Editor’s Pick: Femap Support a Specialty at NEi Software

By Anthony J. Lockwood

Dear Desktop Engineering Reader:

Nearly 20 years ago, NEi Software, then known as Noran Engineering, set about to do two things that have come to define the company. First, they were early leaders in developing powerful desktop CAE software,  especially FEA. Second, they offered cost-effective yet professional-level technical support, mentoring, and training for engineers using NEi software as well as software from other developers. Today, NEi Software’s line of CAE applications for all levels of designers, mechanical engineers, and analysts is highly regarded, even by those who once scoffed at the idea of desktop engineering software. And NEi Software’s technical support, mentoring, and training for its products and for those that it sells, like Femap, is widely recognized as among the best in the industry.

Support is critical with a solution such as Femap, which is developed by SiemensPLM Systems. Just out in version 10, Femap is a high-level, pre- andpost-processor for the product design, development, and analysis experts thatyou rely on to ensure that your complex designs and systems meet such goals ascost, robustness, and to time to market. It’s not kid stuff. It requires adultsupport.

Which is why NEi Software does more than just sell Femap. NEi works with you after the sale so that you get the most out of your software upgrade or initial investment. Let me repeat that: they work with you after the sale.

I know. I can hear you saying that every kid cranked up on Bawls sitting at the help desk at some outfit and answering your e-mail two weeks after your plea for help would argue that you’re getting after-sale support. Technically, true, but NEi’s support starts with a dedicated staff of experienced analysts who answer questions rather than recite or cut-and-paste a stock response based on a keyword you accidentally used. They’ll set up web demos to show you something if that’s what you need, and they’ll come to your site to teach you how to use the software optimally. But most importantly, they will listen to you and then provide analytical support to help you complete your project on schedule. And they do it without putting a lien on your house. Oh, and they also offer an on-going series of e-learning classes, online tutorials, and even web TV broadcasts for when you want to extend or refresh your skills at your own pace.

After-sale support is given a lot of lip service when benchmarking new software, but, in the end, it’s rarely a factor. Well, that is until you need some mentoring and support. Then you discover that not vetting technical support as thoroughly as you do the software is a big, often costly,  mistake.

There is no doubt that Femap is a world-class system for preparing models and viewing engineering analyses for structural, heat transfer, and fluid flow problems. NEi Software’s expertise in after-sale support complements and extends your Femap deployment, enabling you to optimize both your investment and engineering analysis process.

You can read more about Femap 10 in today’s Pick of the Week write-up. There are all sorts of links to additional information, videos,  case studies, and support materials on the NEi Software website.

Read today’s Pick of the Week.

  Thanks, pal.—Lockwood

Anthony J. Lockwood
Editor at Large, Desktop Engineering  Magazine