In the current fast-paced world that is continuously evolving, software applications have become indispensable in all professions. The need for software applications to fast track research and development in Science and Engineering cannot be overemphasised.
All projects in Science and Engineering start with feasibility studies at the conceptual stage to ascertain the optimum (safest and most cost-effective) path to achieve project objectives. This conceptual stage (such as the Front-End Engineering Design, FEED in engineering) is heavily depended on the use of software applications to model and simulate/analyse the problem and arrive at the best solution for professional excellence.
Software Tools for Scientific and Engineering Excellence
The software tools that are required in Science and Engineering for professional excellence range from Microsoft Office 365, coding software applications (such as Python, C++) to the highly professional software tools: Computer Aided Design (CAD), Computer Aided Engineering (CAE)/Multiphysics and process design/simulation tools.
These software tools are heavily depended upon by scientists and engineers at all stages of projects (conceptual, actual execution and the running of the system). For instance, in the field of chemical and process engineering, software tools are utilised execute the conceptual and detailed design and simulation of the process.
This enhances the planning and actual execution of the project at much lower material and labour costs while achieving the project objectives within a relatively short period of time. The automation and sustainable running of systems in today’s modern world are highly depended on software tools which are also needed for the improvement/optimisation of the process after development.
Furthermore, just as projects in Science and Engineering are multidisciplinary in nature, likewise are the software tools that are required to deliver the projects. This further underscores the indispensable roles that software applications play in Science and Engineering and the necessity of software skills for professional excellence in these fields.
Software Applications in Mechanical Engineering & Manufacturing
Tasks that are practically impossible to accomplish by human hands such as highly complex mechanical designs can now be accomplished using software (CAD), Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) applications and Computer Numeric Controlled (CNC) machines. This makes high-speed, large volume, high-precision and safe manufacturing of components possible in mechanical engineering thereby enhancing efficiency in production.
In the aspect of Research and Development (R&D) in Science and Engineering, software tools are also used to arrive at optimum solutions to problems faster and with high degree of accuracy. Moreover, the material cost is drastically reduced thereby promoting excellence in research and the development of new products.
Software for Product Design, Manufacturing, and Documentation
Generally, in product design and development in Science and Engineering, software tools are used to model and establish the optimum design and operation parameters for the product. These parameters provide the requisite information that is required to provide adequate guidance to professionals during product manufacture and operation such that all requisite tasks are accomplished with high precision using confirmed safe and cost-effective techniques.
The optimum design and operating conditions established by software simulations also form the basis for the documentation of product operation manuals for the end-users. The manuals provide requisite instructions to clients on how they can derive maximum value from the product while using it. The engineer/scientist is therefore, confident that the solution or product that is deployed will effectively meet the needs of clients because of the application of software tools and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP). Learn how to choose the right software for your engineering project.
