Design Solutions: Am I Doing IT Right?

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.

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.

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



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