Cost - Benefit Considerations of Computer Simulation Techniques in the Automotive Industry

The employment of computer simulation applications in the design and manufacturing processes of the automotive industry has proven to be an excellent way for reducing costs and for cutting the development period. However, the investment necessary in terms of the hardware, software and the manpower to carry out the simulation work is very high and is still increasing rapidly. Therefore, the question of cost-benefit becomes very important in assessing the usefulness to the company. One of the key aspects for optimized efficiency is an organisational structure which ensures that the design process can take advantage of simulation work.