Digital weapon

Just as you do not become a first-class engineer merely by owning a top-of-the-range calculator, you cannot guarantee best-in-class manufacturing just by using 3D solid modelling tools. Industry research firm

made this clear in its recent study of top-performing manufacturers,

.

The report cites best-in-class manufacturers' ability to meet revenue, cost, launch date and quality targets for over 91 per cent of their products. These firms were up to 22 per cent more likely to use a single digital prototype at every phase of development. And by building one less physical prototype, they gained a 14-week edge on time to market, saving up to £500,000, depending on product complexity.

What is their secret? The study reveals you cannot put the difference between top and average performers down to 3D design alone. Solid modelling is just one aspect of a wider method called digital prototyping, a practice that is becoming key to the quest for competitive edge.