Algor Software Allows Engineers to Work Independently

Algor Staff
Algor, Inc.
Pittsburgh, PA

Algor, Inc., a leading maker of software for mechanical engineers, is continually finding ways to be more responsive to customers that now work from a variety of locations. The company recently began using the Internet as a tool to provide its customers with educational support that can be easily accessed at any time from any or multiple locations. In addition, Algor developed its latest Release 12 version of finite element analysis (FEA) software to enable faster, easier communication among engineers.

"We want our customers to be able to obtain Algor software information wherever and whenever they need it, whether they work in an office or in the field," said Michael L. Bussler, president of Pittsburgh-based Algor. "To support this goal, Algor has invested in expanded bandwidth so that it can provide high quality educational and technical support over the Internet without delay."

Algor Application Engineer Jeffrey Wanko demonstrates a Mechanical Event Simulation of a car’s suspension during a recent Algor Webcast.

One example of Algor’s use of Internet technology to provide better customer service is its new live Webcasts. During the Webcasts, Bussler and other Algor engineers demonstrate the latest software capabilities live on the Internet. Customers can ask questions before or during the Webcast and receive replies during the live presentation. The Webcasts can be replayed after their broadcast to provide customers with personal screening time at their convenience. The replays use streaming video format, which transmits quality video over the Internet without the long download time associated with most other video formats.

Internet technology is also used for Algor’s new "Web Courses," which bring Algor software education right to the engineer’s desktop. Algor education seminars and special courses like "Introduction to Mechanical Event Simulation" are presented live on the Internet in three- to four-hour sessions, without the expense of time and travel. Engineers can learn how to take advantage of Algor software features and capabilities without leaving their office. The Web Courses can conveniently be viewed again at any time of day for a limited time after their broadcast.

Algor plans to launch another Internet-based customer service program: an audio-visual, one-on-one Web service. Algor’s customers will be able to watch as a live Algor technical support engineer explains answers to their software questions on his or her computer screen.

In addition to its use of Internet technology to enhance communication with its customers, Algor equipped its Release 12 software with many new features that make communicating easier and faster for engineers who want the portability of working from any location. Release 12 software works within and alongside any CAD system, providing the flexibility to access and analyze any CAD solid model or assembly. With Release 12, engineers can create an archive file that includes any model file and its corresponding analysis results files, which can be transferred anywhere over the Internet.

Release 12 software also includes context-sensitive help, available with one mouse-click on any data entry screen, and DocuTech, a CD-ROM included with all Algor software that contains Algor’s most updated software operating and reference documentation, educational materials, keystroke-specific tutorials, customer application stories, product information and more. These resources enable engineers to independently resolve specific software questions without the assistance of coworkers or Algor’s technical support staff.