How do PDM Solutions Fit into a PLM Strategy?

/
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.

Read More

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.

Read More

How Do You Get Senior Management Buy-in

/
How Do You Get Senior Management Buy-in

PLM inherently touches multiple departments and areas of responsibility.  It can start at sales, but at a minimum will involve engineering, planning, production and segments of manufacturing.  If your responsibilities are in engineering, then getting other departments to buy-in can be challenging.  Executive sponsorship cuts across these boundaries.  So, the real question is “how do I get the bosses to buy-in?”  The short answer is, in part, by identifying the business values at the P&L level.  PLM values can be tied to one or all of three areas on the P&L: revenues, cost of goods sold (CoGs) and overhead.  Thus, doing more for less will most likely be found in CoGs and overhead.

Read More

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...

Read More

Self-Serve Reporting Module

/
Self-Serve Reporting Module

An Interview with Lopa Subramanian, Aras Product Manager

Martin: Before we start, give us a quick background of your experience and what you are responsible for today.

Lopa: I’m a mechanical engineer by education, and I have 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.  Prior to joining Aras, I spent a number of years at Siemens PLM working with Teamcenter. 

Read More

Pursuing the Promise of PLM – Part 1

/
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.”

Read More

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.

Read More

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

/
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”...

Read More

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...

 

Read More