Is Aras PLM the Solution for Startups?

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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Process Automation and Next Generation PLM

Process Automation and Next Generation PLM

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. 

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In the Lab - Component/Parts Catalog Solution

In the Lab - Component/Parts Catalog Solution

We 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!

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Model-Based Design and the Model-Based Enterprise

Model-Based Design and the Model-Based Enterprise

What manufacturing company hasn't faced unnecessary rework, confusion on the shop floor and thus missed delivery dates? The cause can repeatedly be traced to unclear, ambiguous documentation often found in 2D drawings. Help is at hand, fortunately. An evolving solution for authoring product definition and design intent, sourced at the CAD models, is gaining recognition. 

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An Interview with Mark Keenan, President of Technicon: Discussing Bill of Material Configuration and CPQ

An Interview with Mark Keenan, President of Technicon: Discussing Bill of Material Configuration and CPQ

About sixteen years ago, I joined Technicon.  At that time, we came out with one of the leading CPQ products for large manufacturers in North America.  My background revolved around some of the aspects that can be associated with CPQ such as CAD and mechanical engineering.  By selling Intel products, I also got a good feel for the complexities and issues in generating quotes and the proposal process for manufacturers.  Since then, for the last sixteen years, we have been deploying systems for very large manufacturers in North America.  Companies like Eaton, Borg Warner and Phillips are Technicon customers.  Today, Technicon is a leading CPQ provider in North America. 

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Integrating CPQ with PLM

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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Applied PLM: Design Automation

Applied PLM: Design Automation

An Interview with Scott Heide, CEO of Engineering Intent - PPLM:  Welcome, Scott.  Thank you for spending some time with us.  We are happy to have you bring additional perspective to our topic of CPQ.  Before we start, give us a quick backgrounder as well as what you are doing today.  Scott:  I started out with an interesting educational combination, both engineering and computer science degrees.  After I graduated with a master’s in science from MIT in the mid-80s, I immediately joined a company that was a pioneer in engineering automation called ICAD.  They developed the concept of what was then called “knowledge-based engineering,” now more often called “engineering automation,” and were able to deliver some eye-opening applications to a wide variety of high-end customers.

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Developing Workflow Components in Aras

Developing Workflow Components in Aras

By 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...

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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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