The “M” in MBx

A Complimentary CIMdata Educational Webinar with John MacKrell, Chairman, CIMdata

14 January 2021
11:00 EST | 08:00 PST | 17:00 CET

How familiar are the following statements to you and your organization?

Thinking of the “M” as being a 3D CAD model artificially limits the value of the MBxs, while expanding the definition can increase the value of undertaking a model-based strategy supported by systems engineering.
Low fidelity models need to be surrogates for higher-level models, each level being used appropriately by appropriate groups, building on the previous levels throughout the product development.
Multi-domain issues are evolving and increasing rapidly as products become more complex.
Often people make decisions on only partial models and/or incomplete models.
Product-related models aren’t connected to relevant business models.

Many people artificially confine the meaning of the “M” in “Model-Based everything” by equating it exclusively with 3D product design models (that is mechanical CAD). In reality, many models contribute to Model-Based initiatives from very low fidelity (0D & 1D) to very high (3D & 4D) and across multiple domains (e.g., mechanical, electrical, software, embedded controls, physics, operational, and environmental). In addition to these product definition models, product planning and decision support models for critical resources and regulations (e.g., lithium for batteries) may apply across whole product lines. It is critical that these models, when appropriate, form a continuum, with each contributing to the digital thread of product information in the right context at the right time—no matter what kind of product an organization is developing. Just as important, when considering MBx from an enterprise point of view, models also can include financial, product portfolio, and other business constructs.

This webinar will present the importance of considering multi-fidelity, multi-domain models and the issues with equating the “M” only to CAD models.

What will I learn?

You will learn the definitions of the drivers for MBx and why they are important to the model-based product development process and an organization’s end-to-end product lifecycle management strategy.
You will be able to communicate the value of an expansive view of MBx in an organization.
You will understand the relationship of MBx to PLM and why these impact the digital thread and digital twins.
You will gain awareness of why model-based initiatives have to cover all three of form, fit, and function to assure these critical market drivers are accommodated in new products.
You will gain an understanding of how to help people appreciate the value of MBx—throughout the product definition lifecycle.
You will get a clear view of what constitutes a model-based initiative—beyond tracking drawings and 3D models.
You will gain a better understanding of how your business operates on information models.

Who should attend?

Regardless of where you are along your model-based journey, you will find this webinar timely and informative. It will provide useful guidance on how an expanded view of MBx can have a major, positive impact on your organization and the products it develops. Attendees can come from many parts of organizations—MBx is cross-functional and impacts product design, manufacturing, service, and other downstream product processes as well as product operations.

People from multiple levels will find the information pertinent and valuable: senior and middle managers, PLM team participants, PLM users (engineers, manufacturing planners, installation and services practitioners, and others), IT—anyone impacted by how an organization creates and communicates product definitions throughout its product lifecycle.

During the webinar you’ll also have the opportunity to ask questions about the topics discussed.