Story by : Bhushan Mhapralkar
Ashok Leyland has decided to install Dassault Systemes’ latest version of 3DExperience design communication software.
Ashok Leyland has decided to deploy Dassault Systemes’ 3DExperience 2015X version as it pans out across the world. Marking a high point in Ashok Leyland and Dassault Systemes’ twelve year old relationship, the 2015X version of 3DExperience was chosen by Ashok Leyland according to Dr. N. Saravanan, Senior Vice President, Product Development, Ashok Leyland, because it is the only product that offers the entire value chain. It was in 2004, that Ashok Leyland deployed the Dassault Systemes’ 3D design software. The PLM platform that Dassault Systemes launched in 2001 was deployed at Ashok Leyland in 2011. The 3DExperience platform was similarly deployed by Ashok Leyland in 2012. The 2015 version, said Dr. Chandan Chowdhury, Managing Director, Dassault Systemes (India), will help Ashok Leyland to collaborate, optimise, avoid defects and develop frugally. Drawing attention to the challenges his company has faced, Dr. N. Saravanan, stressed upon having gained significant experience over the last ten years. He added, “The 3DExperience was adapted during a collaboration with Nissan, and what makes it important are factors like the rising cyclicity, arrival of more players, changing regulations and changing customer requirements.” Expressing that they want to compete in other markets (like Africa, Russia, Ukraine, etc.), Dr. N. Saravanan stated the need for new technology and product development processes to adapt suitably and quickly to shrinking cycle times; to make better products — zero defect products in less time — faster, better and frugally.
To invest significantly in technology upgradation over the next five years, Ashok Leyland will deploy the 2015 version of 3DExperience at its five development centers across the country. Already using 3DExperience platform for data management, Ashok Leyland turned to the ‘Modular, Glocal and Secure’ as well as ‘Target Zero Defect’ platform experiences to further enhance collaborative capabilities, virtual analysis and simulation applications, which facilitate innovative vehicle development. Mentioned Dr. Chowdhury, “The modular capabilities enable the re-use of path eliminating the need to redesign from scratch. Glocal calls for minimal efforts to address diverse market requirements across the world whereas secure ensures IP protection. Zero defect ensures first time right vehicle design,” What makes the target zero defect part of the 3DExperience platform particularly interesting is its ability to help get it right the first time. In the wake of shrinking development times from three years to 18 months according to Dr. Saravanan, the other advantage is the optimised end-to-end development processes that would connect Ashok Leyland engineers with partners and suppliers in a dynamic, collaborative product creation led environment. Expressed Dr. Saravanan, that they would be getting key suppliers on board. He reasoned that cost will not be a limitation, and getting suppliers on board will ensure that any possibility of data loss is eliminated. He drew attention to the fact that India is one of the few markets where engineers are challenged from the time a new product development takes off. Ashok Leyland, opined Dr. Chowdhury, is its biggest client as far as the 2015 3DExperience version is concerned. Dassault Systemes serves 6000 clients in India, and has a footprint that extends to all the OEMs, including top tyre manufacturers.
