Since all design data will be accessed from a single unified environment, Kobelco Construction Machinery’s various teams will no longer have to wait for data to be shared overnight between locations. “We expect to speed up the design speed significantly by strengthening collaboration between domestic and overseas design departments,” Shishido said.
CATIA’s ability to handle large assemblies will also enable transformation of the design process. “By using the 150% BOM function, engineers can design about 300 variations of product specifications effectively,” Harada said. “This means it becomes possible to visualize the product as a whole, including option specifications, while improving the standardization ratio and promoting modular design based on comprehensive spatial planning.”
CATIA will also make it much easier for Kobelco Construction Machinery’s designers to consider the commonality and modularization of structures and parts. “We will be able to apply changes to a common part at the touch of a button, instead of having to open and change each 3D model,” Shishido said.
“I’m using 3DEXPERIENCE CATIA for electrical control design, and the ability to link the circuit design with the harness design is the best feature,” said Tomomi Kan, a designer in Kobelco Construction Machinery’s planning group in the development operation management department of the product development engineering division. “For example, when there’s a design change in the circuit, it’s immediately reflected in the harness design as well.”
Meanwhile, SIMULIA will be used to help Kobelco Construction Machinery’s engineers perform structural analysis. “We believe SIMULIA will help improve the accuracy of physical prototyping so that we can begin mass production in about half the time we usually take,” Shishido said.
By accelerating the engineering process and overall organizational efficiency, Kobelco Construction Machinery expects to provide products and services that enhance corporate value, and further advance its sustainability as a company.