The Challenge
Cisco had a large, complex Oracle Agile PLM implementation. The company also used Windchill PDM, but with no integration between the two systems. This meant staff had to manually update the PLM system with design information associated with part numbers and BOMs. These manual processes were cumbersome and subject to errors and delays. The company had put in place a tightly controlled PLM change environment to minimize negative impacts on the PLM system.
The Solution
Zero Wait-State surveyed Cisco's environment to understand its complexities and the impacts on the various teams involved. With deep knowledge of Agile PLM and Cisco’s processes ZWS could make the needed changes while minimizing the impact to Cisco’s widespread user community. Using ZWS's DesignState, we implemented a bidirectional integration between the PDM and PLM systems. This integration provides the engineering team the ability to share early, accurate design information to the rest of the enterprise through the PLM system.
The Benefits
All participants in the product design and development process now have timely and accurate information. Part numbers and BOMs are accurately shared early in the development process. Delays and errors related to past manual data entry practices are eliminated.
The Challenge
Zebra Technologies' mechanical teams were migrating their CAD management from EC to Windchill. They needed to enhance their productivity during the process of moving files from Windchill to Agile to provide structure and achieve best practices. As the control of designs was moved from EC to Windchill, there was a need to restrict the Design data in Agile from being modified, and enabling design ownership in Windchill.
The Solution
A DesignState integration was implemented to assist Zebra engineers in both managing the flow of design information between Windchill and Agile to include BOM, attachment, metadata, and change management, and to allow Agile Design data to be obsoleted. Metadata moved from EC into Windchill allowing Windchill ownership of designs.
The Benefits
A standard and seamless integration enables engineers to manage the information flow between Agile and Windchill without hiccups. The process is streamlined as engineers can initiate the process from whichever system makes more sense (i.e. pushing parts onto change is initiated from Windchill where appropriate).
The Challenge
Logitech did not have a functional “file release process,” meaning no integration between its Windchill CAD system and Agile PLM system. The company’s mechanical engineering data was not available for other functions. For example, if a manufacturing partner found an issue with a prototype and corrected the issue, those changes were not updated in the original design files so that knowledge was not available for subsequent designs. Agile BOM structures weren’t visible to CAD system users. Such lack of visibility across the organization caused delays and costly errors.
The Solution
Logitech relied on Zero Wait-State's experience and expertise to sort through the priorities for its CAD system. By implementing changes to the configuration and processes in Windchill, ZWS improved the functionality of the CAD system. ZWS also implemented DesignState to fully integrate the CAD and PLM systems.
The Benefits
Logitech’s mechanical engineering group now has improved visibility into data and can easily locate CAD data for design reuse. Up-to-date product data is available to all Logitech business groups throughout the product's lifecycle. Productivity of key groups is greatly improved while errors and avoidable costs are greatly reduced.
