SIMULIA
What might inspire a company to develop some of the best and most innovative simulation software in the world? Could it be Boeing Helicopters using their product to analyze stress and fatigue on helicopters? The University of Alabama studying earthquakes and their effects on Tsunamis or Adidas using the software to develop innovative, high-performance athletic shoes?
Earthquakes, helicopters and athletic shoes are but a few of the real-world challenges that keep SIMULIA, based in Providence, developing and providing the most sophisticated realistic simulation software in the world. Their technology solves some of the toughest engineering problems and offers solutions that few other companies in the world can match.
Many companies, such as Boeing, are now using simulation software as standard practice. And through the use of simulation, they are having a major impact on their product development through greater efficiency, efficacy, safety and return on investment.
Tim Webb, SIMULIA’s director of marketing communications and programs, says innovation lies within the heart of the organization’s culture. “We value team work, professional growth, personal commitments and a high level of creativity to develop technology that is capable of delivering a scalable portfolio of realistic simulation solutions,” he says. “This allows our customers to improve performance, reduce physical prototypes and in turn drive further innovation.”
SIMULIA is a global organization attracts some of the brightest research and development and engineering talent anywhere in the world, Webb says. It’s a great testament to the strength of the company and the emerging strength of Rhode Island’s knowledge economy that such technology talent is located here.
“Our employees come from all over the country and world, bringing fresh perspectives and unique cultural backgrounds with them,” says Webb. “It provides inspiration, new ideas and unique experiences. For example, we have employees from China and India not only sharing their knowledge but also sharing native food and inviting co-workers to learn to play cricket during lunch. This type of professional/cultural exchange promotes corporate and personal growth while simultaneously fostering innovation.”
The company was initially founded in Rhode Island in 1978 as Hibbitt, Karlsson & Sorensen. In 2002, the company changed its name to Abaqus, Inc. Its flagship product, the Abaqus product suite, remains well known today.
In 2005, Abaqus was acquired by French firm Dassault Systèmes and changed its name to SIMULIA. The company now has more than 30 regional offices and distributors as well as approximately 330 employees working in the Ocean State.
SIMULIA maintains a customer-centric focus and a high level of flexibility in order to tailor solutions to specific customer requirements in multiple industries and regional markets. Regardless if the client is developing jets, spacecraft, hearing aides or tennis shoes, anywhere in the world, their software can reduce the time and cost in evaluating the product’s performance versus traditional physical testing.
The company’s success is readily apparent through double digit revenue growth, an ever growing customer base and the recent acquisition of North Carolina based Engineous Software, a market leader in process automation, integration and optimization.
If you ask Tim Webb what also contributes to SIMULIA’s success besides top notch talent, technological expertise and dedicated customer support, he’ll also mention Rhode Island.
He calls Rhode Island “A unique geographical setting within which to operate and grow. Being ideally placed between Boston and New York, easy access to a non-congested airport, in addition to super seasonal recreation, it’s a great place to work and live.”