Trend Analyses don't require good loads or accurate boundary conditions. But if representative, these analyses can be very helpful in highlighting in-expensive improvements upfront. And the analyses can usually be done in COSMOSXpress, so they require little time or money for the value provided.

Comparative Analyses are very useful. They mimic products you already know work. They allow you to use less than ideal methods such as limited boundary conditions, material properties or loads etc. to develop indicative but not accurate results. If you can do as well or better with new products, than you are probably on the right track without spending heaps to be accurate.

Accurate Analyses require good up-front knowledge, tools and the skills to know how to use them. But products new to you or your firm deserve accurate analysis, in support of the gut feel too many of us rely on. Just overbuilding causes problems in itself, and isn't competitive in today's markets. There are tools and training available to get you and your firm up to speed on good analysis, but it often pays to stick to what you are good at. Offloading accurate analyses leaves you free to continue your good work, while ensuring that analyses developed are accurate and timely. Paying a bit extra to get the analysis in a form that you can learn from, and so potentially do it yourself next time, is worth some extra investment as well.

Success with "Quick to Market" is all about mitigating RISK! Time and money put in up-front save heaps downstream. If you can have more certainty that testing, prototyping and production are going to go faster and cost less, why not take advantage of the opportunity?

Tutorials before you use any tool for the first time, or have a new version of the software.

Help if you want to now how a tool is designed to be used.

COSMOS Companion series if you want to know how a tool is usually used in your industry

COSMOS Knowledge Base if something isn't working as expected
(http://www.cosmosm.com/pages/services/support/support.html).

COSMOS Newsgroup on Topica to pose a question or see how others use this powerful tool
(http://lists.topica.com/lists/cosmosfea).

This COSMOS Users Group! Email Greg any problems or tips and tricks. If don't know the answer off the top of my head I'll post it to the others in this User Group, many heads are better than one!

Finally Motovated provides structured mentoring. This can be very valuable as you won't hesitate to pick my brains, and will have confidence that your techniques and knowledge are sufficient to the problems your demanding job poses...