Fueling the Business of Engineering for Automotive Suppliers - Part 2 of 2

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Fueling the Business of Engineering for Automotive Suppliers - Part 2 of 2

In 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.

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Fueling the Business of Engineering for Automotive Suppliers - Part 1 of 2

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Fueling the Business of Engineering for Automotive Suppliers - Part 1 of 2

Automotive 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.

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Liberate Revit Data Through “Intelligent Parts” to Drive Company–Wide Efficiency

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Liberate Revit Data Through “Intelligent Parts” to Drive Company–Wide Efficiency

Join 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... 

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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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Pursuing the Promise of PLM – Part 1

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Pursuing the Promise of PLM – Part 1

Personally, one of my go-to content sources is TED talks.  In particular, I have enjoyed Simon Sinek.  He’s an author best known for popularizing the concept of "the golden circle" and to "Start with Why.”  In one of his talks, Sinek encourages us to understand “why” we pursue an idea, and then dig into the “how” and “what” later.  By doing so, the result is a vision and energy that transcends the morass of tactical details.  A prime example … Steve Jobs is the iconic “why guy.”

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The Business-Case for PLM: How to Measure Value

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The Business-Case for PLM: How to Measure Value

Do you have P&L responsibilities or hope to have someday?  Then if PLM is not part of your strategy, you may want to reconsider.  PLM is just as vital as your ERP solution and some will argue that it is the most important aspect for any engineering/manufacturing business.

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Using “Parts Optimization and Value Analysis” to Identify an ROI for PLM

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Using “Parts Optimization and Value Analysis” to Identify an ROI for PLM

Over 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”...

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What’s the value of a PLM solution?

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What’s the value of a PLM solution?

The term “PLM” is not as common as other terms in an IT organization.  I would imagine that common threads of discussions touch on technologies such as SaaS/cloud based solutions, SAN/NANs storage, voice-over-IP, etc.  Some of the terms related to specific applications most likely include CAD, ERP, ECM (Enterprise Content Management) and CRM.  My own anecdotal experience with various customers suggests that PLM is still not common vernacular.

 

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An Interview with Dana Nickerson: What you Need to Know About Component Supplier Management and How to Spot Future Opportunities - July 21, 2015

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An Interview with Dana Nickerson: What you Need to Know About Component Supplier Management and How to Spot Future Opportunities - July 21, 2015

For manufacturing organizations treating a large number of parts, component supplier management is a critical discipline that directly impacts costs of goods (CoG) and cost of quality.  Dana Nickerson has a long rich history in this space, both as a practitioner and consultant.

 

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Recent Interview with Dick Bourke, Industry Analyst and Iconic Figure in Industry - June 2, 2015

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Recent Interview with Dick Bourke, Industry Analyst and Iconic Figure in Industry - June 2, 2015

If we look at ERP and PLM, we can see some parallels in their development and maturity.  Before ERP there was MRP, or material requirements planning, which was strictly the core modules necessary to plan material requirements, quantities, inventories and due dates.  Properly structured bill of materials for manufacturing planning purposes or what’s now called the M-Bomb were critical along with inventory accuracy.  Then, as a broader set of applications began to emerge, the name ERP or enterprise resource planning took hold.  This now includes CRM, financials, HR, and many other applications meant to run the business. 

 

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