Sumitomo SHI FW’s digital transformation – enchancing energy decarbonized with Cadmatic solutions

Sumitomo SHI FW (SFW), a world leader in energy decarbonization, has embraced digital transformation. SFW made the strategic decision to purchase software from Cadmatic in 2021, with the goal of improving product digitalization while increasing customer service capabilities.

The CADMATIC 3D plant design software and information management products CADMATIC eShare and CADMATIC eGo have been implemented in SFW’s production operation.

Kari Asikainen, SFW's Vice President of Engineering Development, says the decision to switch to Cadmatic after 25 years of using another plant design application was not made lightly.

"The lifecycle for our existing 3D plant engineering application was coming to an end after 25 years of use. We were in the position where we had to learn to use a replacement product or new design software regardless, so we decided to thoroughly analyze several market options from both a technical and commercial standpoint."

Cadmatic implementation at SFW in a nutshell
Software solutions: CADMATIC 3D Plant Design - Including global work & data sharing CADMATIC eBrowser, eShare, eGo Laser Scan Modeller IFC & JT import/export, Navis export, SNDF import	Details 70+ former projects converted from PDMS® to native Cadmatic models; scope included 800+ piping specifications, 2 000 000 catalog components 50 SFW execution projects with Cadmatic 30 SFW maintenance/repair projects with Cadmatic 90 SFW proposal projects with Cadmatic

Choosing the best partner

SFW needed a solution provider committed to developing the engineering tools required in a key customer relationship setting, where it could influence long-term development roadmaps. Additionally, SFW required a partner with a global presence and offices in strategic locations to facilitate global collaboration.

SFW started evaluating six major 3D plant design software vendors in 2019. Cadmatic was chosen after a thorough commercial and technical evaluation, due to its superior global work sharing capabilities, multinational operations, strong emphasis on client relationship and Web API.

"I've seen many 3D plant design systems over the last 30 years, and no system is perfect," says Kari. "In the end, you choose the option that best fits your business, operations, and future vision."

Data conversion for legacy projects and connecting critical business systems

SFW and Cadmatic co-operated to develop conversion tools for converting PDMS® 3D models into native Cadmatic 3D models. Cadmatic was able to successfully support SFW in the conversion process, according to Kari, through active communication and a hands-on approach.

The CADMATIC Web API was critical to the software migration effort. The CADMATIC Web API enables the creation of interfaces between Cadmatic and third-party systems such as ERP and PLM or PDM.

"The Web API simplified the software implementation process and allowed us to use our in-house developed tools in Cadmatic" says Kari.

SFW focuses on increasing customer value throughout the project life cycle, and Cadmatic is set to play a crucial role here too. By leveraging Cadmatic software solutions, SFW aims to optimize their plant delivery processes and enhance plant and EIC engineering performances.

Cadmatic team members introducing the latest software features during a key account session with Sumitomo representatives.

Increasing customer value throughout the project life cycle

According to Kari, Cadmatic can support SFW in improving the plant delivery process throughout the project life cycle and "customer journey" from early design to client handover and beyond.

SFW’s service business is critical in creating customer value by providing customers with digital services to run plants as efficiently, sustainably, and economically as possible. These digital services complement SFW’s boiler Technology Upgrade and Modernization (TMU) services, such as switching to new fuel.

"Our use of Cadmatic starts with plant design tools and ends with life-cycle services, where data visualization via eBrowser, eShare and eGo will be critical tools for visualizing our customers' plants. SFW’s digital services which are analyzing plant operational parameters such as fuel consumption and emissions on a regular basis to assist our customers in improving their operations could be integrated with Cadmatic information management solutions."

eBrowser, eShare and eGo at every construction site

According to Kari, Cadmatic information management solutions will be used on all SFW’s future construction sites as they enable the wider utilization of 3D plant models with integrated project data and documentation. It simplifies the operations at sites by combining the data and documents into one product without the needs to use multiple engineering applications. 

"Cadmatic information management solutions will be used to review integrated plant 3D models at SFW, together with contractors and customers. PDMS® was previously used by all our project managers and discipline engineers, but now Cadmatic information management solutions can be used to access the plant 3D model and all project data & documentation in one place. Without using a plant 3D design tool, you can examine the entire digital twin, including all data and documents."

Construction and project scheduling tools spark interest

SFW is interested in Cadmatic's construction and project scheduling solutions as a potential part of their efforts to further digitalize and integrate their operations.

"Project management is done in many different areas, such as scheduling, ERP, procurement, financial systems, and document management. We are also interested in improving project management to ensure that projects run smoothly, and we're looking into how all of this can be done digitally. As a key Cadmatic customer, I am confident that we will investigate how they can assist us with new products and services in this regard."

Cadmatic was chosen as SFW's solution provider for a variety of technical and commercial reasons, but Kari emphasizes what is most important: a strong partnership.

"We communicate well with Cadmatic, we understand what they're doing, and we let them know what we need. A relationship like this is like a project: the more communication you have, the better; communication is the A-Z of everything. Cadmatic is a partner who listens to us, develops solutions for the digitization of our products, and assists us in expanding our service offering to our clients."