CIMdata PLM Industry Summary Online Archive

22 November 2004

Implementation Investments

Tempus Protects Mobile Computing Devices Used in Emergency Vehicles, Utility Trucks with SolidWorks Software

Tempus Computers, Ltd. ensures laptops and other mobile computing devices used in fire trucks, police cars, and utility vehicles remain stable and secure using SolidWorks® 3D mechanical design software. Tempus has standardized on SolidWorks to accelerate the design of rugged enclosures to protect mobile computing devices against tough driving and rough use. Tempus also uses COSMOS® design analysis software to reduce prototyping costs and PDMWorksT product data management (PDM) application to manage all of the design data the firm generates.

Birmingham, U.K.-based Tempus has pioneered the design of sturdy enclosures that protect handheld devices and laptops taken out into the field, including vehicle mobile data systems (VMDS). These systems connect fire commanders with their crews on site and with headquarters; help police officers log and retrieve information from their cruisers; and enable utilities crews out in the field to record usage and billing information. Some of Tempus' customers include National Grid Transco plc (England's largest utility), Centrica, and Panasonic. Tempus replaced Pro/ENGINEER® with SolidWorks to innovate new product designs soon while speeding customized enclosures to customers.

"SolidWorks' ease of use, powerful design functionality, and price far outpaced our previous CAD software, which became too unwieldy as our workload and design team grew," said Richard Abram, head of design and development at Tempus. "Its sheet metal tools and assembly features give us the speed and precision to ensure our clients' sensitive and expensive equipment stays operational, especially in harsh conditions."

SolidWorks' short learning curve allows Tempus' engineers to quickly begin designing new products, including a new line of equipment to hold Panasonic's Toughbook® series of mobile computers. Terry Mann, who designs the Tempus range of test rigs, also uses SolidWorks to design machines that test the effectiveness of shutoff valves used in airplane hydraulic systems, as well as the operation of oil pumps used in automotive engines. The software's intuitive interface, coupled with such capabilities as interference detection, helps the team quickly explore new design options. Mouse-click accessible exploded views simplify the necessary documentation for assembly and instruction manuals.

Tempus tests its products to see how they will stand up to vibrations from a bouncing truck or the impact of a collision using COSMOSWorks® design analysis tool and COSMOSMotionT motion simulation tool. Previously, the company had to conduct live simulations by bolting a test product to a vehicle and crashing it every time engineers made a design change. The COSMOS tools eliminate prototyping and save the company time and money by allowing engineers to conduct more in-depth analyses on their desktops and in a lab, rather than in the field. SolidWorks Routing software allows Tempus to design the hydraulics for the test rigs for the lab that will be the final proving ground for product durability.

Durability and reliability are the hallmarks of Tempus products and a key reason for the company's success to date, according to Norman Taylor, manufacturing adviser for Business Link, a unit of the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The local chamber of commerce provided Tempus with advice and financial support for purchasing SolidWorks. "This company is one of the great manufacturing success stories in Birmingham," said Taylor. "By investing in this software, Tempus will stay at the forefront of new technology, and I am sure it will only enhance the firm's growing reputation."

Tempus also stays ahead in the market with streamlined design communication, using SolidWorks' eDrawingsT e-mail-enabled design communication tool to share designs with customers, and 3D Instant Website to import designs to the company's Web site for marketing purposes. It uses PDMWorks to enable engineers to efficiently manage all of the design data the company generates and ensure version control for design accuracy.

"Technology is expanding further into the field where it can better help save lives and boost productivity," said Ilya Mirman, vice president of marketing at SolidWorks. "Pioneering companies like Tempus are turning to SolidWorks to ensure this technology performs at its best when it's needed most."

Tempus relies on SolidWorks reseller Solid Solutions Management for ongoing software training, implementation, and support.

Founded in 1998, Solid Solutions Management focuses on providing industry-leading software and services. For more information, visit the company's Web site at http://www.solidsolutions.co.uk .

 

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