Boost Sales and Build Stronger Relationships with the Deployment of Simulation Apps
Customer Company Size
Large Corporate
Region
- America
Country
- United States
Product
- COMSOL Multiphysics
- SpreaderCalc
- COMSOL Server
Tech Stack
- Multiphysics Simulation
- Application Builder
- Design of Experiments (DoE)
Implementation Scale
- Enterprise-wide Deployment
Impact Metrics
- Customer Satisfaction
- Innovation Output
- Productivity Improvements
Technology Category
- Analytics & Modeling - Predictive Analytics
- Application Infrastructure & Middleware - Data Visualization
- Functional Applications - Remote Monitoring & Control Systems
Applicable Industries
- Equipment & Machinery
- Automotive
Applicable Functions
- Sales & Marketing
- Product Research & Development
Use Cases
- Predictive Maintenance
- Digital Twin
- Remote Asset Management
Services
- Software Design & Engineering Services
- System Integration
About The Customer
GrafTech International is a global leader in the production of carbon and graphite products, serving a wide range of industrial applications. The company operates through its Advanced Energy Technologies (AET) subsidiary, which focuses on innovation and technology. GrafTech's products are essential in various industries, including automotive, equipment and machinery, and more. The company is known for its commitment to quality and innovation, leveraging advanced technologies to meet the evolving needs of its customers. With a workforce of over 1,000 employees, GrafTech is dedicated to enhancing its sales processes and building stronger relationships with its customers through the deployment of cutting-edge simulation apps.
The Challenge
Rick Beyerle, a senior scientist at GrafTech's Advanced Energy Technologies (AET) subsidiary, identified a significant challenge in the sales process of their carbon and graphite products. The sales team needed to build trust with prospective customers, often requiring a 'proof of concept' to establish credibility. However, creating these proofs of concept was resource-intensive, requiring Rick and his team to divert R&D resources to modify and rerun validated models for each customer's specific configuration. The sales team, untrained in numerical modeling, found it difficult to navigate the complex models, which featured hundreds of parameters and boundary conditions. This situation led to inefficiencies and delays, as the application engineers were instructed to prioritize live tests over time-consuming simulations.
The Solution
To address the challenge, Rick and his team at GrafTech developed a user-friendly simulation app called 'SpreaderCalc' using the Application Builder available in the COMSOL Multiphysics software. This app allows sales engineers and field specialists to predict the performance of various virtual prototypes before testing costly physical prototypes. The app provides a streamlined and inclusive workflow, enabling the sales team to offer real-time answers to prospective customers. By deploying the app through the COMSOL Server, the simulation results are accessible via a secure web connection, making it easier for salespeople and customers to use. The app has significantly reduced the time and resources required to provide proofs of concept, allowing the sales team to focus on building trust and securing second meetings with potential clients. Additionally, the app fosters collaboration and transparency, enabling customers to present their buying choices more effectively within their organizations.
Operational Impact
Quantitative Benefit
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