Yantai Raffles Shipyard Goes With PLM

IBM and Dassault Systèmes have signed a contract with Yantai Raffles Shipyard (YRS) for product development and data management software. YRS has acquired IBM’s Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Shipbuilding Solutions with software developed by Dassault Systèmes in its aim to become one of the most efficient and low cost shipyards in the world. The PLM Solution fulfills YRS’ critical need for web-based product development collaboration to link its shipyard in Yantai, China with its headquarters in Singapore and its offices in Houston, Texas, USA. With the integrated IBM PLM platform, comprised of CATIA V5 for collaborative virtual product development and ENOVIA LCA and ENOVIA Portal 3d com for real-time product data management developed by Dassault Systèmes, YRS is already realizing the benefits of seamless sharing of all vessel lifecycle information between product development teams in the company. The advanced PLM solution has enabled the shipyard to streamline design processes for all its vessels, from floating storage and off-take (FSO) ships to oilrigs and luxury yachts. YRS is already experiencing substantial return on investment through lower material costs and improved quality - a combined competitive advantage. “Our customers deserve the best and we give them the best. Our prices are very, very competitive against any shipyard in the world and we sell on good quality and delivery. This is only possible if we use the best technology on the market to build our ships and that’s why we chose IBM PLM solutions,” said Brian Chang, Chairman/CEO, YRS. “Today, we are able to collaborate with owners, suppliers and designers in an exciting new way. Being able to vision a digital model of a ship before production begins is an unforgettable experience for our customers. PLM technology from IBM and Dassault Systèmes is shaping the way suppliers, partners and clients think about us.” IBM and Dassault Systèmes’ CATIA V5 solution comes with a full set of shipbuilding-oriented functionalities to meet YRS’ requirements, from ‘conceptual’ to ‘detail ship design’ and ‘in production’. Powerful digital mock-up technology and a collaborative design environment ensure that YRS engineers design efficiently and with precision. ENOVIA LCA and ENOVIA 3d.com solutions enable full collaborative product development, as well as access to both design information and engineering data among the YRS marketing, engineering and production functions, and ensures that YRS staff, customers, partners and suppliers are able to work together in a virtual product development environment. "With PLM solutions from Dassault Systèmes, Yantai Raffles can simulate all design processes, from the pre-project phase, through detailed design, analysis, simulation, assembly and maintenance in order to avoid conception and fitting errors,” said Etienne Droit, executive vice president, Sales and Marketing, Dassault Systèmes. “YRS can also establish pervasive 3D-based communication and collaboration between its sites in Singapore and China. Simulation of the entire product life cycle before committing to physical production helps accelerate the shipbuilding process, eliminate design mistakes and cut costs.