CIMdata PLM Industry Summary Online Archive
22 November 2005
Implementation Investments
Whirlpool Launches its Customer-Centric Strategy With DELMIA PLM Solutions for Manufacturing
Dassault Systemes' announced that Whirlpool India Ltd., a division of Whirlpool, a global leader in the household consumer goods market, successfully implemented DELMIA V5 Human and V5 DPM Assembly as part of its customer-centric strategy for the Indian market.
Prior to the launch of a new-model washing machine, Whitemagic, Whirlpool wanted to design and develop a new line of fully automated washing machines to meet the needs of the Indian market. Ergonomic specialists from DELMIA India, along with Whirlpool design engineers, conducted a detailed ergonomic analysis using DELMIA V5 Human software. DELMIA Human's advanced population and anthropometric functionality enabled Whirlpool to test the design of its new product using a digital mannequin with attributes for the average Indian consumer. The software was used to analyze the four proposed washing machine models on the criteria maximum accessibility, vision, and comfort for the Indian consumer.
"The consumer goods market in India has become highly competitive," says Mr. B. Venkatesan, sr. manager, Regional Testing Center, Whirlpool India. "In response, we've implemented a customer-centric strategy that focuses on making sure our products are appropriate for the Indian consumer. Using DELMIA simulation software, our research and development team can perform accurate digital ergonomic analyses early in the product lifecycle and allow us to manufacture a product that best suits the needs of our customer."
Continuing on the success, a maintainability study was conducted on the washing machine using DELMIA V5 DPM Assembly solutions. DPM Assembly enabled Whirlpool to analyze the optimum assembly and disassembly process that should be followed when servicing the new washing machine. The assembly analysis data was captured, stored, and rescued downstream to create maintenance documentation as part of the service manuals. Whirlpool distributed these digital 3D service manuals prior to the launch, taking concurrent engineering to a different paradigm.
"Our work with Whirlpool India is a great demonstration of the impact of PLM in the consumer goods market," says Bertrand Saint-Martin, vice president Asia Pacific operations, DELMIA. "In a segment where time to market is critical, conducting digital assembly validation, serviceability and end user ergonomic simulation much earlier in the product life cycle leads to enormous time and cost savings."
"Through these two projects, we have clearly seen the advantages of using DELMIA's PLM Solutions for Manufacturing," added Mr. S. Ramamurthi, general manager of Whirlpool India's Regional Testing Center. "DELMIA and their Indian team have enabled us to fulfill our customer-centered approach. We look forward to continuing our relationship with the DELMIA team and take concurrent engineering further for the benefits of our customers."
Whirlpool of India is a subsidiary of Whirlpool Corporation, the world's leading manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances, with annual sales of over $12 billion, 68,000 employees with 50 manufacturing and technology research centers around the globe. The company has its presence in markets in more than 170 countries. Set up in 1996, Whirlpool of India is a 2500 strong family, with an extensive sales and distribution network, robust manufacturing and R&D infrastructure. It manufactures products for domestic and export markets under Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Brastemp, Bauknecht, Consul and other major brand names. Information about Whirlpool India at http://www.whirlpoolindia.com .
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