Iterations in Days Instead of Weeks
MODSIM: Simulation-Driven Product Development as a Strategic Competitive Advantage
From Isolated Engineering Processes to Simulation-Driven Development
In many companies, design and simulation are still isolated disciplines—separate tools, incompatible data models, and data discontinuities at every handoff.
Every design change interrupts the process, and data continuity is lacking. Consistent collaboration between CAD and CAE not only breaks down silos but also speeds up decision-making, increases the first-time-right rate, and reduces late corrections.
70–80% of product costs are determined in early development phases—where traditional simulation approaches are rarely used. Errors that go undetected in the concept phase result in production costs many times higher than the original correction costs.
Traditional process
CAD and CAE are separate. Every design change triggers a manual export, model rebuild, and data validation. Simulation is introduced too late in the process—as a validation tool at the end, rather than as a design engine from the start.
Follow-up costs
The later a defect is detected, the more time-consuming and costly it becomes to correct it. Physical prototyping delays time-to-market. Over-engineering due to a lack of variant validation increases material costs and weight.
Leading companies are moving simulation to the earliest stages of the design process. Identifying errors virtually at an early stage reduces the need for physical prototypes, minimizes the need for corrections, and shortens time to market. MODSIM on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform makes this operationally possible.
What is MODSIM?
MODeling + SIMulation on a shared data model.
MODSIM is the integrated environment that enables modeling and simulation as a continuous, collaborative process rather than as separate disciplines.
- An integrated process approach
Modeling and simulation work together on a shared platform—without media breaks or data loss. This creates a seamless development process based on a shared data foundation. - A technological solution
The native integration of CATIA, SIMULIA, and SOLIDWORKS within the 3DEXPERIENCE® unites design and simulation in a common data model. - An opportunity for both disciplines
Design engineers gain access to simulation capabilities, while CAE experts are relieved of routine tasks and can focus more on value-added activities.
The strategic advantage of flexible, integrated simulation solutions
MODSIM for integrated product development
Front-loading in Simulation: From Validation Tool to Design Engine
The question is not whether simulation is used—but when and how. MODSIM systematically shifts the use of simulation earlier in the development process, to a stage where design decisions can still be corrected at a low cost. This is the digital transformation toward virtual product development.
1. Phase
Concept: Variant exploration and initial validation directly within the design model — no separate CAE tool required
2. Phase
Design: Automatic simulation updates when geometry changes. The first-time-right rate increases measurably.
3. Phase
Optimization: Digital twins and DOE studies. Multiphysics in a single environment
4. Phase
Benefits: Fully traceable results, fewer physical prototypes, faster time to market
“MODSIM turns the development process into a virtual test environment—efficiency, quality, and innovation are continuously optimized before a physical prototype is created.”
How far along is your company with front-loading? Have your current process status analyzed
Simulation-Driven Design: MODSIM and the Democratization of Simulation
Every role in the development process benefits from MODSIM in different ways—but they all work with the same model.
Concept Developer
Faster Idea Validation
A modular approach enables robust concept models that are immediately ready for simulation. Hundreds of variants can be evaluated through an automated process.
Design Engineer
Self-Contained Validation
Preconfigured simulation workflows enable self-contained validation without requiring in-depth CAE knowledge. Generative design automatically provides optimized geometry suggestions based on defined requirements.
Calculation Engineer / Analyst
More High-Value Tasks
Routine tasks are automated using templates. Analysts become process architects, build reusable workflows, and focus on high-value multiphysics analyses.
Project Management / Stakeholders
Complete Process Transparency
Single Source of Truth on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform: requirement status, design status, and simulation results all on a single dashboard. Risk identification and scheduling are data-driven.
From Theory to Practice: MODSIM in Action
Read the case study of an R&D team that needed to shorten development cycles despite increasing complexity. Separate CAD and CAE tools cost the team weeks due to manual data transfers and error-prone model hand-offs. With MODSIM, this bottleneck was transformed into an end-to-end process.
“Without the limitations of isolated tools, the team was able to focus on innovation. Tasks that used to take weeks were completed in just a few days.”
MODSIM Integration: Keep your CAD system. The process is fundamentally improved.
MODSIM is CAD-neutral and supports a hybrid implementation strategy. Teams adopt 3DEXPERIENCE in phases—without giving up their trusted tools—and achieve a measurable ROI even in the early stages.
Compatible systems
CATIA V5 · SolidWorks · NX · Creo Parametric · Inventor · Solid Edge – seamlessly integrated, no need to switch modeling environments
Hybrid Implementation
Gradual adoption of the 3DEXPERIENCE platform alongside existing workflows. No disruption. Measurable ROI through phased implementation
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About MODSIM and Simulation-Driven Product Development
Frontloading means integrating simulation into the development process as early as possible—as early as the concept phase, rather than waiting until final approval. Design decisions validated early on through simulation are less costly to correct. 70–80% of product costs are determined during the early stages of development—those who simulate at that stage make better decisions.
3DEXPERIENCE is the platform on which MODSIM operates. It provides the common data model that links CAD modeling and SIMULIA simulation. All roles—design engineers, analysis engineers, and project managers—work from the same data source. Design changes are automatically incorporated into the simulation without the need for manual export or model rebuilding.
MODSIM integrates CAD and CAE through a common data model on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform—eliminating data silos between disciplines. PLM functions such as requirements management, test management, and project management are directly integrated. Existing CAD systems such as CATIA V5, SolidWorks, NX, or Creo remain seamlessly integrated; there is no need to switch modeling environments.
CENIT supports MODSIM implementations from strategy consulting through implementation to full-scale operation. With the MODSIM MasterClass, a structured starter kit, and a dedicated online learning platform, CENIT facilitates a low-risk transition—specifically designed to connect designers and simulation engineers. As a Dassault Systèmes partner, CENIT offers direct technological expertise and industry-specific process knowledge.
MODSIM is a worthwhile investment whenever engineering and simulation teams operate separately and design changes trigger manual processes. It is particularly relevant for companies with a wide variety of products, increasing validation requirements, or a goal of shortening time-to-market. A key indicator: If simulations need to be rebuilt regularly following design changes, there is significant potential for MODSIM.
Schedule an initial consultation
Contact for MODSIM consulting and implementation
CENIT supports MODSIM implementations with its own training program, a structured onboarding process, and a dedicated team of simulation experts—from the initial evaluation through to production deployment.
Villalobos Contact me now
Senior Account Manager Simulation
Design and Simulation on a Single Platform
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