Dealing With Multi-Software Design Systems

Within an Outsourcing Company

Author’s Corner


In this white paper, Richard Black, Director of Engineering Services, focuses on a variety of current engineering software and the significance of staying current with these programs.

Please click on the video to the right to learn more about the author, hear his insights on this white paper, and learn what motivated him to write about this topic.

To discuss this white paper in detail, please contact Richard using the information provided at the bottom of the page.

Executive Summary


Every client wants their outsourcing entity to use “their” system. This negates the need for transition or intermediate files which are not always as robust as the original file. The well-known and widely used STEP file (Standard for the Exchange of Product Data) does not contain all the required data to replicate the original file one hundred percent and parameters will most certainly be missing. Vee Technologies prides itself on carefully mimicking the client’s own software and our engineering team counts on the advice of procurement, compliance, information technology and management to achieve the results needed.

Included below are examples of some of Vee Technologies' current software ownership and some that might or have been leased. New software is constantly being developed at a breakneck speed and selection of the “right” software can make or break a company. Constant verification, attention to detail along with scrutiny of the clients' wishes, are needed if the outsourcing company wants to avoid a misstep.

executive-summary

Software used by Vee Technologies to design, model, draft and calculate


The table below (© Giriprasad K Ramachandran) illustrates a sample of the software currently being used and maintained by Vee Technologies. It is a snapshot in time rather than a list, as software is being added and changed constantly. Nevertheless, it gives an idea of the software complexity that any viable outsourcing company needs. The table gives an overview of the diversification necessary to ensure that Vee Technologies services its client mix.

software-list

The "where used" software - otherwise known as the Client mix


The table above also illustrates the use of the software for various clientele verticals. Every outsourcing company will be different as their clients will come from a different mix.

Note the versions, which ensure that if a client is on a 2009 version (for example) and another client is on a 2020 version, there are sufficient working units to satisfy every client’s needs.

While it would be nice to have every software used and every variant, in truth, it would be financially imprudent to tie up that amount of cost "just in case you may need it in the future." Vee Technologies carefully weighs the merits of their software, not just in ROI, but also ease of use, availability of operators and, of course, those maintenance fees and operating licenses.

Software that is available from Vee Technologies on a third party basis


Just as the use of some tools are better rented because usage is very limited, the same is true of software. Leasing results in less upfront costs for software that is always up to date with full technical support, and onsite maintenance, and a very attractive tax deduction. However, you do have to consider that you will pay more in fees in the long term and there are contractual obligations which may leave you paying for software even if you’re not using it. Two big advantages are scalability and flexibility for upgrades and add-ons. The addition of modules or extensions subject to need is easy and prompt. There may be some compliance issues to be addressed, but as we move nearer to fully cloud based systems, these anxieties may disappear.

Sometimes expensive or niche market software is not required full time or is price prohibited, giving a poor return on investment. From past history, software that Vee Technologies has leased is listed in the table below (© Giriprasad K Ramachandran).

software-list

It is a constant endeavor for an outsourcing company to have the correct software. Vee Technologies seeks to have the client’s software by ensuring the client dictates the needs rather than imposing an existing owned software on them. Vee Technologies fits into the client's software instead of requiring them to fit into ours.

Conclusion


A quick glance at any web-based search for software will show an abundance of software not listed here. Indeed, software will come and go from lists of both the current usage and those not employed. It is a constant task to keep clients happy through the right kind of client mix, prudent usage and up-to-date versions. Of course, if a client is adamant about using a certain software with limited availability, it is likely the project/studio cost will be reflected, so it is in the client’s best interest to use software from the lists shown. However Vee Technologies will still endeavor to keep the client satisfied.

Vee Technologies not only excels in getting the same software as our clients, but also tries to mirror the client’s software right down to the actual version and the current service pack. This means that the production from the outsourcing company can be indistinguishable from the client company. That way it really is their office in India seamlessly using the same standards, templates, formats and software.

1. https://formlabs.com/blog/cad-software/

Richard-Black

Meet the Author

Richard Black - Director Engineering Operations

Richard Black serves as the Director of Engineering Operations at Vee Technologies. He collaborates with customers in the development of new designs, product requirements, and improvements to existing designs. Richard also manages the overall customer relationship with a focus on adherence to design schedules, technical requirements, and quality. Richard has over 20 years of experience in the automotive industry and has been awarded five design patents.

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