Automakers going digital

A math-based, vehicle-development-process strategy has helped General Motors to achieve greater engineering capability, efficiency, and quality.

For years manufacturers, not just those in the automotive industry, have understood the benefits of computer modeling and simulation. However, few have developed a strategy for implementing these tools throughout the entire product-development process. General Motors has developed a math-based strategy, called the Math-Based Synthesis Driven Vehicle Development Process, which calls for the “use of mathematical models to optimally position products in the marketplace, translate the customer's voice into product-functional characteristics, and synthesize robust vehicle designs to meet physical, functional, and producibility requirements.” The company has taken steps to implement its math-based strategy in all facets of vehicle development and production. The implementation has involved the use and integration of various mathematical models and computer-based methods.

With the heightened level of competition brought about by the increasing globalization of the industry, the need to reduce the product-development cycle and improve vehicle functionality has become more evident. According to GM, vehicle-development times have decreased from 60 months to less than 18 over the past 10 years-a trend that continues. In addition, many new materials, electronics, and other technologies have been developed to improve functionality and safety. These additions have dramatically increased the complexity of the automobile as well as the need for more systems integration. All of this has made it necessary for engineers to embrace new sophisticated approaches to vehicle development.