GM Using Technology Enterprise-Wide to Visualize Software Applications Before Development

Business Wire, Oct 7, 2008

Transformative Methodology & Technology From Capgemini & iRise Can Boost Innovation, Enhance Products, Cut Costs

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. & NEW YORK -- Further harnessing IT for operational cost efficiency and faster innovation, Capgemini, one of the world's foremost providers of consulting, technology and outsourcing services, and iRise, the world's leading provider of visualization software, announced today that General Motors is deploying, enterprise-wide, visual modeling technology that simulates the user experience of software applications before their actual use. Unlike traditional mock-up approaches, this new technique allows users of IT applications to actually see and experience how IT systems work even before these systems are developed. GM is incorporating this transformative technology into its global processes to produce simulations that develop more user-friendly IT systems.

GM Already Sees Cost-Savings; Far-Reaching Potential Impact

Deploying visualization software from iRise and using a rapid prototyping process developed by Capgemini, GM has already implemented a number of business applications built from this modeling process that have accelerated time-to-market, cut project costs and increased the adoption of applications. On average, visual modeling reduced project duration by 10 percent and the projects received very high customer satisfaction ratings.

Ultimately, IT visual modeling is expected to bring more benefits to GM through faster implementation of systems and through adoption of innovative applications that will support the transformation of the company.

"For a century, GM has successfully and consistently built high quality cars and trucks by first creating product simulations or models," said Fred Killeen, Chief Systems & Technology Officer at General Motors. "Applying this expertise to visual modeling of software enables GM to deliver increasingly collaborative, innovative and user-centric products to our employees and customers. We are glad to be working with a strong ecosystem of partners to standardize IT visual modeling across our enterprise and the industry."

This GM-led transformation of people, processes and technology has vast potential: Just as computer-aided design and 3-D modeling techniques made drafting boards obsolete, IT visualization modeling will make stacks of user requirement documents for IT applications items of the past. The specific needs and unique desires of IT product users will no longer be lost in translation between business managers and IT architects. Businesses across the industry spectrum could benefit.

Capgemini's Rapid Design and Visualization methodology provides a systematic approach to designing applications and envisioning their use through end-user observations, deep collaboration amongst stakeholders and the presentation of multiple alternative prototypes. From this blueprint, iRise's software can be used to model and visualize the applications before a single line of code is written. Together, this methodology and technology support the delivery of an application suite that is customized for end-user needs and GM's market environment.

Visual Modeling Facilitating GM's "Precision IT"

The introduction of software visual modeling as a standard development process allows GM to provide "precision IT" - applications and tools the business can use to respond faster to customer demands in a cost-efficient manner. GM is currently working with an ecosystem of partners to refine this process and apply it across the enterprise. The software will help GM adapt quickly to changing market conditions as the technology platform brings together multiple communities like GM designers, customer representatives, dealers and customers.

"GM is a pioneer in visual modeling and has led IT to a tipping point where simulation and user-centered design will become the standard for application development," said Corey Glickman, global leader of Rapid Design and Visualization at Capgemini. "Implementing system visualization across the enterprise allowed GM to bridge the gap between IT, the business and the users of each software application. We are pleased to support GM in developing this methodology standard that can be applied even beyond the automotive industry."

Already, a number of industries have started to move toward visual modeling as a valuable way of developing applications in a manner that reduces costs, compresses time to launch and increases user adoption. Specifically, financial service firms, high-tech companies and retail organizations are moving quickly to embed visual modeling into their application development processes.

"We're proud that General Motors is driving global innovation using iRise visualization solutions," stated Emmet B. Keeffe III, Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of iRise. "Worldwide collaboration on business needs with iRise is making it possible for GM to accelerate understanding, development and delivery of innovative business applications designed to improve its products and services. GM is leading the way in leveraging visualization across the enterprise and as a standard method for working with an ecosystem of global IT partners."