Case Studies Manufacturing: Gaining a Competitive Advantage With Digital Manufacturing Simulation Software

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	Manufacturing: Gaining a Competitive Advantage With Digital Manufacturing Simulation Software

Manufacturing: Gaining a Competitive Advantage With Digital Manufacturing Simulation Software

Technology Category	Analytics & Modeling - Predictive Analytics Functional Applications - Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES)
Applicable Industries	Automotive Equipment & Machinery
Applicable Functions	Product Research & Development Quality Assurance
Use Cases	Manufacturing System Automation Predictive Quality Analytics
Services	Software Design & Engineering Services System Integration
Challenge	Cost simulation engineers at Soucy faced significant delays in pricing due to their production being located in China. This delay, averaging nine to ten days, was causing frustration among customers and potential loss of business. The lengthy pricing process was particularly problematic for their print-to-build business, where timely quotes are crucial. Soucy's development process, which averaged 51 weeks, was also too long given the three-year average ownership of power sports equipment. The company needed to find ways to trim their lead-time without compromising the critical stages of investigation, proof of concept, validation, and production. Read More
About Customer	Soucy is a Canadian-based manufacturer specializing in aftermarket parts for power sports equipment. The company designs and produces around 250 to 300 parts annually, catering to a niche market that demands high accuracy and quick turnaround times. Soucy's production is primarily based in China, which has historically led to delays in pricing and development cycles. Despite not being as large as automotive giants like Ford or GM, Soucy aims to maintain a competitive edge by focusing on efficiency and innovation. The company values creativity and aims to be a trusted partner for its customers by providing timely and accurate quotes. Read More
Solution	To address the delays in their development and pricing cycles, Soucy decided to bring the cost simulation process in-house. They chose aPriori, a digital manufacturing simulation software, for its ability to handle CAD files and over 250 processes. aPriori's high accuracy and positive reviews from Soucy's main customers made it an ideal choice. With aPriori, Soucy reduced their cost visibility lead time from nine days to 2.5 days. This significant time savings allowed them to get to market quicker and provide more detailed and accurate quotes. The software also enabled Soucy to review customer designs for potential cost reductions, thereby enhancing their role as a trusted partner. Read More Log in to view content
Contents

Technology Category

Analytics & Modeling - Predictive Analytics

Functional Applications - Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES)

Applicable Industries

Automotive

Equipment & Machinery

Applicable Functions

Product Research & Development

Quality Assurance

Use Cases

Manufacturing System Automation

Predictive Quality Analytics

Services

Software Design & Engineering Services

System Integration

Challenge

Cost simulation engineers at Soucy faced significant delays in pricing due to their production being located in China. This delay, averaging nine to ten days, was causing frustration among customers and potential loss of business. The lengthy pricing process was particularly problematic for their print-to-build business, where timely quotes are crucial. Soucy's development process, which averaged 51 weeks, was also too long given the three-year average ownership of power sports equipment. The company needed to find ways to trim their lead-time without compromising the critical stages of investigation, proof of concept, validation, and production.

About Customer

Soucy is a Canadian-based manufacturer specializing in aftermarket parts for power sports equipment. The company designs and produces around 250 to 300 parts annually, catering to a niche market that demands high accuracy and quick turnaround times. Soucy's production is primarily based in China, which has historically led to delays in pricing and development cycles. Despite not being as large as automotive giants like Ford or GM, Soucy aims to maintain a competitive edge by focusing on efficiency and innovation. The company values creativity and aims to be a trusted partner for its customers by providing timely and accurate quotes.

Solution

To address the delays in their development and pricing cycles, Soucy decided to bring the cost simulation process in-house. They chose aPriori, a digital manufacturing simulation software, for its ability to handle CAD files and over 250 processes. aPriori's high accuracy and positive reviews from Soucy's main customers made it an ideal choice. With aPriori, Soucy reduced their cost visibility lead time from nine days to 2.5 days. This significant time savings allowed them to get to market quicker and provide more detailed and accurate quotes. The software also enabled Soucy to review customer designs for potential cost reductions, thereby enhancing their role as a trusted partner.

Impact #1	With aPriori, Soucy reduced their in-house hours per quote from eight to one, freeing up seven hours per quote.
Impact #2	The time savings allowed Soucy to focus more on innovation and creativity, crucial elements in their design process.
Impact #3	The tractor division at Soucy also adopted aPriori, reducing their cost analysis turnaround time to half a day.

Impact #1

With aPriori, Soucy reduced their in-house hours per quote from eight to one, freeing up seven hours per quote.

Impact #2

The time savings allowed Soucy to focus more on innovation and creativity, crucial elements in their design process.

Impact #3

The tractor division at Soucy also adopted aPriori, reducing their cost analysis turnaround time to half a day.

Benefit #1	Soucy's cost visibility lead time was reduced from nine days to 2.5 days.
Benefit #2	The in-house hours per quote were reduced from eight to one, saving up to 3150 hours annually.
Benefit #3	The tractor division's cost analysis turnaround time was reduced to half a day.

Benefit #1

Soucy's cost visibility lead time was reduced from nine days to 2.5 days.

Benefit #2

The in-house hours per quote were reduced from eight to one, saving up to 3150 hours annually.

Benefit #3

The tractor division's cost analysis turnaround time was reduced to half a day.

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Overview

Manufacturing: Gaining a Competitive Advantage With Digital Manufacturing Simulation Software

Operational Impact

Quantitative Benefit