3DEXPERIENCE VIRTUAL FACTORY

A 3D plant layout is a static model used for spatial planning, checking if equipment fits and ensuring clearance. A virtual factory simulation is dynamic; it introduces time and logic to the model. Users can model, simulate and analyze production flow, measure resource and worker efficiency, to validate throughput, identify bottlenecks, and test "what-if" scenarios.

Yes. Beyond simulating automated machinery, the platform includes tools to model anthropometric accurate virtual human workers. You can validate reachability, interference/clash, balance, postural analysis, field of view, and walking paths to ensure operator safety and efficiency, reducing the risk of workplace injuries and repetitive strain.

Yes. You can create multiple configuration branches from a single baseline layout. For example, you can test if adding a second robot arm increases throughput enough to justify the cost, or if it simply moves the bottleneck elsewhere. Alternatively, create multiple scenarios, each with varying takt times or storage capacity to measure the impact on production throughput.

Yes. The 3DEXPERIENCE Virtual Factory solution is perfect for both brownfield and greenfield projects. For brownfield projects, users can import 3D laser scans (point clouds) of your existing facility to create an accurate reference environment. Additionally, users can import 3D architectural and building systems data (IFC format), along with any other modelled 3D CAD data. Within the context of the 3D virtual factory model, users can test the placement (and/or dynamic installation) of other 3D resources to ensure fit within the existing columns, piping, and overhead constraints.

No. Current seats of SOLIDWORKS come with a complimentary "Cloud Services" package that includes a connector to the 3DEXPERIENCE Platform. Through this connector (integration), users have a direct link between SOLIDWORKS data and the 3DEXPERIENCE Virtual Factory environment. Changes made to the machine design in SOLIDWORKS can update the instance in the factory layout, ensuring you are always working with the most current equipment data.

Yes. You can import existing 2D DWG/DXF files to use as a floor footprint. You can then extrude walls or place/snap/reference 3D assets on top of the 2D drawing to rapidly build a 3D environment without starting from scratch.

3DEXPERIENCE Virtual Factory natively supports several "external" formats (like Autodesk Revit for architectural shells, PTC Creo, Siemens NX, Autodesk Inventor, etc.) via 3DEXPERIENCE data integration, which takes the form of an add-on in that CAD authoring tool. The exchange (import/export) of common neutral formats (STEP, IGES, JT, IFC) is also supported. Contact our engineering team to inquire about your specific CAD software application.

While the heavy data storage and collaboration happen on the 3DEXPERIENCE cloud, the graphical processing and simulation calculation leverages your local hardware (CPU/GPU). This "thick client" approach gives users the power of a workstation with the connectivity of the cloud. Batch run simulations are also supported to speed up the analysis.

Yes. 3DEXPERIENCE Virtual Factory licenses typically use the "named user" licensing model, associating the license with a user account for a minimum of 30-days (before it can be reassigned). Named user licensing lets engineers have dedicated access to their software (like Plant Layout Designer or Factory Simulation Engineer) and cloud data anywhere they log in, rather than fighting for a shared network seat. However, network licensing is available for 3DEXPERIENCE on-premise deployments (a rare situation for companies with data-related restrictions; most 3DEXPERIENCE implementations are on-cloud).

It depends on the problem you are attempting to solve. Schedule a discovery call with our engineering team to better understand the need.

Yes. You can share lightweight 3D dashboards and 3D environments through the 3DEXPERIENCE Platform in a web browser. You do not need to send large CAD files. Stakeholders can rotate, zoom, and view the 3D virtual factory layout on a standard tablet, mobile phone, or laptop without needing a high-end workstation. Virtual Factory simulation results can also be exported as a HTML human-readable report, or XML format (for creation of custom reports).

GoEngineer has successfully handled a 500GB point cloud, but we recommend (and often see) that large facility scans are segmented/sub-divided in the post processing phase of the scanning process. This results in the delivery of multiple smaller point cloud files, making for a better import process.

No. Factory Simulation Engineer is used for defining the 3D plant layout and modeling discrete event simultions. For logic-based virtual commissioning (connecting to PLCs), the 3DEXPERIENCE Virtual Commissioning solutions would be appropriate, for which the 3D plant layout can be used as the input. Contact our engineering team for support of your specific application.

No, if the internet connection is interupted, the user is notified (5 times) that the licenses are not available and to save your work locally (to be available when the internet connection is reestablished. However, there is an offline mode one can initiate ahead of time, for scheduled activity away from reliable internet.