Embodiments of the present invention relieve the burden on a product designer to setup simulations to validate a product design. These embodiments are directed to computer methods and systems for inverting a simulation process to validate a product design. The methods and systems configure a simulator with analysis methods. The methods and systems then provide product design parameters (operating environment conditions and design targets) that define scenarios likely experienced by a product in terms familiar to the product designer. The methods and systems, via the simulator, automatically determine simulations for validating the product design based on the provided product design parameters. To do so, the methods and systems map each of the design parameters to one or more analysis types, which are used by the simulator to select a sequence of analysis methods to define the simulations. The methods and systems execute the simulations to validate the product design.

A system and method monitor and/or diagnose the operation of a production line of an industrial plant which is controlled by an automation system. The system includes a remote data processing server, which is installed outside of the industrial plant. The remote data processing server is configured to receive a digital input signal reflecting at least one control input signal and a digital output signal reflecting a second operational state, to determine at least first and second modeled states corresponding to the at least first and second operational states, respectively, by inputting the digital input and the digital output signals to a digital observer model of the production line and the automation system and by processing the digital observer model, and to forward the first and second modeled states to an output interface from where they can be accessed by modeling and/or diagnosing modules.

In various embodiments a method of manufacturing a product is provided, the product being a functional unit composed of at least two parts, each of which is located at a separate location, the method comprising at least one logistics process, in which a part is transported from its location to a location of use, and at least one production process, in which the part is assembled with at least one further part at the location of use, wherein the method is planned and/or simulated in a holistic manner before and during its execution in a first electronic data processing program and/or is directly controlled in a holistic manner by a second electronic data processing program, wherein the direct control takes place with regard to a group of production factors, which includes employees and/or operating resources and/or material.

An aircraft engine emulator comprises a housing; at least one actuator or emulated actuator disposed within the housing; at least one sensor or emulated sensor disposed within the housing; and a wired connection configured to connect the at least one actuator or emulated actuator and the at least one sensor or emulated sensor for communication with components on board an aircraft, wherein the aircraft engine emulator is configured to take the place of an engine to the components on board an aircraft that has at least one missing or non-functional engine.