Dell-AutoForm

Vendor: Dell (NYSE: DELL)
Customer: AutoForm www.autoform.com       
Vertical Markets: Manufacturing
State: International – Germany

Technology Used: Dell Precision T7400 workstations with Intel Xeon E5405 processors

Solution: AutoForm specializes in developing software for major car manufacturers throughout the world. These programs provide simulations for sheet metal forming and die design. To deliver accurate and timely results to their many clients, powerful and robust hardware is a must for this company.

The challenge AutoForm was facing was that they needed more powerful workstations to create simulations that were as close as possible to actual production processes. AutoForm knew that the hardware they chose needed to be dependable and robust enough to handle 3D applications and run around the clock.

The company eventually decided that Dell Precision T7400 workstations would meet their software needs. They purchased 12 workstations initially, and then made the decision to invest in another 90. The hardware purchased by AutoForm is covered by Dell ProSupport, and the company’s IT administrator, Thomas Wollner, has been thoroughly impressed with the first-class support received, along with Dell’s willingness and ability to solve problems.

One of the most obvious benefits of the new Dell workstations is that the company has been able to cut the number of systems needed by 50 percent. Simulations that used to require four computers can now be completed with 2. The workstations’ impressive Intel Xeon processors have boosted system power by 15 percent, while standardized hardware has simplified system maintenance. The new hardware is quieter and more compact, which has freed up physical space and reduced costs associated with cooling and maintenance. The Dell workstations currently have 16-GB of RAM, but this can be increased to as much as 128-GB if needed. AutoForm considers their Dell workstations a long-term solution, estimating they will effectively meet the company’s needs for 3 to 4 years.

Further details: http://www.dell.com/downloads/global/casestudies/1185_2009-AutoForm-10007272.pdf