IHC Merwede has committed to standardize its entire global product development and product data management processes on Siemens’ integrated suite of product lifecycle management (PLM) software solutions. The multi-million dollar contract is part of the company’s ambitious “One IHC” initiative launched in 2012 to harmonize all its major business processes and optimize the value it produces for its customers. The strategy within the Siemens PLM Software business unit to focus on delivering industry-specific solutions was instrumental in earning IHC Merwede’s confidence and business. IHC Merwede is the global market leader for efficient dredging and mining vessels and equipment and a reliable supplier of innovative ships and supplies for the offshore industry.
“Our business strategy is based on four pillars – growth, internationalization, innovation and cooperation,” said Dave Vander Heyde, CFO, IHC Merwede. “This strategy led us to the creation of our One IHC initiative with the aim of increasing value for our customers by striving for harmony and operational excellence in all of our processes. Our commitment to standardize all product development on Siemens’ PLM software solutions is an important and integral component of this initiative. Having instant access to all product data from any location will increase efficiency, reduce costs, enhance quality and help us make smart product development decisions more quickly.”
The contract with IHC Merwede includes licenses of several different Siemens PLM Software solutions. The company will use NX™ software as its flagship solution for integrated 3D computer-aided design, manufacturing and engineering analysis (CAD/CAM/CAE), as well as the compatible Solid Edge® software solution for selected design and engineering projects. This will lower costs and improve processes by significantly reducing the number of CAD systems in use at IHC and producing 3D product models that integrate seamlessly with the company’s product data management (PDM) and ERP systems.
Siemens’ Teamcenter® portfolio will serve as the exclusive PDM system, establishing a single source for the massive amounts of product information associated with IHC Merwede’s complex and sophisticated ship configurations. Teamcenter provides a fast and easy method for accessing this information for rapid evaluation, decision making and re-use. Teamcenter, NX and Solid Edge are designed to operate as a seamlessly integrated PLM system, and through the use of software from Siemens’ recently acquired TESIS PLMware, IHC Merwede will have an industry proven solution for PLM/ERP integration as well.
“IHC Merwede’s decision to standardize on our software is an excellent example of what we had in mind when we redefined our company vision and strategy to focus on delivering industry-specific PLM solutions,” said Chuck Grindstaff, president and CEO, Siemens PLM Software. “As the leader in its industry, IHC Merwede has clearly demonstrated its ability to create value for its customers, and the company demands the same value from the systems it deploys internally. That is why we are delighted to be IHC Merwede’s PLM partner, with an integrated software solution tailored to the needs of the shipbuilding industry.”
