SIM-SERV Services

SIM-SERV offers several services that help manufacturers to improve production by using new technologies that are based on simulation. SIM-SERV helps manufacturers to identify the areas where applying simulation has highest impact and shortest payback time. SIM-SERV provides independent consultation from the beginning of the project until the successful delivery. Together with the customer SIM-SERV defines the project scope and oversees the development and supply to ensure that delivery is in full.

For descriptions of SIM-SERV services please click on the links in the diagram below.

Knowledge Repository

This service consists of the SIM-SERV web site, the database, and search facilities.

On the SIM-SERV web site, visitors find general information about simulation technology:

• Areas of application in industry,
• Potential and achieved benefits,
• Case studies,
• Descriptions of tools,
• A gallery profiling suppliers of tools and services,
• News and events,
• Links.

The knowledge repository is constantly updated. Some of the services will be introduced later.

Self-Evaluation

Have you ever wondered if simulation technology may help you improve manufacturing performance? The Sim-Serv Self-Evaluation tool gives you better insight into it quickly, easily and in total confidentiality.

Based on ten multiple selection questions the tool highlights areas where simulation may help improve performance and how these improvements can be acieved. In addition you will get an independent opinion of our experts working on different manufacturing branches: continuous processes, batch processes, piece-part manufacturing and distribution and warehousing.

Check out how simulation can improve your manufacturing.

Our sister service www.max-serv.com provides another self evaluation tool which conpanies use to assess their manufacturing practices. The tool provides a quick and confidential assessment and an illustrative performance report. The multilingual
translations of the tool include English, German, Spanish, Italian, Greece and Finnish. To evaluate your manufacturing practices click here.

Helpdesk

The helpdesk answers questions about SIM-SERV, its services, its web site or about simulation in general. Questions may be asked via phone, fax or e-mail. Response is guaranteed within 2 working days.

The helpdesk contact information is:
Phone: +44 (0) 1367 253750 or +44 (0) 1947 897196
Fax: +44 (0) 1367 253722 or +44 (0) 1947 897019
E-mail: info@sim-serv.com

Feasibility Study

This service aims at helping the customer to evaluate the feasibility of simulation as an analysis and solution method for a practical problem. Areas of potential application will be identified and discussed in direct co-operation with SIM-SERV's experts, and an estimate on cost and benefit will be made. This service will help the customer decide whether he wants to apply simulation technology, and where. The service delivers evaluation and recommendations in the form of a report.

Project Scope Definition

This service supports the customer in defining the scope of the project and developing a functional specification of a simulation application.

It is assumed here that an area has been identified where simulation should be applied to improve business. This area will now be analysed in more detail, and the customer needs will be defined to a level of detail, which allows identification of the best-suited supplier and negotiation with this supplier.

SIM-SERV will assign an expert with special experience in the relevant area to this service. This person will have access to the know-how of a broader team of highly specialised experts from the SIM-SERV Supplier Group. He will support the customer in identifying his requirements, and he will lead the specification development. The SIM-SERV expert will act independently from any vendor interest. The specification developed will be strictly based on the customer's needs and not be influenced by a particular supplier's tool or capability.

A more detailed and more accurate estimate of cost and benefit will be made at this stage.

Finding the Best Supplier

This service supports the customer in finding the best available solution and the supplier(s) best meeting the customer's requirements. SIM-SERV will also help in contract negotiation.

Based on a functional specification of the simulation application and other customer requirements, SIM-SERV searches for suppliers able to match these requirements. SIM-SERV sends to appropriate suppliers an invitation to tender including the functional specification. Suppliers' offers contain description of the proposed technical solution and the price. SIM-SERV will assess the offers with regard to technical fit, price, and other criteria that may be defined by the customer. A ranking of suppliers is made, and the best suppliers are recommended to the customer.

SIM-SERV supports the contract negotiation by making available proven, fair general terms of business, and standard contract forms.

Project Management Support

This service supports solution delivery and ex-post evaluation after the solution has been implemented and used for a certain period of time.

If requested by the customer, SIM-SERV monitors the progress of solution development against an agreed project schedule, and checks that the specifications are met. On demand, SIM-SERV may also carry out the management of the entire project.

Once the solution has been accepted, implemented and used for a reasonable period of time, SIM-SERV tracks each evaluation to ensure the delivered solution has helped achieve the expected benefits.