Process simulation is key to innovation as the manufacturing industry seeks to remain competitive and continue to exploit growth opportunities. That’s according to manufacturers across the defence, automotive, aerospace, oil & gas and food & beverage sectors, surveyed as part of a report commissioned by simulation software company, Lanner.
The research reveals other areas where simulation helps manufacturers’ profitability including stripping out costs, facilitating agility and boosting productivity. While cost cutting and process optimisation remain the dominant forces behind investment in simulation, reducing risk and complexity are emerging as key drivers for its adoption in the current uncertain economic climate.
In fact 83 per cent of respondents said simulation is used to mitigate risk while one in five claimed that dealing with complexity is a primary objective for its application.
The majority of manufacturers feel that process simulation has the potential to benefit other departments within their organisation, particularly supply chain and warehousing. However limited understanding of its benefits are stemming its potential.
“Process simulation is known for facilitating cost cutting, with major manufacturers such as Nissan attributing €10 million savings to the software. However its role in helping to remain ahead of global competition and achieve growth extends far beyond cost cutting alone,” commented David Jones, CEO, Lanner.
