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user review
New Moldflow Certified Consulting Partner Program Aims to Change Perceptions, Enhance Customer Success
By Laura Carrabine, Editor
In today's competitive marketplace, increasingly more manufacturers are realizing the benefit of utilizing computer-aided engineering (CAE) in the early stages of new product development. They know that performing analyses prior to committing to expensive prototypes or steel helps to determine whether a part is manufacturable. Yet, many small and medium sized companies do not have on-site analysts or the software tools necessary to perform this type of work. In addition, many manufacturers do not need to perform analyses on a regular basis, so the incentive to invest in new CAE technology is not high. As a result, these companies omit analysis and rely on their limited experience, work-arounds or obsolete technologies. Yet for many others, the availability of and access to innovative, state-of-the-art technology and expertise can be vital for certain "make or break" projects.
To address this growing need, Moldflow Corporation recently announced its Certified Consulting Partner Program, which provides an integral link between Moldflow software functionality and companies that can take advantage of the technology via certified, independent Moldflow consultants. John Twerdok, director of the Certified Consulting Partner Program, says, "While there are many excellent engineering consulting firms out there, companies may hesitate to use them due to perceptions of poor quality control and cost issues. As a result, outside consultants may have gotten a 'bum rap' in the past."
Moldflow's Certified Consulting Partner Program is focused on changing that perception by developing a network of certified consultants who qualify at Bronze, Silver and Gold level status based on the range of Moldflow software product expertise. Consultants who are selected for the program are trained by Moldflow-certified software instructors. "Our program removes barriers for these consultants so they can access the software technology and receive proper training to successfully apply Moldflow technology," Twerdok adds.
The program targets CAE consulting firms that offer services and support to the plastics injection molding industry. These companies can include those that are presently Moldflow Plastics Advisers® (MPA®) and Moldflow Plastics Insight® (MPI®) resellers.
Consultant organizations that join the Moldflow Certified Consulting Partner Program commit to attaining Silver level certification within the first year with the incentive to earn Gold level certification. They also agree to attend training for all licensed modules, provide materials for at least one case study for publication per year and serve as usage and quality monitors.
The latest release of Moldflow Plastics Advisers software, MPA 7.0, features a new Connect to Consultants tool. This capability allows all Moldflow Certified Consulting Partners to be designated as mentors by MPA customers. The service provides fast, easy notification of results for verification and guidance by the consultants. The Connect to Consultants tool is an innovative mechanism to help facilitate collaboration between the Moldflow Plastics Advisers user and a plastic simulation expert to ensure the successful application of MPA simulations. This interaction will help reduce the cost of MPA implementation within a design group, as well as allow the consultant to assist its clients with results interpretation, troubleshooting, alternative design recommendations and improve the overall software comprehension and use.
New in MPA 7.0 software, users can set up Connect to Consultant preferences. This allows the user to specify the
e-mail address of an expert/consultant and define criteria that will trigger notification when an issue arises.
Mark Howards, owner of 3D Shapes, Inc. (Sharon, MA) and a Moldflow Certified Consulting Partner — Silver level, says, "I was very impressed with John Twerdok's understanding of the challenges that independent consultants face, as well as his vision for providing extended services and support for Moldflow customers. I have already attended the Simulation Fundamentals and Advanced Simulation training courses that cover all aspects of filling, packing, cooling and warpage for the MPI products. I also have gas-assist experience." Howards uses his consulting expertise to perform analyses using all of the MPI products including Midplane, Fusion and 3D modules. His organization also markets the Moldflow Plastics Advisers products.
Original Concepts Design, a consulting company in Mt. Laurel, NJ, is another member of the new program. Owner Greg Janice views this as an opportunity to better serve his customers and alleviate some of the fears commonly associated with consulting services. "After attending Moldflow's simulation training, I am a firm believer in the value of becoming a certified consultant. Moldflow's training was extremely intense and professional. Customers can be assured that anyone who attains certification has been rigorously tested on the use of their products."
Twerdok adds, "Another goal of this program is to facilitate collaboration among consultants. Our products solve a lot of problems and it is difficult to be an expert in all fields. The ultimate goal of our new consultant program is to make our users more successful. Whether it is helping to increase their knowledge of familiar applications, showing them how to get more out what they already have, or leading them into new areas, this network of certified consultants will fill those niches."
In 2004, Moldflow looks to expand the program internationally.
For more information about the Moldflow Certified Consulting Partner Program, contact your local Moldflow sales office or John Twerdok (tel: +1 412 367 6100,
e-mail: john_twerdok@moldflow.com).
For more information about 3D Shapes, Inc., visit www.3DShapes.com.
For more information about Original Concepts Design, visit www.3Dproductdesign.com.
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