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BÖWE BELL + HOWELL: Accelerating Automated Mail-Sorting System Design with SOLIDWORKS Office Premium
Technology Category
- Functional Applications - Product Lifecycle Management Systems (PLM)
- Analytics & Modeling - Predictive Analytics
- Functional Applications - Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS)
Applicable Industries
- Equipment & Machinery
Applicable Functions
- Product Research & Development
- Quality Assurance
Use Cases
- Predictive Maintenance
- Machine Condition Monitoring
- Remote Asset Management
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, which can measure up to 14 feet wide by 285 feet long, is capable of processing up to 50,000 pieces of mail per hour. The company serves mailrooms of various sizes, helping them route documents efficiently. With a focus on innovation and efficiency, Böwe Bell + Howell transitioned from using AutoCAD® 2D design tools to a 3D CAD system in 2004 to enhance their design productivity and accelerate the development of large assemblies. Despite initial challenges with Autodesk Inventor® 3D software, the company ultimately found success with SOLIDWORKS® 3D CAD software.
The Solution
In mid-2005, 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 software 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 use of 3D models also streamlined the creation of assembly and maintenance documentation, significantly reducing time-to-production. The robust capabilities of SOLIDWORKS software, including automated tools for sheet metal, weldment, and cable routing, enabled Böwe Bell + Howell engineers to develop new processing systems four times faster than with their previous CAD solution. The design configuration capabilities in SOLIDWORKS software allowed for quick customization of standard product designs to meet specific customer requirements, further enhancing efficiency and performance.
Operational Impact
Quantitative Benefit
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