What is SPDM (Simulation Process and Data Management)?
SPDM (simulation process and data management) is a set of tools, methodologies, and practices designed to improve the lifecycle of simulation processes and data in engineering and scientific simulations. As simulations become more integral to product development, managing the vast amount of data generated becomes increasingly complex. SPDM solutions provide a structured approach to handling this complexity by offering capabilities such as version control, collaboration, workflow management, and data traceability.
SPDM is essential for organizations that rely heavily on simulation to design, test, and validate their products. It ensures that simulation data is stored securely, easily accessible, and well-organized, allowing engineers to focus on innovation rather than administrative tasks.
The role of SPDM in digital engineering
Simulations are employed widely in modern product development to project how products will perform under various conditions. But the sheer volume of data generated by these simulations can quickly become overwhelming if not properly managed. This is where simulation process and data management comes in.
SPDM solutions enable companies to organize and control their simulation data systematically. By providing a centralized repository for all simulation-related information, such as models, inputs/outputs, results, and metadata, SPDM ensures that teams can easily access the latest versions of their work. This reduces the risk of errors caused by outdated or incomplete data.
What are the benefits of SPDM?
Enhance data traceability
Track every version of simulation models and datasets, ensuring full traceability throughout the product development lifecycle, and making it easier to audit decisions, reproduce results, and maintain consistency across projects.
Increase productivity
Automate routine tasks such as version control and workflow management, freeing up engineers’ time to focus on more strategic activities like innovation.
Reuse valuable data
Reduce the need to recreate simulations from scratch, saving time and ensuring consistency across different projects.
Standardize processes
Remove manual and error-prone tasks by standardizing simulation workflows, ensuring that processes are executed consistently across teams.
Integrate with existing tools and processes
Supports integration with various tools, enabling a streamlined workflow that connects simulations with other engineering processes like CAD or PLM systems.
What's the best way to get started with SPDM in your organization?
Keep reading to discover our recommended approach to SPDM, or reach out to us for a free consultation today.
Begin by thoroughly reviewing your existing simulation processes to identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and areas where data management can be improved. This assessment will help determine the specific requirements for your SPDM solution, such as version control, collaboration needs, and integration with other tools.
Choose a platform that meets your organization’s specific needs, offering features like real-time collaboration, automation of routine tasks, and integration with MBSE (model-based systems engineering) tools and other systems like PLM or CAD software.
Integrate internal and external tools, automating steps like data input/output management, and ensuring all team members understand how these workflows function in their daily tasks.
Enable seamless interaction between system models and simulation processes by integrating MBSE tools with SPDM. Configure the tools to trigger simulations from MBSE models and ensure smooth data exchange between platforms.
Provide comprehensive training to ensure all users are comfortable navigating the new SPDM system. This includes understanding how to execute simulations through automated workflows, access simulation results, and integrate MBSE tools into daily operations.
Regularly assess the system’s performance against your goals. Gather feedback from users to identify areas for improvement and make necessary adjustments to workflows or tool integrations for continuous optimization.
Support design exploration techniques with data intelligence tools, helping you make more informed decisions based on accurate, real-time data.
Explore opportunities to scale its usage across more projects or departments, introducing more complex simulations into workflows, while regularly updating best practices for maximum efficiency.
Need help with SPDM simulation process data management?
Johan Kolfors and team are on-hand to provide tailored guidance and support with a deep knowledge of the full Dassault Systèmes portfolio. Reach out for a free consultation today.
Essential software for SPDM
For end-to-end PLM (product lifecycle management) and collaborative innovation.
For virtual testing, analyzing, and optimizing product performance.
CATIA Magic
For creating, collaborating, and managing complex system specifications.
View our extensive range of software solutions