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Automating pharmaceutical and medical research equipment design with SolidWorks software
Technology Category
- Application Infrastructure & Middleware - Data Exchange & Integration
- Application Infrastructure & Middleware - Data Visualization
- Functional Applications - Product Lifecycle Management Systems (PLM)
Applicable Industries
- Life Sciences
- Pharmaceuticals
Applicable Functions
- Product Research & Development
- Quality Assurance
Services
- Software Design & Engineering Services
- System Integration
The Challenge
Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS) Company, a leading global pharmaceutical company, faced challenges in designing and building highly specialized, custom-designed equipment for their distinctive research needs. The Discovery Automation Group, responsible for creating equipment that could not be commercially bought, initially used 2D design software and later switched to a 3D parametric CAD package in the 1990s. However, they found the parametric 3D design system to be inefficient, difficult to learn, and costly. In 2000, the group initiated an evaluation of other 3D CAD systems to find a more suitable solution that would be easier to use, more intuitive, and affordable.
About The Customer
Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS) Company is a leading global pharmaceutical company known for its extensive and active pharmaceutical and medical research programs. BMS scientists conduct research studies and experiments across the entire scope of medical research, aiming to discover new drug therapies for various medical conditions, including cancer, high blood pressure, diabetes, and HIV/AIDS. The company often requires highly specialized, custom-designed equipment for its distinctive research, which is developed by the Discovery Automation Group. This group is responsible for designing and building any equipment that cannot be commercially bought, ensuring that the research remains on track and meets the unique needs of BMS scientists.
The Solution
After evaluating several leading 3D CAD systems, BMS selected SolidWorks® 3D CAD software for equipment development. The Discovery Automation Group chose SolidWorks software because it was the easiest to use, the most intuitive, and represented the best value. The implementation of six seats of SolidWorks software allowed the group to shorten its design cycles by 75 percent while simultaneously improving equipment quality. The group also upgraded to the SolidWorks Professional suite to benefit from SolidWorks product data management (PDM) software, which replaced their manual documentation system with a more efficient electronic system. This upgrade established a more secure system for managing design data and improving revision control. Additionally, the group gained access to SolidWorks eDrawings® design communication software, enhancing interaction between the engineers and BMS research scientists. This software allowed for easier communication and review of design concepts, making the process more efficient and user-friendly for non-engineers.
Operational Impact
Quantitative Benefit
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