Investing in PLM Is No Longer an Option

Investing in PLM Is No Longer an Option

“As it stands, companies are missing the opportunity for an $8B bottom line impact.  PLM investments could generate up to 50 percent higher returns if companies apply a sharper prioritization toward digitalization and pursue PLM programs as a means for true transformation.”  We talk with 10s of companies per week.  And the recurring theme is the same.  Companies continue to use emails, spreadsheets, and unstructured file folders ...

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Matching CPQ with the “To-Order” Spectrum

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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Model-Based Definition

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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Component Engineering Insights

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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The PLM Continuum and Notes on Upcoming Webinar

The PLM Continuum and Notes on Upcoming Webinar

PLM inherently touches multiple departments and areas of responsibilities.  The value of part and product data, files, drawings, specs and schedules for example, extend beyond the engineering and manufacturing departments.  But, the reality is various teams/groups in the organization invariably acquire technology solutions specific to their needs.  Hence the silos of data and disconnected processes are perpetuated.

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Creating a “PLM Beachhead” That Drives Immediate Value

Creating a “PLM Beachhead” That Drives Immediate Value

Just because PLM can do everything, doesn’t mean is should… especially when starting out. Far too many consultants and service providers are happy to help you find the end of the PLM rainbow when in reality 80% of the value is driven by 20% of a solution’s functional scope. How can this “20%” be found before time and money are wasted.  Join Martin van der Roest at next week’s webinar and learn how to equip yourself with proven strategies that emphasize the importance data cohesion and process automation as foundational pieces of a PLM solution.   Using this approach will help identify the “20%” and produce a solutions that scales and extends value throughout the enterprise.
 

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Requirements Management - An Interview with Dave Ewing of Aras

Requirements Management - An Interview with Dave Ewing of Aras

Requirements Management is another one of our applications that pairs with Aras Innovator and is part of the subscription model.  Its primary capabilities are twofold.  You can create individual requirements and requirement documents that are a collection of requirements.  Typically, you are generating a requirements document or documents as you are designing a product or perhaps documenting regulatory requirements.  That is the type of usage we see from our various customers.

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Don’t Mind the Engine Light

Don’t Mind the Engine Light

Autodesk Vault was used for the CAD workgroup.  Once designs were released, renditions were manually created and then loaded into SharePoint.  The bills we exported to a spreadsheet and manually entered into their ERP solution.  Purchasing would go to SharePoint to access and print the rendered drawings.  These would be associated to purchase orders.

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The Business-Case for PLM: How to Measure Value

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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Aras’ Community Event (ACE) 2015 Observations - May 12 ,2015

Aras’ Community Event (ACE) 2015 Observations - May 12 ,2015

A couple of weeks ago, during April 22 to 24, Aras Corporation held their annual Aras Community Event or what is known as ACE.  The event was held in Detroit and was attended by customers and partners from around the world.  It was by far the best event for both its organization and attendance in the company’s 15 year history...

 

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