Assist the structuring & deploy of multi-field simulation

Challenges

In 2017 Somfy has initiated a mutation to progressively embrace a systemic approach for its products conception (mainly tubular motors). Following a work on traceability, Somfy aim to deploy a multi-field simulation strategy on a system scale.

The project was divided in two parts. The objective of the first one was to analyse the  initial situation and dynamics and also to formalise challenges of the multi-field simulation for Somfy. During the second part, we imagined what a more system friendly organisation could be and created the bases of design of experiments and deployment.

Methodology and main realisations

After discussing the conditions of the project with the team mobilised by Somfy, we led 23 interviews with several actors working at Somfy in the conception and simulation department. The questionnaire allowed different approaches of the problematic:

• efficiency of the design process ;
• innovation ;
• knowledge capitalisation and management ;
• contingency management and margin allocation;
• skills management and recruitment.

The observations made during this audit allowed us to identify three strengths, two levers for action and four locks as well as a prioritised list of ten recommendations for action.

The second part was carried out in cooperation with a team of five specialists with complementary expertise and points of view. At the end of nine workshops, we produced together an A3 formalising the framework, issues, stakeholders and concrete perimeters of the deployment of multi-field simulation within Somfy. We completed and tested our collection of hypotheses through two interviews with experts from third-party organisations. In particular, thanks to this work, we defined the contours of a new team dedicated to multi-field modeling, and identified the need for cross-functional management of modeling and simulation, constituted as a business line in its own right.

Customer references

Sébastien Lemaître

Thanks to its technical expertise and values, PHIMECA was able to bring serenity to the discussions right from the audit phase. Thinking about this innovation goes hand in hand with thinking about R&D collaboration and organisation. PHIMECA enabled us to develop an approach that reconciled technical, economic and human benefits. What’s more, the working method employed already suggests a roadmap and indicators to steer the transformation. This will permit multi-field simulation to develop effectively over the coming years, to become a competitive advantage and an asset for attracting new talent.