New SSI Paper: Leveraging Engineering Information

SSI has written a new paper about how the shipbuilding industry can leverage engineering information to increase productivity and quality in the design office as well as in the shipyard. The paper will be presented at the May 12-14, 2014 Conference on Computer Applications and Information Technology in the Maritime Industries (COMPIT), held at Redworth, UK.

The paper ties together the topics of several recent posts on the Waveform blog written by SSI CTO Denis Morais. One example that is highlighted is how to share CAD data for FEA analysis while keeping within a familiar AutoCAD environment. Another example tells how to communicate information from engineering to production planning using animated simulations of a build strategy. A final example highlights an automated way of connecting CNC profile cutting machines to the 3D information in the product data model.

"This academic paper provides real-world practical solutions that generate immediate benefits," says co-author Mark Waldie. "By seamlessly sharing data and automating various processes, an organization can enhance both efficiency and effectiveness."

Details of the paper:

Leveraging Engineering Information by Denis Morais, Mark Waldie and Darren Larkins

Information created during the engineering of a vessel can be leveraged elsewhere in the shipbuilding process but varying representations of the data are required for different software applications and business processes. Unfortunately, overcoming that challenge is usually costly and cumbersome. Therefore, to streamline the process by which information is re-used, an automated method of integration must be found that is non-disruptive and consistent, yet flexible. Accordingly, this paper presents examples of automated methods for sharing CAD data within an engineering department, then from engineering to production planning, and also from engineering to production machines.

SSI provides Autodesk based solutions to the shipbuilding and offshore industry. SSI develops ShipConstructor, an AutoCAD based CAD/CAM software suite that leverages the world's most popular CAD platform. SSI applies information technology expertise to address industry specific challenges including sharing engineering data with other business processes and applications such as MRP, ERP and PLM tools. Shipbuilders, naval architects and marine engineers trust SSI on projects such as yachts, oil rigs, tankers, ferries, warships and workboats.