For 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 MoreThe change management application breaks into three parts. There is our CMII compliant change package that is the most comprehensive. It includes the PR, ECR and ECN processes which are typical industry standards. We also have a midline called the Express package that includes the ECO, DCO and something new called the EDR. And finally, we have a simplified version that moves the change process along much more rapidly. An important enhancement we just released is the Impact Matrix. The current tool gives users the ability to see the impact of their proposed change. So, if they were releasing say a part, they would be able to see the possible impact on other parts or assemblies. With our upgrade they could also see what models, drawings, and/or documents might be affected. Instead of a user having to dig through the various relationships, the Impact Matrix does that work to help the user make a decision.
Read MoreLast year Aras was the first PLM vendor to provide embedded CAD to 3D PDF conversion capabilities. It is now an inherent part of the Aras Innovator PLM for subscribers and enables users across the enterprise to view all formats of product data in a single, common user interface without buying additional software. As a result, there is no need for a separate visualization tool. One of the powerful 3D tools available in the Adobe Reader is the 3D measurement tool. Anyone with Adobe Reader XI can easily measure and markup rich engineering data saved in the 3D PDF file format.
Read MoreBy Ben Desmarais, vdR Group Senior Implementation Manager
I’ve been doing PLM solutions for nearly two decades now. Crafting workflow solutions are essential for most any implementation effort. I was recently involved in designing and configuring workflow processes for a project, and a couple of things occurred that prompted me to want to share some thoughts.
First, lifecycle stages go hand-in-hand with workflows. Think of workflows as moving a collection of items through a process. As an item moves through the process, it is likely to change states. For example, if an item is being changed, then once a change process is activated for that item, the lifecycle state might be assigned to “work-in-process” or WIP...
Read MoreOver the past several months, we have all been in various conversations with prospects. As we get into the discovery and briefing stages, we’re constantly trying to uncover the real issues and challenges. Airing out “dirty laundry” is not always easy. As the information and details unfold, you can see the solution forming in your mind’s eye and the potential business value it can deliver. The value propositions are played back in the forms of “reduce cycle time”, “improve product quality”, “drive broader visibility”...
Read MoreThe president has an engineering degree and background and this was evident in the way the operations were setup … very clean, organized and methodical. There were specific areas to take in raw goods, mix the various components per a secret recipe, cure, prep, package and store. There’s a lot more that goes into making soap then you’d think. I was impressed with all the “moving parts”.
Read MoreBeyond manufacturers, there is a significant opportunity to leverage Aras Innovator specifically for owner-operators (OO) and engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) organizations. Intuitively, applying product lifecycle management (PLM) might seem like a stretch. How would engineering change management, configuration management, quality processes, component engineering and so-on apply to this space?
Read More
Copyright 2024 | The vdR Group, Inc, All Rights Reserved
Terms & Privacy | info@vdr.com | 1.714.921.9300
