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BÖWE BELL + HOWELL: Accelerating Automated Mail-Sorting System Design with SOLIDWORKS Office Premium
Technology Category
- Analytics & Modeling - Predictive Analytics
- Functional Applications - Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES)
- Functional Applications - Product Lifecycle Management Systems (PLM)
Applicable Industries
- Equipment & Machinery
Applicable Functions
- Product Research & Development
- Quality Assurance
Use Cases
- Manufacturing System Automation
- Predictive Maintenance
Services
- Software Design & Engineering Services
- System Integration
The Challenge
Böwe Bell + Howell, a leading manufacturer of automated mail-processing systems, faced significant challenges with their existing 2D design tools and later with Autodesk Inventor 3D software. The company needed to increase design productivity and accelerate large-assembly development. However, they encountered stability issues with Inventor, including the loss of drawings and data, which hindered their progress. Additionally, their former system struggled with handling sheet metal, weldments, and fasteners, which are critical components in their products. These challenges prompted Böwe Bell + Howell to reevaluate their 3D CAD solution in mid-2005.
About The Customer
Böwe Bell + Howell is one of the largest manufacturers of automated mail-processing systems globally. Their equipment, designed to help mailrooms of various sizes route documents efficiently, can measure up to 14 feet wide by 285 feet long and process up to 50,000 pieces of mail per hour. The company has a strong focus on innovation and efficiency, aiming to provide high-quality solutions to their customers. With a significant presence in the market, Böwe Bell + Howell continuously seeks to improve their design and manufacturing processes to maintain their competitive edge.
The Solution
In response to the challenges faced with their previous CAD solutions, Böwe Bell + Howell decided to transition to the SOLIDWORKS 3D CAD software environment. They implemented eight seats of SOLIDWORKS Professional and four seats of SOLIDWORKS Premium due to its ease of use and capabilities in handling large assemblies, sheet metal, and cable routing. The company also integrated SOLIDWORKS Workgroup PDM for managing workgroup drawings and SOLIDWORKS Simulation for evaluating design strength and performance. This transition allowed Böwe Bell + Howell to work in both 2D and 3D environments, meeting their customers' design needs more effectively. The robust capabilities of SOLIDWORKS software enabled the engineers to develop new processing systems four times faster than before. The design configuration capabilities in SOLIDWORKS allowed for quick customization of standard product designs to meet specific customer requirements. Additionally, the interference detection capabilities helped improve quality and eliminate design errors, reducing rework by up to 70 percent.
Operational Impact
Quantitative Benefit
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