Over the last year, we’ve noticed an increasing number of VC financed startups choosing Aras Innovator. When asked about why they’re attracted to Aras, we hear the same things from these startups … “After evaluation of the various PLM offerings, Aras Innovator is clearly the quickest solution to implement and the configurable platform-based architecture is more responsive to fast-paced change and growth than other options.
Read MoreFor the last couple of decades, technologies in the product lifecycle space have been point- solutions oriented. Think configurators, CAD systems, PDM, document management like SharePoint, FEA, ERP, etc. In reality, these point solutions have simply reinforced existing information silos that make the “digital twin” concept a fantasyland.
Read MoreWe recently prototyped a components/parts catalog solution by leveraging the power of Aras Innovator. The prototype empowers users to search, provides new part request options, support linking documents such as MSDS’s, dynamically links to ERP data, and integrates with IHS’ parts catalog solution. And it was done in matter of days and with software that doesn’t cost a cent!
Read MoreMany automotive suppliers are heavily invested in legacy point solutions to support activities across the enterprise. While these point solutions usually work well at performing a specific function, they often create silos that impede coordination. Activities like a simple quote revision or routine APQP corrective action can be cumbersome and error-prone. These islands of data create a range of problems that can be broadly grouped across three categories: data, process, and people.
The tiered automotive supply chain is one of the more challenging business environments in industry today. Suppliers face mounting pressure from OEMs, competitors, and regulators alike. Increasing product complexity, shorter program timeframes, and supply chain complexity are making it difficult to react to the latest consumer tastes and OEM requirements. These dynamics are squeezing margins tighter than ever and leave little room for error. In a recent survey (Figure 1), 65 tier one and two suppliers were asked to rank 12 activities based on their importance for helping the them stay competitive in 2017 and onward...
Read MoreIn Part 1 of this two-part series, we began by discussing how a perfect storm for inefficiencies and risk has been brewing – especially for automotive suppliers. We identified the quoting phase and its related processes and activities as a key source of this risk as visualized by the Risk Quadrant graphic below. To overcome these challenges, we suggested that a product lifecycle management (PLM) platform be used. In the second part of this series, we’ll explore the value a PLM platform can provide and the specific operational activities that PLM facilitates.
Read MoreAutomotive suppliers face a combination of market forces that have created a unique business environment – an environment where uncertainty and unmitigated risk are eroding profit margins. Why are other manufactures immune and what’s so different about automotive suppliers? High volume production combined with product and tooling complexity create a perfect storm for uncertainty and risk. This article deconstructs these risk factors and explores strategies and tools to calm the storm.
Read MoreJoin Ideate and The vdR Group as we introduce an exciting new approach to managing Revit data. The rigid and siloed structure of Autodesk’s Revit data has been a long–time source of frustration for companies in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) space. Revit projects and family data rarely “play nice” with enterprise–wide solutions such as ERP systems, PLM software, or even simple document management. While many AEC companies have invested heavily in enterprise solutions, they have found it difficult to seamlessly harmonize those solutions with the Revit environment...
Read MoreCPQ can be implemented in a range of product configuration options. As a starter for your strategic planning, here’s a generally accepted definition of “To-Order” options that will be your strategic choices. Assemble-to-Order (ATO) – products with standard sets of predefined features and options. The customer selects specific features and options to develop the unique product configurations. Orders are typically processed by an ERP system, for example, computers ordered over the Internet.
Read MoreNo Other Platform Provides the Needed Single-Source-of-Truth like PLM. CPQ draws on a wide variety of data and is critically process dependent. If ever there were applications that could use “single source of truth,” it is CPQ. But, for many companies, spreadsheets, file folders, email exchanges and various home grown and internally maintained applications are their “CPQ-lite.” On top of all of this, the “change train” keeps barreling along. Data is never static. Change does not stop. Time-outs don’t exist. And, undoubtedly, the “intervention cycles” will be high and unsustainable. Let’s recall the presentation from an earlier issue as a step toward making the case...
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