Simulation Governance: Challenges in the Age of Data and Digitalization

Digital tools have been transforming product development. Multiphysics simulation tools, in particular, allow engineers to evaluate options faster and improve product performance while reducing development time and costs. Today, machine learning and AI technologies are moving the needle again and promise greater automation, improved toolchain integration, and acceleration.

To help end users and technology providers understand the current state of the simulation sector, NAFEMS and McKinsey conducted a deep dive analysis of the automotive industry—a sector that has traditionally been a leader in adopting new technologies. Based on surveys and interviews with 50 companies, we collected data on the use of simulation across 28 vehicle subsystems and 11 performance attributes. The result is a highly granular view of the current state and progress of advanced engineering simulation in real-world applications.

Our research reveals rapid but uneven progress, with some engineering domains and application areas benefiting more than others. Dramatic differences can be observed in the dimensions of adoption, growth, and business impact.

Presenters

Jan Paul Stein is a Partner based in Munich and an expert in digital engineering. He has broad expertise in the context of digital twins and in leveraging advanced analytics to improve products and the product development process. He co-leads the McKinsey’s Digital Twin Service Line, and his work is focused in the industrial and manufacturing sector.

Alessandro Faure Ragani is a Senior Expert based in Milan and a core member of the McKinsey’s Digital Twin Service Line. He serves client on industrial sector addressing operational topics with a strong focus on Modularity & Complexity Management and Digital Engineering