Wärtsilä Digital Design Platform

Abstract

We present a methodology for systematically using an SPDM platform as the cornerstone of product development. The target is to base product development on clearly defined targets and requirements in different phases of the product development lifecycle. This is achieved by means of a data-centered approach where all data is retained in a digital form in the platform. Instead of reporting, users are provided with different views to the same data. We will demonstrate how a static document-based validation system can be replaced by a common validation data platform. In addition, we aim to base the validation requirements on a reliability analysis workflow.

In this case, the platform is used not only to handle the simulation data but to encompass the whole product validation scope. To this end, we show how to couple requirements to the simulations and handle all the design decision data together with the simulations and use these to drive the design. In addition, we present ways to replace simulation reports with dynamic dashboards. To complete the loop, we touch the topic of PLM integration as a tool for assuring completeness of validation data in the product lifecycle.

The motivation for the activity is a dramatic reduction in product development time based on a possibly somewhat longer concept phase but less iterations during the detail design phase. We will also present decision making based on data stored in the platform as well as demonstrate the data-centered approach to validation data. In addition, other benefits such as the re-use of data and simulation workflows along with the automatically handled data management are demonstrated. To conclude, some end user opinions and experiences in adopting a new system will be presented.

Future developments will include moving also the physical testing data and coupling that with the corresponding simulations and validation requirements.