Extending Aras Innovator into Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) for Build/Engineer-to-Order Manufacturers

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Extending Aras Innovator into Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) for Build/Engineer-to-Order Manufacturers

Manufacturing execution systems (MES) have traditionally been closely tied to the enterprise resource planning (ERP) and material resource planning (MRP) domains. While MES’s connectivity to ERP and MRP is critical, these highly transactional environments provide a limited view into critical sources of process intensive product information living is such environments as product lifecycle management (PLM) systems.

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Is Aras PLM the Solution for Startups?

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Is Aras PLM the Solution for Startups?

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.

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Empowering Quoting and Program Execution for Automotive Suppliers - Part 2 of 3

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Empowering Quoting and Program Execution for Automotive Suppliers - Part 2 of 3

Many 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. 

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    Integrating CPQ with PLM

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    Integrating CPQ with PLM

    A common need is to manage data and support processes.  The data portion includes product data, their rules/options/constraints and associated documents such as 3D CAD used in the design automation aspect of CPQ.  For processes, this implies mechanisms to move a quote through the various functional areas of the business such as engineering, finance, manufacturing, planning, purchasing, etc.  Together, managing data and facilitating processes are the very heart of PLM.

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    Matching CPQ with the “To-Order” Spectrum

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    Matching CPQ with the “To-Order” Spectrum

    CPQ 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.

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    Building a Case for CPQ Operating on PLM

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    Building a Case for CPQ Operating on PLM

    No 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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    How do PDM Solutions Fit into a PLM Strategy?

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    How do PDM Solutions Fit into a PLM Strategy?

    We regularly hear from organizations that are using or thinking about using a product data management (PDM) solution such as Autodesk Vault or SolidWorks Enterprise PDM (EPDM) to manage their CAD drawings and parts (items).  Users want to know how these PDM applications fit into a PLM strategy.  “Does PLM replace PDM?”  “Should we stop the PDM evaluation process and just go to a PLM solution?”  “We implemented PDM, but the company wants to implement PLM.  Our CAD users don’t want to change.  Can they work together?” For starters, there is a role for each solution.  It is not a question of one-or-the-other.  Coexistence can be a preferred strategy for certain situations.

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    Aras’ Change Management and Impact Matrix

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    Aras’ Change Management and Impact Matrix

    The 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.

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    Tech Tips: Visual Collaboration with Aras Innovator

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    Tech Tips: Visual Collaboration with Aras Innovator

    Last 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.

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    Component Engineering Insights

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    Component Engineering Insights

    I’m a mechanical engineer by education, and I have pretty much been in PLM and the enterprise software space for my whole career.  I started in services with SDRC Metaphase and then moved to Aspect Development/i2 in their supplier relationship management area. I gained great experience in both services and presales working with utility companies, high-tech, apparel, retail, industrial and the auto industry.  Before joining Aras, I spent a number of years at Siemens PLM working with Teamcenter. 

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