Acquisition boosts design reliability
In a move intended to help engineers ensure the reliability of their designs, PTC has acquired Relex and its various software tools.
According to James Heppelmann, PTC's president and chief operating officer: "This acquisition benefits PTC customers by enabling them to incorporate critical reliability analysis capabilities as part of a total solution to help them further optimise their product development processes."
Relex' tools, which will sit alongside PTC's CAD and PLM offerings, include Reliability Block Diagram optimisation and simulation, Markov modelling, Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), and Fault Tree and Human Factors Risk Analysis software. Customers include NASA and BAe Systems.
Kevin Van Fleet, co-founder of Relex, added: "The incorporation of Relex solutions into PTC's product analytics strategy will help companies to make better quality, more informed decisions to drive success with product development initiatives."
Relex also offers consultancy through its Professional Services Group. Recently retained by a 'major medical manufacturer' to undertake the FMEA process for a new product design, Relex' engineers discovered that a particular sensor was unnecessary. Elimination of the component increased product reliability by decreasing complexity and reducing production costs.
