The challenge 

Since its foundation, SoftSim has been offering a broad spectrum of Urban Physics Modelling (UPM) solutions, dedicated to assisting engineers, urbanists, and architects operating across Europe. Aiming to optimize urban planning and solve environmental problems, its services include a wide range of applications and analyses, from pedestrian comfort and wind loading of structures to gaseous pollutant dispersion and wind-driven rain deposition. In this context, high-fidelity CFD methodologies are employed.

However, higher regulatory standards for citizen well-being and sustainability generate ever-increasing requirements in the volume and sophistication of the services to be provided. Since these complex larger-scale contracts demand the investigation of many different scenarios, e.g. different reference wind speeds and directions, for a single microclimatic investigation, the available in-house computational systems are no longer sufficient. At the same time, financing on-premises state-of-the-art hardware systems entails prohibitive costs. Furthermore, the complexity of conducting the required interdisciplinary investigations necessitates a high level of analyst expertise. Especially in Bulgaria, where SoftSim operates, the overall deficit of experienced CFD engineers makes hiring and training employees of sufficient skill level a difficult and costly task. As a result, SoftSim is challenged to achieve sustainable growth within a highly competitive AEC sector.

The solution 

A comprehensive UPM infrastructure that utilizes CFD and High-Performance Computing (HPC) was developed. Based on Engys's main product, HELYX ®, this infrastructure offers seamless access to HLRS's system through a Graphical User Interface. By employing HPC resources on-demand, SoftSim can now conduct high-fidelity CFD experiments on finer computational grids and with fast turnaround times, while simultaneously saving the cost of financing in-house equipment. Acquiring more accurate numerical predictions allows SoftSim to provide better informed consultancy services. Additionally, the developed solution delivers a high level of process automation through optimized workflows, tailored for UPM applications. Together with the employment of ENGYS’s efficient block-coupled flow solver, these features lead to a substantial cost reduction both in terms of analyst and computation time.

Business impact 

From an end-user’s perspective, being able to offer a wider range of more sophisticated and reliable services by leveraging HELYX and on-demand HPC has enabled SoftSim to bid for larger-scale, more lucrative contracts. Through undertaking better-paid projects, SoftSim is expected to achieve substantial revenue growth. Furthermore, through reducing unit costs, the developed process chain has contributed to a notable reduction in its overall operational expenses, thus freeing up company profits for re-investment. The introduction of automated workflows and validated systems facilitates the completion of complex engineering tasks and investigations while reducing the level of required expertise. As a result, SoftSim has now established a more sustainable environment in which the company can meet the industry's demands, expand its staff, scale from low-cost outsourcing to a high-value provider, and raise its profile within the UPM market.

By delivering more cost-effective and comprehensive CFD solutions tailored for UPM applications, ENGYS has expanded its commercial portfolio within the AEC sector. In addition, an increase in Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) revenue is expected to emerge from offering EU-based on-demand HPC services through the HELYX/HLRS interface. 

Benefits

• SoftSim is expected to grow its revenue by as much as 300% (annualised approximately €400,000) within the next 4 years.
• Reduced unit costs: Reduction of approximately 25% in analyst time for SoftSim.
• More profits available for reinvestment through leveraging on-demand HPC resources, a more-cost effective alternative to financing and operating in-house hardware infrastructure.
• More sophisticated and reliable services through leveraging cloud-based HPC and validated expert systems.
• An increase of as much as 80% in Engys’s SaaS revenue is expected to emerge over the course of 3 years (annualised €300,000).
• Engys is expected to increase its UPM installed customer base by 66% from 18 to 30 (annualised revenue increase of €550,000).

Organisations involved:
End-user: SoftSim Consult
ISV: Engys
HPC Provider: High-Performance Computing Centre, University of Stuttgart

Partner High-Performance Computing Centre, University of Stuttgart is part of the German NCC.