|
The hot debate within design engineering, product development,
and manufacturing organizations is whether to implement a product data
management (PDM) or a product lifecycle management (PLM) solution. The choice is
limited because you can have PDM or PLM, not both. The truth of the matter is
that PDM is an enabling technology for managing product design data and PLM is a
strategic, process-focused approach that leverages PDM, other technologies, and
consulting services to manage product lifecycles from inception to retirement.
Determining which approach is most suitable to your specific
situation requires an understanding of why PDM is necessary, how the very nature
of your organization should influence your decision on adapting a solution, and
what steps need to be taken before considering PLM.
The catalyst for the growing need for data management solutions
is the recent acceleration in the migration from 2D to 3D CAD as the primary
product development platform. A recent industry survey of machining, sheet
metal, molding, prototype, and design shops revealed that 2005 was the first
year in which these service providers received more 3D files than 2D files to
complete their work. The use of 3D files increased from 38% in 2003 to 41% in
2004 and 51% in 2005. Today, 3D solid models have supplanted 2D CAD drawings as
the most widely used format.
Keeping track of 2D design data is fairly straightforward,
because 2D files are separate and distinct, and can be managed by simply using
computer file folders like Windows Explorer. The shift to CAD creates a wealth
of benefits and opportunities as well as data management challenges. Because
engineers are more prolific with 3D systems as they generate a greater volume of
data. Plus, 3D files contain references, associations, and interrelationships
that link them to other files-such as parts, drawings, BOMs, multiple
configurations, and assemblies-that need to be managed, preserved, and
safeguarded. This is especially important when numerous revisions are made, when
different engineers work within an assembly, or when more than one person
collaborates on a part. In short, every 3D system by its very nature creates the
need for managing the increased volume and complexity of 3D CAD data to prevent
file overwriting, lost file associations, and costly errors.
Different Manufacturers, Different Needs
While a PDM system is a must for all manufacturers using a 3D CAD tool, the
application of PLM methodologies is a question that relates to the very nature
of the manufacturing organization itself. The primary difference between PDM and
PLM involves design process automation versus process reengineering. PDM is a
tool for managing product design data in order to automate product development,
gaining efficiencies within existing processes. PLM is a process reengineering
strategy aimed at leveraging design data and other technologies, such as
enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, to manage product lifecycles, remake
processes, and increase output, with the productivity improvements emanating
from across the enterprise rather than from a single department or a specific
process.
|
|
| - By
John J McEleney |
Assessing your organization's size, structure, effectiveness,
and goals are important considerations before determining whether to pursue a
PLM strategy or not. Are you managing product design data efficiently? Are there
opportunities for process reengineering? Is your enterprise large enough to
benefit from PLM? Do the potential benefits of PLM outweigh the cost? Do you
feel more comfortable using PDM tools to manage 3D product design data
effectively, before running full-tilt into PLM?
Answers to these questions determine the kind of solution you
need for your organization.
PDM for the Mainstream
Although some large, global corporations have had success with PLM
implementations, the vast majority of mainstream manufacturers is simply not
ready for a PLM solution and will benefit more quickly and substantially from a
PDM system. These manufacturers have either recently migrated from 2D to 3D CAD,
or are in the process of migrating to 3D, or are planning to make the transition
to 3D at some point in the future. When you consider the overall hierarchy of
information technology needs, you should be able to find, configure, and manage
product design data, with capabilities available through PDM solutions, before
you can use the data for PLM purposes. In other words, you cannot optimize the
way you use design data if you cannot find it.
The more pressing need for small and medium sized manufacturers,
which constitute the mainstream, is using 3D CAD data and PDM solutions to
improve fundamental product design and engineering processes that support
automated manufacturing. Improving productivity at each stage of the existing
development process is a more realistic and attainable goal for the mainstream
manufacturers.
| The truth
of the matter is that PDM is an enabling technology for managing product
design data and PLM is a strategic, process-focused approach that
leverages PDM, other technologies, and consulting services to manage
product lifecycles from inception to retirement |
Acquiring a PDM solution to manage product design data is a more
pragmatic investment for most companies, and a variety of PDM solutions are
available to meet different needs. With some of the industry leading software,
an individual user can get by with the built-in explorer component, engineering
workgroups can use such programs, and larger organizations can utilize
applications customized for the needs of large enterprises. PDM solutions are
scalable. So make sure you consider the size of your organization before making
a decision.
PLM for the Future
Many of the manufacturers that have successfully implemented PLM are global
enterprises with multiple locations, large organizations, and replicable product
data. For these companies, using PLM to optimize processes across markets and
countries has been fruitful. Some PLM successes are related to reusing design
data, product components, tooling, logistics, and scheduling to produce a new
product more quickly and cost-effectively. Developing a new car model using a
chassis and tooling from a previous car design is an example of leveraging PLM.
Other manufacturers have used PLM to support design to configure product
development. Implementing PLM to obtain these types of results required
significant resources for technology, process reengineering and consulting
services.
Even though today's PLM solutions are beyond the reach of many
mainstream manufacturers, PLM may have a broader market at some point in the
future. Nobody can argue against the need for process optimization. The question
today is at what level is PLM effective and at what cost. The mainstream market
is still digesting and adapting to the shift to 3D CAD technology, which
integrated PDM solutions can facilitate. PLM will continue to have its strongest
pull in large vertical industries, such as automotive and aerospace. For the
question whether PLM can be adapted to the needs of small and medium sized
manufacturers, only the market and the future can give answer.
The author is CEO of SolidWorks Corporation
maildqindia@cybermedia.co.in Page(s) 1
| 
Print
Comment
Email
Digg
Del.icio.us
Reddit
Twitter
