New 3D animation features in simulation software from Rockwell

01 December 2011

The latest version of Rockwell Software Arena simulation software includes 3D animation built from a high-tech gaming engine, improved business graphics and enhanced charting capabilities. Version 14.0 includes the new Visual Designer tool that allows users to build realistic 3D animation and dynamic business graphic dashboards in an intuitive drag-and-drop environment.

With the new functionality users can better visualise simulation models and more effectively communicate the impact of process changes to operations and business management, promoting faster user adoption, time-to-value and overall greater total benefits of ownership.

Arena software helps businesses analyse the impact of "what-if" business ideas, rules and strategies by creating a simulated environment before they develop or implement a new process or technology. By simulating or modeling the process in a virtual environment, Arena software can provide added guidance to users that are analysing the best approach to a situation. For example, an oil producer can determine how to most effectively queue oil tankers at a port for faster loading and shipment, or a food producer can determine how to produce more packaged goods without increasing waste.

The Arena Visual Designer tool offers 3D animation capabilities similar to those used in the latest personal gaming systems. Users can now quickly and easily build realistic 3D animation within the application itself or import content from popular 3D modeling programs such as Google SketchUp, AutoDesk or Blender for animated meshes.

In addition, Arena users can use the drag-and-drop interface to create customised graphic dashboards for more impactful, easy-to-understand business presentations. The new Arena design tools run on the Microsoft .NET framework to provide common functionality with Windows applications and a comprehensive and consistent programming model for building applications. The .NET framework provides users with access to charts and graphics available from Microsoft, visually appealing user experiences, and seamless and secure communication.

Arena simulation software v14.0 can be purchased as a standalone software application of varying capability, a custom turnkey solution delivered by a team of Arena consultants, or as a package of software, training and consulting to support a breadth of applications.