacked in flexibility and called for much pre-planning. The other was history-free modeling, which made it easy to do changes but compromised on predictability. We combined the key advantages of both the technology arms to develop the synchronous technology - a 3D CAD system."

In the Siemens PLM product portfolio, synchronous technology is found in Solid Edge and NX. The company has, in fact, broadened the use of this technology with the ST3 for modeling parts, sheet metal design through to assembly. "Typical assembly operations would include tasks like wiring, harnessing, etc," stated Mr Marwah. He added, "ST3 has significant enhancements, and allows the user to work on synchronous technology as well as traditional methods. Our competitors do not have such a product as of now. We thus have the lead in 3D CAD systems."

According to a source at Siemens PLM Software India, the company introduced affordable solid modeling in 1996 under the guise of Solid Edge and Solid Works. A 161-year-old, Euro 107 billion company with a firm belief in innovation and large investments in R&D, Siemens PLM experience comes also from the fact that it is an engineering manufacturing company and is itself a large user of PLM solutions, he added. Having nearly 6.7 million licensed seats and 63000 customers worldwide, the introduction of Solid Edge ST3 is expected to expand the reach of the company. Marking a major turning point for 3D design with a modeling paradigm in 2008, and which combined parametric design with explicit modeling, one of the biggest advantages of synchronous technology is its open-ness. Quipped Mr Marwah, "Synchronous technology allows the use of 3D CAD data made by using other systems, and gives the capability to edit it on the fly." "We have a long philosophy of open-ness", he added.

"We developed the open-end system, Para Solid, which is used across 3D systems. We truly believe in open-ness." Asked about costs and reach, Mr Marwah acknowledged that cost is an important consideration. He said further that his company looked at the product portfolio and developed one that would address most requirements of the user.

Highly client-centric, the product portfolio thus developed is called as Velocity Series. It is a comprehensive family of modular, yet integrated solutions addressing the PLM needs of the mid-market.

Pointing at smaller companies and users, Mr Marwah remarked that the Velocity Series has TeamCenter Express, an easy to use, pre-configured and easy to deploy collaboration product data management solution; Solid Edge with synchronous technology; Femap, which is an advanced engineering analysis environment that is CAD neutral and known for its tight integration with Nastran, the most extensive and reputable CAE solver in the industry. Velocity Series also includes CAM Express, a CAD neutral, NC control programming application aimed at key machining requirements.

As is evident, Velocity Series is made up of a pre-configured family of digital product design, analysis, NC programming and data management software offerings, and leverages the industry's best practices.

Pointing at reach and education, Mr Marwah said his company started implementing authorised partner program a year ago, and is in the process of establishing channel partners to impart education to students and professionals by arranging courses at certified centers. "We have close to 40 channel partners and would be increasing the number depending on the requirement", he expressed further.

Explaining that Solid Edge is used most by machinery manufacturers like packaging machinery, electro-mechanical machinery, textile machinery, etc., and also by discrete industries, Mr Marwah explained that PLM is about three main application areas--CAD/CAM/CAE, data flow and manufacturing. Furthermore, he pointed at mature users of PLM and those who are moving up the ladder.

"There are those that use one or the other arm of PLM". Touching upon the auto industry, Mr Vivek described it as the most mature user of PLM solutions. "It uses all its applications extensively," he announced.

"The other industries that use PLM extensively are aerospace and defense among others." Going into future, the company plans to enhance its presence with large companies.

It also wants to help smaller enterprises to increase their capabilities and thus scale up. While one would be to help 2D CAD users to scale up to 3D CAD use, the other would be to increasingly focus upon process industries like retail, footwear, etc.

"After all, digital manufacturing is what we offer to enhance efficiency and reduce costs," concluded Mr Marwah.