Caterpillar awards builds on global product lifecycle management software

Caterpillar, the world’s largest manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and gas turbines, is to use product lifecycle management (PLM) technology from EDS PLM Solutions (formerly Unigraphics), to design, develop and maintain products globally across divisions. The announcement follows the signing of two contracts involving undisclosed but large figures. Under the first, signed last autumn, EDS is deploying Unigraphics CAD/CAM/CAE software and services to Caterpillar’s Fuel Systems Division. These integrate conceptual engineering, product design, digital simulation and manufacturing, and are aimed at improving product quality and increasing the effectiveness of new product designs. The second contract, signed this spring, involves EDS in implementing its Teamcenter Visualisation software for collaborative product development across three Caterpillar divisions: Building & Construction Products, Mossville Engine Center and Cat Electronics. Suppliers, plant-floor employees, engineers and others in the manufacturing process will all use the software.