IHC Merwede Standardizes on Siemens’ PLM Software

Supplier of dredging, mining and offshore vessels and equipment cites integrated offerings as critical to global initiative

Plano, TexasApril 18, 2015IHC Merwede committed to standardize its entire global product development and product data management processes on Siemens’ integrated suite of product lifecycle management (PLM) software solutions. The multi-million dollar contract is part of the company’s ambitious “One IHC” initiative, launched in 2012, to harmonize all its major business processes and optimize the value it produces for its customers. The strategy within the Siemens PLM Software business unit to focus on delivering industry-specific solutions was instrumental in earning IHC Merwede’s business. IHC Merwede is a global provider of efficient dredging and mining vessels and equipment, and a supplier of innovative ships and supplies for the offshore industry.

“Our business strategy is based on four pillars—growth, internationalization, innovation and cooperation,” said Dave Vander Heyde, CFO, IHC Merwede. “This strategy led us to the creation of our One IHC initiative with the aim of increasing value for our customers by striving for harmony and operational excellence in all of our processes. Our commitment to standardize all product development on Siemens’ PLM software solutions is an important and integral component of this initiative. Having instant access to all product data from any location increases efficiency, reduces costs, enhances quality and helps us make smart product development decisions more quickly.”

The contract with IHC Merwede includes licenses of several different Siemens PLM Software solutions. The company is going to use NX software as its flagship solution for integrated 3D computer-aided design, manufacturing and engineering analysis (CAD/CAM/CAE), as well as the compatible Solid Edge software solution for selected design and engineering projects. This is going to lower costs and improve processes by reducing the number of CAD systems in use at IHC, and producing 3D product models that integrate seamlessly with the company’s product data management (PDM) and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.

The Siemens’ Teamcenter portfolio is going to serve as the exclusive PDM system, establishing a single source for the massive amounts of product information associated with IHC Merwede’s complex and sophisticated ship configurations. Teamcenter provides a fast and easy method for accessing this information for rapid evaluation, decision-making and reuse. Teamcenter, NX and Solid Edge are designed to operate as a seamlessly integrated PLM system, and through the use of software from Siemens’ recently acquired TESIS PLMware, IHC Merwede is going to have a solution for PLM/ERP integration as well.

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