Distributed - Scalable - Proven
The combination of Maxsurf initial design, ShipConstructor detailing and production, and NavisWorks visualisation and collaboration, gives shipbuilding teams a solution that is easily distributed across the enterprise and across multiple sites; can be scaled up from the smallest to the largest of projects; and has been proven in a wide range of shipbuilding projects around the world.
COMMON 3D MODEL
At the heart of the system is the common 3D ship model which ensures collaboration across disciplines, and across different zones of the ship. This model is built on the industry-standard AutoCAD and SQL Server platforms, which also facilitates smooth data exchange with outside suppliers and subcontractors. From the 3D model, reports, 3D fly-throughs, production drawings and weight information, are all quickly and accurately generated. Key activities within the ShipConstructor workflow lock parts in the model to control change and record work completion. The developed 3D model also forms an ideal starting point for downstream activities including training, operational planning and through life support.
DISTRIBUTED PROJECTS
Shipbuilding projects distributed over multiple sites pose particular challenges in meeting quality and project objectives. The 3D walk-through and remote database access capabilities become even more valuable in conveying project progress to all parties, including the customer if desired. The SQL Server database behind the model can take advantage of replication and remote access technologies to ensure all parties have access to up to date information.
OPTIMISATION
The combination of Maxsurf initial design and ShipConstructor detailing ensures not only that production data matches design data, but also gives the design team the freedom and flexibility to optimise their design for best performance and lowest cost of production.
SCALABILITY
ShipConstructor was designed to integrate with any size company, providing effective solutions while anticipating the unique challenges of our varied customers. Project complexity increases as vessel size and capability increases. ShipConstructor offers a system that is designed to scale up to the largest size projects while allowing each user to work in a module which is fast and efficient. ShipConstructor takes care of the complexity of integrating together the complete ship model for global visualisation and reporting.
STANDARDISATION
Significant improvements in productivity, and minimisation of rework, can be achieved by implementing standards across the organisation. ShipConstructor is designed from the ground up to support the implementation of standards across the project. Whether it is through drawing templates, material libraries, common parts catalogues or naming conventions, all are defined once and used consistently throughout the project.
MANAGEMENT
Management oversight is enhanced by the use of tools to check design progress at any time without having to request data from engineering. Preconfigured reports are always up-to-date and based on the current 3D model. The NavisWorks fly-through software is also the ideal way to check the progress of the product model.
DATA SHARING
The ShipConstructor SQL server database can be linked to a wide range of external databases including purchasing and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) databases. This eliminates manual data entry with consequent improvements in data quality and reduction in cost.
Other people in the enterprise can access the data in the database directly, just by using Excel or Access. Larger organisations can easily build their own applications, integrated with the ShipConstructor system, using the ShipConstructor API or by accessing the SQL Server data directly.
CAPITAL & TRAINING COSTS
The AutoCAD and SQL Server platforms behind ShipConstructor serve to significantly reduce both capital and ongoing training costs associated with the implementation of a software system across the shipbuilding enterprise. The wealth of add-on components, administration resources and industry knowledge already available for these platforms, reduces both risk and cost when installing the system for the first time.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT
ShipConstructor integrates smoothly with existing project management tools, both in the early planning stages and during production. For example, project management tasks can be created from the BuildStrategy tree or the project construction sequence can be visualised graphically using the NavisWorks TimeLiner module.
MINIMISING REWORK
Perhaps the largest threat to cost control in shipbuilding is rework due to design errors or design, material or equipment changes. Use of the shared ShipConstructor model, and frequent graphical review using NavisWorks walk-through, has proven to significantly reduce rework.
