NCSA recognises Caterpillar for partnership that spawned series of technology breakthroughs

The 2002 Grand Challenge Award recognises the company for its use of virtual reality, immersive environments, and computer engineering simulations, and for its use of data mining techniques to analyse warranty information and to pinpoint potential equipment problems. The award also recognises Caterpillar's work with NCSA to develop a knowledge management system to encourage employee communication and collaborative problem solving.

Using hardware and software developed at NCSA, Caterpillar designed and built a virtual reality environment in Peoria. The centre is used to create virtual prototypes and has helped the company reduce the number of physical equipment prototypes required to bring new products to market, saving time and money. When Caterpillar won the Governor's Pollution Continuous Improvement Award in 2002, its virtual reality centre was cited as a major contributor to environmentally friendly improvements in the design of heavy equipment.

Another product of the NCSA-Caterpillar relationship is the Caterpillar Simulation Center, located in the University of Illinois' South Research Park in Champaign. The centre has helped Caterpillar meet an increased demand for computer simulations that address engineering design issues such as materials processing, manufacturing processing, and structural analysis. Because of its location, the centre makes it easy for Caterpillar to recruit talented students and to build upon collaborations with NCSA and the University.

Caterpillar's work with NCSA's data to knowledge (D2K) software resulted in the Reliability Information System (RIS), which mines information from equipment warrantees to pinpoint potential problems. The system has provided critical, in-depth information about engine performance and has helped engineers better prioritise and quantify design enhancements. The RIS also has improved engine reliability and reinforced customers' positive opinions about Caterpillar products. This system is now a major component in Caterpillar's global quality programme.

NCSA also helped Caterpillar develop its Knowledge Network. This Web-based interface allows employees to interact and share knowledge with each other and with dealers and customers around the world. The knowledge-sharing tool effectively brings the experiences of many to a user's desktop, enhancing global teamwork.

Caterpillar's business modelling work with NCSA has changed the way the company's Technology Review Board sets strategies and priorities for product design. A new systems and processes division has already reduced inventory costs, shortened the order fulfillment process, and helped to improve customer opinions.

In addition Caterpillar has used the NCSA Private Sector Programme to pursue one of its major corporate objectives, to enhance technology transfer opportunities. Through its PSP partnership, the company has been able to share technologies and collaborate with non-competitive businesses, including other PSP partners.