Date - 20 April 2010 No of Pages - 22

Digital Manufacturing software integrates digital product models with manufacturing process using 3D simulation tools. These solutions help define product development steps, so that accurate machine and work instructions can be generated. Digital Manufacturing works simultaneously with product definition, and supports part and assembly planning, process design, visualization, simulation etc. This helps in digitally planning and optimizing a manufacturing process, to shorten the manufacturing time and increasing overall efficiency.

Companies engaged in manufacturing products have been using simulations and Digital Manufacturing to collaborate with experts and customers to improve efficiency and decrease time to market a product. These tools help in improving collaboration between manufacturers, customer communities, research and development units, and increases the effectiveness of feedback loops. With increased market competition, the global manufacturing companies have seen their profits decrease and markets being shared by a growing number of players. Thus, the need for efficient manufacturing processes (like Digital Manufacturing) is rising.

Small and Medium Businesses (SMBs) are rapidly adopting Digital Manufacturing software solutions. Digital manufacturing software vendors are providing a portfolio of industry specific readymade templates. These solutions are sometimes pre-configured, thus, increasing the ease of adaptation. Further, there are manufacturing and data management solutions available specifically designed for the needs of SMBs. Moreover, software vendors are implementing innovative solutions and offerings, which have increased their market reach. Thus, such solutions are helping SMBs to integrate, simplify and speed up their product development and time-to-market.

Digital Manufacturing applications are now available online, thus, the designers and engineers have the power to make alterations to plant designs in seconds. They can collaborate with the employees, customer communities, research and development units, and see how every alteration affects the entire supply chain. These solutions help in online experimenting with layout and positioning of the plant; test plant features virtually to see if they function properly and ensure an ideal environment for workers. Besides, online animated simulations are also available, which help in analyzing working conditions (how a worker stands and interacts with equipment).

This report by TechNavio Insights highlights scope of the Global Digital Manufacturing market. Further, it discusses key market trends, drivers, growth inhibitors and a few major vendors in the market.