US-based engineering company Altair cele-brated the acquisition of electromagnetic field analysis and antenna design company EM Software & Systems (EMSS) at a launch that took place in Centurion, Gauteng, last month.

EMMS designs the commercial-code FEKO electromagnetic field analysis software. FEKO is now part of Altair’s computer-aided engineering suite, HyperWorks.

The acquisition has prompted Altair to open a new office in Stellenbosch, in the Western Cape, with personnel at this office being respon- sible for all sales and support activities in the region.

Altair’s technology, which focuses on the development and broad application of simulation technology to synthesise and improve designs, processes and decisions for improved business performance, enables businesses to create products efficiently and cost effectively.

Apart from several modelling and visualisation products, HyperWorks offers analysis and improvement of structural analysis and light-weight design, computational fluid dynamics, multibody system performance, manufacturing process simulations for metal and polymer extrusion and sheet-metal-forming simulation.

“The flexible software licensing model replaces traditional licensing plans with a pay-per-use system, which means that users can use multiple applications for a unit-based flat rate rather than paying for each licence,” said Altair South Africa manager Gronum Smith at the launch.

He pointed out that this approach leads to software being used more often, making companies more productive while reducing costs and resulting in a higher return on invest- ment.

HyperWorks users also have access to a broad range of complementary product offerings from independent software vendors through the complementary software products for designers and engineers called Altair Partner Alliance, which is able to assist in software areas such as composite modelling, plastic injection moulding, as well as project and complexity management, durability, fatigue, noise, vibration and harshness.

“We are very excited to offer local sales and technical support to existing Altair customers in South Africa and we are convinced that there will be many opportunities for new business in the region,” said Altair senior VP of Europe, the Middle East and Africa Dr Detlef Schneider.

EMSS Consulting and EMSS Antennas will continue as separate entities and both are based in Stellenbosch.