In 1995, the Ford Motor Company began to review its engineering computing strategy. It evaluated a variety of engineering computing systems and chose the I-DEAS Master Series from SDRC (Structural Dynamics Research Corporation). In collaboration with SDRC, it established the SDRC-Ford Technology Center at Dearborn, MI, USA, and set up a five-year product called 'C3P' (CAD/CAM/CAE plus PIM (product information management). C3P supports concurrent engineering where styling, packaging, design, and manufacturability work together. By standardising on the same CADCAM and CAE systems, it has eliminated most errors in the product development process. C3P enables problems to be identified and corrected, and provides more complete product information earlier in the design stage. Eventually, more than 8000 Ford designers, engineers, and analysts will be trained to use C3P. Ford and SDRC are also working with Ford's suppliers to standardise on I-DEAS software. The I-DEAS Master Series is a fully integrated software package which can be used from the concept stage of design to manufacture; it includes simulation and test applications, test analysis correlation, and finite element model updating. Its Series 5 version provides users with an intuitive way of designing and modifying three-dimensional products.

FORD GETS I-DEAS

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