Application Integration Technologies Primer

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Application Integration Technologies Primer

The drop zone concept is to export a data file from a source environment into a neutral area (file folder) that the target application retrieves and reads.  The direct connect model leverages application program interface (API) modules.  There is an API specific to the source and target applications.  These APIs talk to each other. Then there is the enterprise service bus (EBS), referred to as the “hub and spoke” model.  BizTalk from Microsoft and WebSphere from IBM were some of the solutions developed years ago that popularized the hub and spoke idea...

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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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Model-Based Definition

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Model-Based Definition

The stakeholders of PLM systems expect accurate product documentation.  Such is not always reality.  The dire results of inaccurate product documentation can affect all levels of stakeholders’ activity: strategic, tactical and operational, and maybe all levels at once.  Excessive scrap and rework may trigger excessive costs and delayed shipments. Perhaps, even loss of customers.  Fortunately, in the realm of 3D CAD models and 2D drawings, Model-Based Definition (MBD) is an evolving solution for generating information that is clear, unambiguous and repeatable for all stakeholders in a single source over the lifecycle of a product.

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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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What’s the Difference between Autodesk Vault and Aras Innovator?

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What’s the Difference between Autodesk Vault and Aras Innovator?

As a long time partner to Autodesk, we have in recent years developed integrations technologies that bridge Vault with other applications.  In particular, this has been facilitated by Vault Connect, a solution marketed and sold by Autodesk.  Given our work with Aras, we encounter prospects that also use and/or are considering the use of Vault.  As a result, it not uncommon to get the question … “what’s the difference between Autodesk Vault and Aras Innovator?”

 

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