Simulation as an essential engineering tool for complex systems
A defining characteristic of engineering progress is that every iteration tends to produce systems that are more complex, but also more capable. From microprocessors to vertical take-off aircraft, engineers optimize performance indicators to make products smaller (like microchips), larger (like skyscrapers), faster, more energy-efficient, or more cost-effective. To do so, they rely on calculations, modeling, and simulations that provide insight into the metrics of envisioned concepts.
Classical hand calculations or complex physics-based mathematical modeling are increasingly becoming didactic methods at universities, used to teach young engineers the foundations behind modern approaches. Simulations that represent technical systems as numerical models are progressively displacing these traditional methods. No other approach can do justice to the high complexity of today’s technical systems. Simulations enable evaluations across scales (from the smallest to the largest level of observation), over time, and across domains (for example, coupling aerodynamic effects with structural questions in aircraft design). Numerical simulation methods such as Finite Element Analysis (FEA) or Computional Fluid Dynamics (CFD) are therefore enablers of more powerful, more sustainable, and more competitive products.
Complexity as both motivator and obstacle
As product complexity rises, the capabilities of simulation software suites rise with it. The evaluation and integration of anisotropic material behavior, hydro-thermal couplings, or nonlinear damping enable engineers to perform deep analyses – but they also require a profound understanding of the underlying physics and extremely strong practical expertise in the software solutions.
As a result, the trend of outsourcing simulation services to highly specialized engineering firms has become more established in recent years. There is demand on the one hand for domain-specific experts (for example for different material classes), and on the other hand for overarching systems engineering that can integrate individual expert contributions.
Choosing the right path when selecting a simulation provider
This leads engineers to the question of how simulation services should be awarded to specialized companies – and to whom. Identifying suitable specialists requires almost as much simulation know-how as the prospective service provider is expected to have, because poor simulations are of limited value as advisors in the development process.
Short-term and one-off simulation needs
It is advisable to consider whether you need a short-term and possibly one-off simulation service, or a long-term simulation solution. “Spot buying” also exists for simulation services. In this case, problems that arise in development projects or in operations are identified and assessed via simulation, and solution directions are outlined. But predictable, one-time questions are also addressed through spot buying of simulation services. Examples include the simulation-based assessment of how a material substitution affects heat transfer in a component using thermal simulation, or the aerodynamic evaluation of a modified fairing geometry on a drone using CFD. In these cases, after project completion there is usually no deeper need for long-term collaboration, because the problems have been analyzed and (hopefully) resolved. The decisive criteria when selecting an appropriate service provider for such cases are competence, cost, and responsiveness. In the context of simulation services, responsiveness refers to the time from initial inquiry to orderability, as well as the execution speed of the project.
FiniteNow delivers clear added value for spot buying of simulation services across all three criteria:
Competence: Through a hybrid approach consisting of an internal engineering team that is expanded by a partner network, FiniteNow acts as a quality gate and as a competence center for simulation. Even for the most demanding simulation methods, top-tier simulation expertise can be made available at short notice.
Cost: Through a competition-oriented pricing model and permanent price transparency, we create reliability and trust for our customers. Every project and every sub-step can be scoped and calculated online via our instant projecting tool. We therefore strategically exclude lock-in in favor of a fair and transparent way of working.
Responsiveness: With instant cost calculation based on customer inputs, indicative price offers can be obtained online immediately – even for highly complex simulation activities. In addition, a competent and scalable team is available for timely and fast project execution.
FiniteNow offers an instant projecting and quoting software, which enables ad-hoc project kick off for advanced engineering simulation. After providing structural input, a comprehensive project offer is presented. Ordering the project with experiences German Engineers is just one click away.
Strategically relevant demand for simulation services
Companies that operate under continuous development cycles, such as the automotive industry, need a permanent and scalable solution for simulation tasks. On the one hand, a wide range of recurring simulation types must be covered – from forming simulations for sheet metal forming to crash analyses of vehicles. On the other hand, procurement must also be able to react flexibly to highly specialized questions. In addition to the required simulation competence, important decision criteria for selecting suitable simulation partners are cost transparency, scalability, and digitalizability. The advantages of FiniteNow as a digital procurement solution for simulation services with respect to competence and cost have already been discussed above. These advantages also apply to strategic procurement of simulation services. Beyond that, the following benefits should be added:
Scalability: FiniteNow’s hybrid approach, with a separation between the core team as quality guarantor, project orchestrator, and simulation service provider for complex projects, and the flexible expansion of project teams via the partner network, ensures an unprecedented level of scalability.
Digital continuity: Through the fully digital workflow from quote specification to order execution, digital data exchange between companies can take place directly via interfaces. Projects can, for example, be transferred directly into the customer’s ERP system via OCI interfaces, or work status can be integrated into a digitized project management setup (for example in Trello).
Conclusion: Time for a change in the procurement of simulation services
Simulation serves engineers as an indispensable tool for product development, to ensure high quality and reduce costs. A sensible procurement path aligned with relevant decision criteria is therefore essential to enable powerful, competitive, and efficient engineering teams to deliver innovation. With instant online project scoping and cost forecasting, FiniteNow provides a suitable tool to quickly connect internal teams with competent external simulation experts.
Simulation Work Reinvented