professional development

Moldflow's MPI Training and Certification Helps Siemens VDO Become More Competitive

By Laura Carrabine, Editor

Bryan approached the courses with expectations of gaining more knowledge. "I wasn't disappointed," adds Bryan. "From the instructor, to the course materials, to the interactive classroom/lab format, the experience was truly worthwhile. Instructor Jay Shoemaker easily exceeds any expectations I might have had regarding knowledge about the software and/or theory behind it. I can't remember participating in any training that was as valuable as Moldflow's MPI sessions. I have truly learned an amazing amount of information in two weeks' time."

Superior instruction and materials

Bryan says the instruction was well paced, and the quality of the materials was excellent. "Up until the training class, I had only concentrated on performing fill, pack, and warp analyses. From the knowledge that I've gained, it will help me support Siemens VDO in becoming more competitive," notes Bryan.

"Taking advantage of the training is an excellent value. I recommend the course to any Moldflow user regardless of experience or background using the software," adds Bryan. "I have always enjoyed using the software; however, as a result of taking the training and obtaining Moldflow certification for the Moldflow Plastics Insight product, I have an even greater appreciation for the technology and how it will help make me a more valuable entity within my organization."

He appreciates the several significant new features and CAD-like user interface. "Attending the course definitely makes me more proficient," Bryan says. "It also taught me some new tricks that I probably would not have learned had I not taken the course."

Certification significance

At the close of each module of training, Moldflow's MPI instructors offer optional certification testing. Certification identifies an individual as a skilled and valued leader, and earns the candidate the respect of colleagues and managers. One or more of these certifications is frequently a prerequisite for promotion or acquiring a new position. In addition, software certification is taken as formal recognition of a level of proficiency. The recipient is acknowledged as having overall comprehension of the disciplines and skills represented in a comprehensive body of activity.

Bryan passed the certification tests. "As a Moldflow-certified user, I can demonstrate to Siemens VDO the value of my knowledge using the tool and that I am more proficient. In the past, I have heard comments such as 'Moldflow software is only as good as the user.' (Meaning: 'Do they really know how to accurately set up models and interpret the results?')"

"Having completed this training experience," adds Bryan, "I have proof that I have taken the time to upgrade my skills and learned how to utilize the software most effectively. I consider the training and passing the rigors of certification testing as important achievements for me personally and for my company. My boss is looking forward to communicating to other Siemens VDO departments that we are certified. We hope to leverage our value across the entire Siemens VDO organization." Further, Bryan says that MPI certification is an excellent marketing tool.

Moldflow users everywhere

Bryan explains that he would take the training all over again and plans to take the update training when upcoming new releases of the software are announced. "I can't say enough about the experience," notes Bryan. "Quite honestly, I've never liked taking training courses because they are typically so simple. (If you had the course book, you could teach yourself the same thing while sitting at your desk.) They are set up so that students never run into any problems and the parts are very basic. This instruction is very different from any other, because Jay provided real-world problems. It's a completely different approach - much more realistic and refreshing. I would not hesitate taking additional MPI classes, and I encourage users everywhere to take advantage of the opportunity. It's never too late to learn more."

Bryan says that there's no doubt that the MPI training provides a wealth of new knowledge within a relatively short time. However, he used the training sessions as an opportunity to learn simulation theory as well as grasp the latest version of the software. "I am trying to grasp more than perhaps the average user who may already have theory down pat," Bryan says.

Return on investment

Bryan's department recently issued internal advertisements to other departments that announce his services and will add to that his newly acquired Moldflow certification. "I believe we will gain additional business as a result," adds Bryan. "Our return on investment will be significant, especially since I learned valuable new skills and techniques to help me go beyond just analyzing a new part design to analyzing the entire tool and its effect on the part. The new tools are so quick and easy to use. I am now in a position to perform analyses much more quickly than if I never obtained the training and certification."

"In addition, I am now much more efficient doing my job, because I don't have to spend valuable time figuring out how to address a new challenge. With the help of the training manual and CD as reference resources, I am in an excellent position to take on all sorts of new projects," says Bryan.

For more information about Moldflow's training and certification classes, visit www.plasticszone.com