CIMdata PLM Industry Summary Online Archive
1 March 2005
Implementation Investments
Siemens Transportation Optimizes Maintenance Programs With DELMIA QUEST; Simulations Help to Keep Trains on Track and on Time
Digital manufacturing supplier Delmia Corp., a Dassault Systemes company, announced that Siemens Transportation is using the DELMIA QUEST solution to aid maintenance depot design, improve throughput, and optimize the use of staff and equipment in the UK.
Siemens Transportation designs train depots and manages the cleaning and maintenance programs for major operators in the UK rail industry, including the Heathrow Express, Arriva Trains, National Express, First Group, and South West Trains.
Siemens is using QUEST, a discrete event simulation tool, to develop its maintenance planning processes. Siemens used the tool to design new facilities in Northampton and Manchester, England. QUEST enabled the company to ensure that all conflicting train movements were eradicated in its rail infrastructure, thereby maximizing the on-time efficiency of trains.
Delmia Corp .'s UK office, in partnership with Delfoi, a Finnish consultancy specializing in digital manufacturing and a DELMIA business partner, worked closely with Siemens to develop the precise scope of the models required and to create detailed project plans. Delfoi then created these plans in the form of interactive models for use in DELMIA QUEST.
"Using QUEST increased the level of confidence we now have in our planning decisions, and we can pass that proof on to our customers," said Neil Heaton, general manager of Rolling Stock Maintenance and Aftersales for Siemens Transportation. "Our models look at all train movements and set them against the timetable. If we are just five minutes late in getting a train to where it is supposed to be, we potentially jeopardize that train service entirely."
"QUEST is one of the most advanced discrete event simulation packages available," said Tracy Doran, professional services manager, DELMIA Ltd. "It is a tool that enables the user to quickly produce textured, high-quality 3D models and quickly calculate the optimum solution from a wide range of model parameter combinations and constraints".
As part of the Siemens global network of companies, Siemens Transportation Systems is at the forefront of rail technology, designing, manufacturing and maintaining rolling stock, signaling and communications systems across the world. Siemens Transportation Systems is growing rapidly in the UK with orders in the telecommunications, signaling and rolling stock divisions. Our 'total solution' capability enables them to deliver products and provide their customers with ongoing maintenance and support for those products for many years to come. For more information, visit: http://www.siemenstransportation.co.uk/green5.asp .
Delfoi, a strategic business partner of Delmia Corp., develops, markets and supports digital manufacturing solutions and related consulting and integration services which enable companies to speed up and streamline their product creation and product delivery processes. More information is available at http://www.delfoi.com .
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