Master Data ManagementCalculating Manufacturing CostsManaging DataClassifying CAD DataRoutingsSupplier SelectionPDM/ERP- Interfaces
Can I classify master data with simus classmate?
Yes. The software module classmate DATA allows automated classification of master data.
How does master data cleaning with simus classmate work?
The classmate DATA software module uses existing data from one or more systems (e.g. from ERP or PDM systems) as the basis for data cleaning. The data is systematically analyzed, categorized, enhanced, and structured via integrated sets of rules which can be customized.
How does Master Data Governance work with simus classmate?
The Master Data Governance solution in simus classmate consists of three phases.
Phase 1 – Data cleaning and restructuring of data.
Phase 2 – Definition of workflows for creation of material master data.
Phase 3 – Definition of workflows for long-term maintenance of material master data.
Which external data sources can be integrated?
All external tables with a structure (XML, Excel, databases, etc.) can be connected and analyzed.
Can text generation be automated?
Yes – classmate Textgenerator, texts such as order texts for purchasing, material short texts, customs tariff numbers and many more can be created automatically. A prerequisite for the effective work of classmate Textgenerator is a well-maintained classification system in which the data is stored in a structure.
More on classsmate Textgenerator: Creating texts automatically »
Does master data management help with the translation of data?
Yes. Master Data Management ensures accurate, up-to-date, complete and unique datasets in a uniform standardized notation by text generation in the source language. This reduces the work and time required for translation significantly.
Do I have to purchase the software or can I have my data cleaned one time only?
As a matter of course, data cleaning can also be performed as a one-time service. However, to ensure data quality in the future, you should at least check the creation of datasets and data maintenance processes afterwards.
How does the preliminary calculation of manufacturing costs work?
The classmate PLAN software module generates the preliminary costs of a part by analyzing the geometric data of the 3D CAD model and deriving the necessary manufacturing steps in a logical sequence and calculating the costs via machining times.
The cost rates of the available manufacturing technologies are stored in technology databases. The calculation of the preliminary costs can be carried out considering various conditions, e.g. cost comparisons between prototype and serial production or manufacturing alternatives at different production sites or optimizations regarding the lowest possible costs or the shortest possible cycle times or reducing the times the machines are changed.
Do I have to provide the basic data for calculations?
No. General calculation parameters of the manufacturing technologies are already stored in a technology database. These include cutting parameters for turning and milling processes, for example. Individual parameters, e.g. hourly rates for machines are flexible and can be configured and easily adapted to the customer’s requirements. This keeps the time and work required to maintain the basic calculation data to a minimum.
Can I customize the basic calculation data to my individual needs?
Yes. Basic calculation data can easily be adjusted to your needs.
How much time and work is required for the development of the technology database?
We have best-practice databases with the technology, costs and machining data for most machining processes we offer, which we make available to you as a starting point. In addition, we can adapt them individually to the needs of your company. This means that only a foreseeable amount of time and work is required on your part to set up a technology database. Data optimization can easily be carried out by the user while using the software.
Can accurate results derived from the calculations be guaranteed?
Accurate and up-to-date results for costs are ensured when calculating costs by retrieving prices for semi-finished products and other relevant procurement factors from the master data system directly, as well as by adapting the data of the technology database to the conditions of the user and tailored to the company.
Which machining processes are supported?
Supported machining processes include: Turning and milling, drilling, gear-cutting, eroding, grooving, groove broaching, engraving, cleaning, sawing, cutting, testing, induction hardening as well as surface treatments (painting, galvanizing, chrome plating, etc.).
This means that all machining processes are covered which are common in mechanical engineering are covered, also taking into account existing allowances, surface finish quality, etcetera.
Does data on tools/machines have to be entered individually?
No. simus systems provides an extensive technology database as a best-practice solution. However, adjustments to the technology database tailored to your company are possible and will improve the results.
Do I need to classify my data first before I can generate a calculation?
No. Classification of the data is not required.
Does the software also work for assemblies?
Yes. – The software also works for assemblies.
Can 2D data also be taken into account?
No. The software requires 3D data to perform a calculation based on CAD data.
Does simus systems also manufacture parts?
No. simus systems does not manufacture any parts, but our software is already used as a calculation tool by some part manufacturers.
How does the data search work?
After automatic preparation of data using best-practice methods, the data is clearly presented in classmate FINDER. Users benefit from a fast and reliable search that is embedded in the user environment in the best way.
Having applied the classification functions, the data can be searched easier and can be compared to each other in an easier way to find the best solution.
What search options do I have to find the data I am looking for?
A range of search functions are available, which can be used in combination as needed. They can also be executed consecutively:
- Navigating in the class tree
- Searching by values and value ranges
- Search for geometrically similar parts
- Search for parts with similar features
- Search for parts
- Search for keywords
- Duplicate search
- Search by feature names
When using classmate PLAN:
- Search by machining processes
- Production times
- Tool usage
- Machine use
- Same routings and many more
Can I also search for a partition of a CAD model?
Yes. You can also start your search on defined parts of a model. This allows you to not only find parts with a similar shape but matching counterparts or tools.
Can I also search for a partition of a CAD model?
Yes. You can also start your search on defined parts of a model. This allows you to not only find parts with a similar shape but matching counterparts or tools.
How do I select a partition of a CAD model?
You can select a partition of a CAD model by simply selecting them in the viewer model or by using feature combinations.
Can BOM functions also be applied?
Yes. The information on BOMs is retrieved and available from CAD models or ERP systems. You can also choose between different views for functions such as where-used list and single-level BOM explosion.
How does the automated classification of CAD models work?
The classmate CAD software module deconstructs the CAD model ‘in reversed order’ , i.e. it analyzes 3D CAD models according to shape elements such as outer or inner contours, drill holes, drill hole arrangement, chamfers, curves and notches using a patented process. It automatically fills the lists of characteristics relevant to the class with the predetermined values and creates 2D and 3D preview formats for illustration purposes.
How many CAD models can be classified with simus classmate?
The number of CAD models is unlimited due to the software architecture of simus classmate.
Which CAD formats are supported?
All native formats of CAD systems Autodesk Inventor, Catia, Siemens PLM/NX, Creo Parametric, Solid Edge, SolidWorks are supported. Furthermore, neutral formats such as STEP or JT (with X-BREP) can also be processed.
Your system is not included? Give us a call. We will find a solution! Phone: +49 (721) 83 08 43 – 0
Do I already have to have a classification system?
No. simus systems offers a best-practice model that can be extended tailored to your company.
Can custom classes be created and automatically populated?
Yes. Our best practice model offers the option to expand and restrict classes. This also allows the creation of custom classes and populating them automatically.
What additional functions are offered besides the mere similarity search?
The mere similarity search is supplemented by partial matching, feature search and geometric duplicate analysis as well as their combinations.
Can material master data also be compared during CAD comparison?
Yes. When comparing CAD models, the material master data can be compared simultaneously, as features can be included in the search in addition to CAD data.
Can I also enter and classify parts retrospectively?
Yes. simus classmate allows you to detect, automatically enter and classify parts, even retrospectively.
How are routings generated?
An automatic geometric analysis of the 3D CAD model extracts the form elements such as drill holes and shaft shoulders as well as the material. Suitable manufacturing processes, machines, tools, cutting parameters, etc. are retrieved from the technology database. Based on this data, classmate PLAN can generate operations, resources, times for setup and machining and automatically produce the routing. Allowances, surface finish qualities or fits from the model as well as optimizations depending on the lot size can be processed.
Does simus classmate provide options to configure routings?
Yes. simus classmate provides the option to configure routings according to:
- a definition of operations based on basic machining processes
- direct cost calculations for external operations
- customizable detailing
- transport, inspection and cleaning operations
to configure.
How is the routing transferred to the ERP system?
There are several options. A routing can be transferred to the SAP ERP system via a direct interface. It is also possible to transfer a routing to an ERP system using an export, e.g. via Excel or text/CSV and to import a routing into the ERP system from the client’s side.
Can simus classmate help you choose a supplier?
Yes. To select suitable suppliers based on defined technical parameters, simus classmate can be used as follows:
First, a geometric analysis of the CAD model is created. Data is categorized in a special classification for purchasing and an automatic assignment of production parts for known suppliers is generated.
More on supplier selection in technical purchasing with simus classmate »
Can a material group key be generated?
Yes. A material group key can be composed from the properties determined with classmate PLAN. For this purpose, a corresponding field-tested best-practice method has been developed.
Can material group key be adapted flexibly?
Yes. The elements can be adapted to the material group key using the corresponding customizing settings.
Does simus classmate also offer the possibility of a purchase classification of drawing parts or automatic material group calculation?
Yes. Purchasing classification and automatic calculation for material groups is possible using the determined geometric data.
Does simus classmate provide the methodology to determine supplier ratings?
Yes. simus classmate provides the option to evaluate geometric data and historical data of previously used suppliers and use them to classify supplier ratings.
Is there a way to also implement an automated order process for drawing parts?
Yes. It is possible to implement an automatic order process. simus classmate can create an automatic material group calculation and a supplier classification, which gives the option to assign suppliers to a certain geometry automatically.
Based on self-determined criteria or capacity, the order process can be transferred directly.
Can simus classmate be integrated into SAP ECTR?
Yes. The integration of simus classmate into SAP ECTR is possible due to the strategic partnership between DSC and simus systems.
Will the PDM system be accessed?
Yes. The PDM system continues to provide the physical and organizational administration of CAD models and documents. On the one hand, it provides CAD models for the calculation. On the other hand, the PDM system is integrated in classmate FINDER/easyFINDER for mutual activation.
Which PDM interfaces are provided?
simus classmate offers interfaces to all common PDM/ERP systems. You can find the current list here »
Does simus classmate also support SAP S/4HANA?
Yes. simus systems also supports SAP S/4HANA.
Are objects other than SAP materials supported?
Yes. Interfaces exist, e.g. to routings, equipment, DIS (document info records), change master records, vendors, and BOMs.