Realizing higher efficiency and better collaboration through 3D virtual design platform

Dassault Systèmes (DS) (Paris:DSY) (NASDAQ:DASTY) (Euronext Paris: #13065, DSY.PA), a world leader in 3D and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) solutions, today announced that Tokai Riki Mfg. Co., Ltd. (RIKI) has deployed Dassault Systèmes’ CATIA to streamline the design process while reducing man-hours by 20 percent. In addition, as a provider of key auto parts for major original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in Japan, RIKI has also improved collaboration with customers by building a new design review system utilizing CATIA 3D data.

As a manufacturer of auto parts such as wiper arms and blades, link motion part, and water valves, RIKI was facing pressure to meet automakers’ requirements for design and quality while remaining cost-competitive.

In the past, RIKI needed to convert 3D data provided by OEMs to 2D before any design could start, which generated extra time and effort. With the use of CATIA software, RIKI successfully migrated from 2D to 3D template-based design. After deploying CATIA’s 3D virtual design platform, the company is now able to consolidate design environments and create a single reference model for the design of all future auto parts made by RIKI, streamlining the automobile wiper design process while significantly reducing man hours and time for design changes. In addition, with the 3D template-based design, RIKI developed a new design review system, improving visibility to avoid human errors often possible in a 2D environment and further enhancing collaboration with OEMs.

“In the auto industry, it is important to streamline processes for man-hour reduction and efficient collaboration with OEMs and partners,” said Toshiaki Isomura, engineering department manager, RIKI. “Dassault Systèmes’ CATIA, which is recognized as a highly valuable process-based solution in the auto industry, has enabled us to minimize design changes and better collaborate internally and externally. Moving forward, in order to continue to increase our competitiveness, we will adopt Dassault Systèmes’ ENOVIA SmarTeam for effective data management and fully concurrent design with CATIA.”

“We are pleased that RIKI has selected CATIA as its main design solution,” said Nikos Calfacacos, Managing Director, Dassault Systèmes Japan. “In the competitive auto industry, I am convinced that RIKI will increase efficiency and reduce costs by implementing a full 3D design process.