Daratech Study Names Delmia Corp. as Market Leader in Digital Manufacturing Process Management

Delmia Corp. acheives top spot as provider of digital manufacturing process management software with revenues for 2003 of $87 million, a 25% increase over its 2002 sales figure

Auburn Hills, Mich., Aug. 2, 2004 – Delmia Corp., a Dassault Systèmes company (Nasdaq: DASTY: Euronext Paris: #13065, DSY.PA), today announced that the most recent Daratech Inc. market research into the digital manufacturing sector names Delmia Corp. as the leading provider of digital manufacturing process management with software and service end-user revenues for 2003 of $87 million, a 25% increase over its 2002 sales figure. According to the study, the entire digital manufacturing process management market for 2003 reached $383 million, up 12.1% from 2002.

Once considered a cost factor, process simulation software is now viewed as a business opportunity that enhances competitiveness. Users of DELMIA digital manufacturing software have realized substantial benefits in product and tool design, as well as operations planning and production. A recent industry report stated that when the digital manufacturing process management is implemented in combination with digital mock-up, process reengineering, and as a component of an integrated PLM solution, companies commonly have a return on investment in the range of 5 or even 10 to 1.

The automotive industry, in particular, has benefited from the deployment of DELMIA’s digital manufacturing technology. Toyota Motor Company began implementing the software in 1996 as part of its V-Comm Digital Mock-up program. By moving manufacturing considerations into the design phase using a common 3D platform, Toyota was able to shorten lead time by 33%, reduce changes by 33%, and reduce development costs by 50%.

DELMIA is also a key component of DaimlerChrysler’s Digital Factory initiative. The program, which was piloted at the Mercedes S-Class facility in Germany, has relied heavily upon tools from DELMIA with excellent results. According to Susan Unger, DaimlerChrysler AG CIO, the company was able to obtain a 30% reduction in manufacturing planning time within the body area. “We believe DELMIA has the same capabilities that CATIA had 15 years ago,” said Unger. “It will revolutionize the automobile industry.”

“By digitally simulating manufacturing processes, automotive manufacturers can drive their business transformation through early detection and resolution of ergonomic, mechanical, and material handling issues, as well as optimized floor utilization,” said Philippe Charles, CEO of Delmia Corp. “The 3D virtual environment is playing an increasingly important role throughout the entire product lifecycle.”