Simulation Software

The Simulation Software research study delivers current market analysis plus a five-year market and technology forecast.  This study is an emerging market analysis that examines the overall size of the market, the distribution of the market leaders and suppliers, and provides a five year compound average growth rate (CAGR) forecast. 

Simulation Software: Merging the Virtual and Physical Worlds

The overall simulation software market today is comprised of a broad and diverse set of technologies and applications.  The traditional  core of the simulation software market is computer-aided engineering (CAE) which was developed primarily for product design testing.

Today, the simulation software market has significantly expanded in scope to include simulation software for many industries and areas of science.  The all-inclusive industrial market includes everything from communications, automotive, aerospace, consumer electronics, military systems, transportation systems, smart buildings and cities, industrial controls, pharmaceuticals and drug development, and much more.  Essentially, advanced simulation applications enable engineers, scientists, manufacturers, and builders to virtually simulate the physical world to test, validate, optimize, and experience our products, systems, and environment.

CAE is the use of computer software to simulate the performance of a product in order to improve the design or facilitate solving engineering problems for various industries.  The application of software may include simulation, validation, and optimization of products, processes, and manufacturing.  Typically, a 3D computer-aided design (CAD) product model is developed that is used by CAE software for product testing.

In addition to CAE simulation solutions for product testing, there has been an emergence of 3D virtual simulation software across a wide range of applications for science, industry, infrastructure, and consumers.  The advanced level of simulation software allows users to virtually represent the physical world to validate, test, and examine products, systems, and environments before using them in the real world.

The simulation software market, including software and services, is dynamic with major segments experiencing rapid product innovation.  The most significant market trend for the entire simulation space is the emergence of comprehensive and multi-functional simulation platforms that include a complete portfolio of simulation tools for use across the entire product lifecycle.  Engineering organizations today must develop smart products that integrate mechanical functions with electronics and controls, utilize new materials and manufacturing methods, and deliver innovative  designs within ever shorter design cycles.  This requires current engineering practices for product performance verification to evolve into a digital twin approach, which enables engineers to follow a more predictive process for systems driven product development.

Scientists and researchers are now able to virtually simulate at the molecular level to create new compounds for drugs and new materials for various industries.  Designers can plan and create 3D virtual cities and infrastructure for the next generation of smart cities.  Manufacturing engineers are now able to create and fabricate parts by creating new materials specifically for additive manufacturing and design shapes and functions that could never be made using conventional methods.  All of this is enabled by advanced 3D simulation tools that are transforming science, industry, and our physical environment.  This market study includes applications for traditional CAE simulation and advanced simulation applications for science and industry. 

Simulation Software Market Strategic Issues

In addition to providing a five-year market forecast, the simulation software market research provides detailed quantitative current market data and addresses key strategic issues.

Emergence of Comprehensive and Multi-Functional Simulation Platforms

These platforms include a complete portfolio of simulation tools for use across the entire product lifecycle.  Engineering organizations today must develop smart products that integrate mechanical functions with electronics and controls, utilize new materials and manufacturing methods, and deliver innovative designs within ever shorter design cycles.  This requires current engineering practices for product performance verification to evolve into a digital twin approach, which enables engineers to follow a more predictive process for systems driven product development.

Today’s Simulation Technology Enables Advanced Cyber-Physical Systems

The sheer complexity of many CPS use cases requires state-of-the-art simulation applications.  These simulation application platforms typically include the traditional CAE testing applications like FEA, CFD, Multi-physics, Electro-magnetic, Stress Analysis, and other product design testing applications.

Today, these platforms also include applications for modeling and simulating multi-discipline systems engineering.  These simulation solutions allow engineers to apply a model-based, systems engineering approach to mechatronic product and process development. 

Simulation Software Buyers Must Develop a Strategy for Industrial IoT and the Digital Twin

Manufacturers across all industrial sectors should be developing a digital transformation strategy and direction for both their products and their production systems.  This strategy should include both a digital twin plan for their products in the factory and the field, and the intelligent edge.  The market will demand that products be both connected and smart in the digital environments that these products will be functioning and operating in.  Simulation solutions will enable companies to virtually simulate, validate, and bring to market new products that meet customer demands.