Dassault Systèmes, Cape Peninsula University of Technology and French Ministry of Education create Innovation Centre for Product Lifecycle Management

Africa’s First Product Lifecycle Management Competency Center (PLMCC) Brings 3D Industry Experience to University, Boosts Education in Digital Innovation

PARIS and CAPE TOWN (South Africa) – March 27, 2012 – Dassault Systèmes (Euronext Paris: #13065, DSY.PA), a world leader in 3D design, 3D Digital Mock Up and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) solutions, Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), Cape Town, South Africa and the French Ministry for Higher Education and Research, inaugurated an Innovation Centre for PLM Education on CPUT's campus in Bellville.

The Centre will focus on various application domains of PLM and specifically develop new educational methods adapted to the strong competency expectations of the globalized industries and R&D institutions in South Africa, particularly within the automotive and aerospace industries. This platform will enable the reform of engineering curricula and act as an integrating agent for multidisciplinary R&D. It will also provide a networking capability for integrated learning projects conducted between geographically dispersed teams.

The activities of the Centre will involve hundreds of students and educators at CPUT, and will link strongly into industrial, community-based and rural development initiatives, both from the private and public sectors.  Most significantly, the Centre will be in a position to play an active role in strategic national efforts, such as large infrastructure projects in the energy and transport sectors and space science projects, including satellite technology and astronomy infrastructure.

The French Ministry of Education is assigning a full-time professor to design training programmes for the Centre. The full suite of Dassault Systèmes’ latest Version 6 softwares for 3D Experience, CATIA, ENOVIA, SIMULIA and DELMIA, as well as the 3DVIA development platform for lifelike applications, will complement CPTU-developed modeling and simulation capabilities which support South African industry.

“Large national and international companies across South Africa use Dassault Systèmes PLM softwares and expect a continuous flow of highly employable new graduates to sustain their competitiveness,” said Dr. Mahomed Nawaz, Dean of Engineering, CPUT. “Students in mechanical, mechatronic and electrical engineering now need to manage software ranging from mechanical design to 3D representation of integrated systems. The global integration of the Dassault Systèmes platform fulfills this need perfectly. The cooperation with Dassault Systèmes and the French Ministry of Education will create a model for innovative advanced software instruction, and contribute to the promotion of innovation and sustainable development in South Africa.”
“Global industry is evolving from a ‘good product’ perspective to a longer, broader strategic perspective of delivering end-users a good ‘experience.’  Academic institutions with foresight, such as CPUT, realize this and address this perspective in their curriculum. As part of a global network of PLMCCs advancing digital innovation in engineering education, the Centre will play a core role in developing the talent global industry is seeking through a national network of PLM centers,” said Xavier Fouger, Senior Director, Academic Programs, Dassault Systèmes. “Its design is based on a cooperative model successfully established in Brazil, India, China and Mexico to accelerate the development of world class education.”
   
For more information about Dassault Systèmes’ initiatives in global education innovation, visit the Worldwide Academic Website at academy.3ds.com