Automaker Volvo’s Gent plant, which has used simulation for more than a decade to optimise production, reports that it’s newly adopted Witness 2008 system is already providing additional benefits.
In particular, spreadsheet style grid editing and dashboard style views mean that Volvo’s development team can now visualise all information and results relating to any project. Its simulation expert also says that t can now drill down into sub-modules and that new de-bugging functionality is also helping to identify mistakes quickly, enhancing the productivity of the solution.
The €4 billion Volvo, Gent plant uses Witness, from Lanner Group primarily to help it identify optimum approaches for new and revised car manufacturing – currently for the V50, C30, S60 and the new XC60 models.
The organisation says that it has been successfully de-risking decisions, maintaining control of costs, proving scenarios in a virtual environment and identifying and removing bottlenecks in production – all increasingly important as automotive manufacturers face eroded margins, escalating consumer expectations, competition from low-cost countries and tightening legislation.
“Simulation is the first port of call when Volvo has to make any decision about the plant,” says a spokesperson. “Whether it is production of a new car, identifying capacity for unexpected demand or ascertaining the efficiency of a particular area such as welding, painting or final assembly, Witness plays an important role.”
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