Interview with CMT Technologies chief

INTERNATIONAL METALWORKING NEWS FOR ASIA (IMNA) caught up with Mr Victoriano T. Yap, President of CIM Technologies, Inc., one of Philippines'pioneers in providing technology solutions from software and hardware to training and technical support, to various industries in the global market. He talked about Philippines' manufacturing industry and how Siemens' software tools can help small- and medium-sized firms improve efficiency and maximise their return of investment (ROI).

IMNA: Please describe your company and how long have you been working with Siemens?

YAP: Our company specialises in providing products and services for Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) and Manufacturing Industries. For years, it has partnered with top AEC and Manufacturing companies, as well as tertiary schools and universities, in promoting the use of Computer Aided Design (CAD), Computer Aided Engineering (CAE), Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM), Product Data Management (PDM), and Project Management Solutions.

The first time we have worked with Siemens is in 2010. Prior to that we were already carrying SolidEdge before UGS operations were combined into the 'Siemens PLM Software' business unit of Siemens Industry Automation division in May 7, 2007.

IMNA: What other products of Siemens do you represent, and what are the target markets for these products?

YAP: We represent Siemens' Velocity Series, which includes Solid Edge, CAM Express, Teamcenter Express and Femap. The core market of Siemens is the manufacturing industry like automotive, machineries, consumer goods, consumer products, tool & die, and semiconductor.

IMNA: What can you say about the market in the Philippines?

YAP: The manufacturing market in the Philippines is not as huge as Thailand or Indonesia. These two countries have a bigger base. However, you see, we have the talent especially on the design part. So, what we need is to provide them the right tools to make them better. At one point, the semiconductor industry is number one in the Philippines. About 2-3 years, it was on the down trend but lately it is picking up again.

After December 2015, the ASEAN integration within the region will open up the borders. Companies from Thailand can come in and easily set up their offices here, there will be a flow of goods, less taxes, and less duty with customs. Everybody will look at the ASEAN as one big market. And so, if we are going to be competitive, we should be always on the defensive side.

What we must do is try to look at the areas where we can operate. But everybody has to find their niche where we can really play in the whole economy. We cannot engage in different areas, produce various products and offer several services. We cannot simply cover all. We probably have to work with some other partners in other countries but we need to be in the same level to be able to deliver what we need. So, we're trying to level up our capability and use tools --like innovation tools from Siemens that are important. Technology change over time, we cannot just say I know how to do this because it is unlike. We need to keep moving quickly to the next level.

IMNA: Please tell us about your clients?

YAP: Our current focus here in the Philippines are both the local and multinational companies from the small and medium enterprises. That is why we took the Siemens Velocity series. The Velocity Series is an industry leading PLM portfolio for Mid-Market companies, intended to improve efficiency and maximise ROI. The ability of Velocity series to provide midmarket companies with innovative solutions in PLM separates it from competitors. This is achieved through maintaining a low total cost, reducing the product cycle time, and minimising time spent by engineers and designers on developing products. Whether you are a small company trying to grow or a large company with an established market presence, Velocity series can help you achieve your goals.