complex CAD model breakdown

Developing complex products in CAD (computer-aided design) with a distributed team can be a challenging task. However, with Creo Parametric’s Advanced Assembly Extension [AAX], managing distributed development becomes a seamless process even on a global scale.

This powerful extension facilitates and automates the exploration of product assembly variations and adds intelligence to your CAD design assembly so it reacts correctly in any situation.

Clearly Defining and Communicating Complex Design Intent

To kickstart any complex design project within CAD, it is vital to have a clearly defined source of design intent. This serves as the backbone of the development process and enables smooth collaboration among team members.

Furthermore, Creo Parametric AAX has tools for creating and managing space claims, assembly interfaces, and location points. These features help define design intent and make sharing information easy. With a clear and structured design intent, it becomes much easier for team members to understand their tasks and contribute effectively.

top level assembly

Distribution and Communication of Design Intent

Once the design intent is defined, the next crucial step is to distribute and communicate this intent to team members efficiently. Creo Parametric AAX allows team members to focus on their relevant tasks by providing options to copy relevant geometry or use published geometry in their subsystem. This ensures that each team member can work on what’s relevant to their task without any confusion or delays.

Controlling Inter-Dependencies

Intelligent inter-dependency management within a complex product design is essential to ensure flexibility and adaptability. Advanced Assembly offers powerful tools to create and track desired interdependencies, preventing the creation of unwanted relationships that can hinder design flexibility.

By allowing users to control inter-dependencies effectively, teams can confidently make changes and reuse design components while maintaining the integrity of the complex product.

Leave No Rock Unturned with Complex Designs

The path to innovation often involves exploring multiple iterations and variations of a design. This Creo extension empowers designers to leave no stone unturned by offering efficient tools to create and manage assembly variations.

Families of Assembly Designs

Creating new assemblies for minor variations or component substitutions can be time-consuming and unnecessary. Creo Parametric AAX simplifies this process by allowing designers to define variations in assembly dimensions or switch out components without the need for separate assemblies.

By identifying what differs from the original design, designers can switch family instances of component family tables or subassembly family tables effortlessly, with automation taking care of the rest.

Interchange Parts and Assemblies

The ability to interchange functionally equivalent components is a valuable feature when exploring design variations. This CAD extension enables designers to relate independent components, making it easy to switch them within an assembly. Additionally, simplified exchange members can be substituted into a design to streamline the display while retaining accurate mass property information.

Raising the IQ of your Complex Design

Dealing with constant change is a fundamental aspect of design. Creo Parametric AAX allows designers to enhance their complex models with intelligent logic, automating component sizing based on calculations or user input.

This intelligence extends to switching out components or subassemblies automatically for Family Table or Interchange instances when specific conditions are met. By raising the IQ of your design, you can navigate design changes faster and more efficiently.

How to Put it Together or Take it Apart

Ensuring smooth communication of assembly procedures is crucial for efficient manufacturing and engineering processes. This extension for complex designs offers intuitive process planning functionality to disseminate process information effectively throughout the organization.

Easily Create Assembly Process Sequences

With user-friendly tools, users can define assembly processes step by step. With intuitive drag-and-drop techniques, exploded views, and jogged explode offset lines, AAX provides a clear and accurate representation of each process step, making it easy for all stakeholders to understand the assembly process.

skeleton model and the main frame of the mower.

Create Alternate Bills of Materials (BOMs)

Creo Parametric AAX empowers users to create alternative BOMs that reflect specific assembly stages or grouping of design components based on the assembly process. These alternative BOMs, such as manufactured BOMs or fabrication BOMs, enable clear communication of the assembly process and facilitate efficient manufacturing operations.

Creo Parametric Advanced Assembly Extension [AAX] offers a comprehensive suite of tools and functionalities to manage the distributed development of complex designs.

From clearly defining and communicating design intent to exploring design variations and enhancing design intelligence, AAX ensures that no aspect of the design process goes untouched. By leveraging this extension, design teams can collaborate effectively, respond to changes efficiently, and create flexible and reusable complex products

Integrating ERP and PLM systems

In today’s fast-paced manufacturing landscape, the new norm is to constantly seek ways to optimize your operations, increase productivity, and reduce costs. The integration of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems is a proven strategy for achieving these goals. By aligning these two critical systems, you can unlock a world of opportunities to streamline processes, enhance collaboration, and drive success throughout the entire product lifecycle.

In this blog, you will uncover the benefits of integrating ERP and PLM systems. We’ll also provide you with a detailed breakdown of the ABCs of integration – which data should be integrated, where and how that data should be integrated, and when it’s best to start the integration process.

ERP vs PLM

Before diving into the integration process, it’s important to understand the functions and purposes of ERP and PLM systems.

Enterprise Resource Planning

ERP systems are designed to manage physical assets, encompassing activities such as financials, purchasing, HR, demand and order management, forecasting, production planning, inventory management, and logistics. These systems such as SAP, Oracle, and Microsoft Dynamics ensure that products are produced according to demand, within schedule, and controlling costs.

As many have come to understand, the key to achieving success within your production process lies in adequately planning for the use of enterprise resources to meet customer demand and report financial results.

That’s why an ERP suite is designed with this goal in mind. It empowers your business with the tools and capabilities to effectively manage traditionally back-office resources, ensuring that operations align seamlessly with customer demand.

By harnessing the power of an ERP suite, you can optimize your planning processes, enhance operational efficiency, and deliver superior financial results to your constituents.

Product Lifecycle Management

On the other hand, PLM systems such as Arena, Agile, Teamcenter, Windchill and Autodesk are focused on managing the digital product definition. They are purpose-built to manage the digital product definition, encompassing anything that defines the form, fit, and function of a part, system, or vehicle.

PLM systems deliver comprehensive and robust data management capabilities, standardize and automate your product development business processes, and enable flexible and efficient collaboration with global teams across multiple departments and organizations.

As you can see, both of these systems have important functions for a smooth running production process, but they can often be disparate within a company. Understanding how to integrate these systems is the key to advancing the way you do business.

Integrating PLM and ERP

When it comes to integrating your ERP and PLM systems, understanding how to do that can feel overwhelming. There are three different levels of integration: one-way file push, API call, and a third-party integration platform. Understanding which level fits the needs of your company is vital for a successful integration. Let’s explore some key advantages:

Streamlined Workflows

Integration allows you to experience seamless data flow and improved collaboration between departments, eliminating redundant data entry and ensuring data accuracy. This streamlined workflow minimizes errors and delays, optimizing your productivity and reducing cycle times throughout the product lifecycle. You no longer have to manually enter BoM data into an ERP system and ensure that the data is correct in both systems.

Enhanced Data Visibility

By integrating ERP and PLM systems, you gain a holistic view of your product information. This integrated approach eliminates data silos and provides real-time visibility into critical data points, enabling you to make informed decisions and eliminating guesswork from your operations.

Improved Product Quality

This process empowers capture and link quality-related data at every stage of your product lifecycle. This comprehensive view of product quality enables you to detect issues early on and streamline processes for corrective actions, ultimately leading to improved product quality and increased customer satisfaction.

Cost Efficiency

Integrating ERP and PLM systems eliminates the need for you to duplicate data entry and automates data exchange between systems. This saves you time, reduces errors, and minimizes your operational costs. Additionally, with better inventory management and production planning capabilities, you can optimize your resource allocation, minimizing wastage, and improving your cost efficiency.

Accelerated Time to Market

When you connect your engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain processes, your teams can seamlessly collaborate in real-time, enabling efficient communication and shortening your product development cycles. This collaborative approach gives your business a distinct competitive edge in the market, helping you achieve success.

Levels of Integration

When it comes to integrating your ERP and PLM systems, understanding how to do that can feel overwhelming. In the case you don’t know what level of integration would be best for your company’s needs, let’s explore the different levels below:

One-Way File Push

The first level is a simple one-way push. This means that your PLM system has the ability to create a data distribution packet (ex. BoM in a CVS, part file or PDF file format) that is released to the ERP system and then the info is stored in both systems.

This type of push can be set up to be done either direction to maximize data sharing and a smooth process. This level of integration will log everything, but not provide error or checking feedback. This is a great level for companies looking to minimize issues of mismatched data.

API Call

The second level of integration is connecting your PLM system directly with other systems – Microstoft dynamics or other systems. This means that there is a rest service API call from the PLM system to release data directly into another system.

That being said, you will get error checking and logging from this level of integration, unlike the first level. A company might opt to do this level due to a need for logging and checking or because their ERP system doesn’t support importing data through files like the initial level would require.

Third Party Integration Platform

The third integration level piggy backs off of level two. Not only does it have logging and checking, but it performs a push and pull between the systems seamlessly. This level of integration works well for large companies with multiple systems to push and pull from. There are are third party integration tools like Tibco that integrate systems such as SAP and Oracle.

Ultimately, understanding the basics of ERP and PLM integration levels and the influencing factors such as cost, error checking, number of systems, company size and many more, is vital to understanding which level fits the needs of your company.

So, what are the next steps to finding that right integration and beginning your journey?

Next Steps of Integration

Integrating your ERP and PLM systems is a game-changer for your manufacturing business. By streamlining workflows, enhancing data visibility, improving product quality, optimizing costs, and accelerating time to market, this integration unlocks a world of opportunities for success.

While you may be hesitant to begin an integration like this because of data clean up still needed, EAC is here to provide services to clean up data to make sure the integration runs smoothly.

Finding a trustworthy partner to help with implementation can be difficult and daunting. Lucky for you, EAC has years of deep expertise in manufacturing processes to ensure a smooth integration journey. We work collaboratively with you to assess your requirements, design a tailored integration strategy, and seamlessly implement the solution that meets your specific business goals.

With EAC by your side, you can confidently embark on this transformative journey, knowing that our collaborative and solution-oriented approach will help you navigate the complexities and achieve your future state. Get in touch with EAC today and let us drive your success through integrated ERP and PLM systems.

Product Lifecycle Management Apps Image

If you’re wondering how to get effective and long-term PTC Windchill Support, look no further.

We partner with PTC and are a Top Solution Provider because our experts truly believe PTC products are the best in the industry for the Digital Thread and improving the complete product development process. Our company would like to address some of the pain points you may experience while using your Windchill PLM platform. As well as inform you about the steps we are taking to enhance your overall user experience and boost efficiency across your enterprise.

As with any complex software system, there can be a number of frustrations that users may experience when working with Windchill. Here are some common Windchill complaints that we hear in the industry:

  1. Complex User Interface especially for infrequent users
  2. Cumbersome Navigation
  3. Slow Performance & Speed
  4. Customization Limitations
  5. Limited Task Support & Access for departments outside of Engineering
  6. Lack of Workflow Synergy between multiple departments

Overall, these frustrations can make it difficult for users to work efficiently and effectively with Windchill. Read on to learn how our EAC Productivity Apps provide Windchill support for all users and make your PLM system and ThingWorx Navigate work FOR you, not against you.

Windchill Support: User Interface

We understand that the complexity of the PTC Windchill user interface can sometimes be overwhelming. Windchill’s user interface can often be cluttered and difficult to navigate. The system has a lot of options and features based on how complex an integrated product database must be. In response to this feedback, we created EAC Productivity Apps.

Our goal is to simplify and streamline the interface, making it more intuitive and user-friendly across teams and departments while keeping security high. By reducing clutter and improving navigation according to different job titles and roles, we aim to enhance your productivity and reduce the learning curve.

Quick Search App

For example, the Quick Search App provides a simplified way for users to enter a number or attribute into a single search bar to find the data results within the context of their job role. This removes the need for users to apply an understanding of how Windchill objects are related and eliminates unwanted, irrelevant data for the task at hand.

Report Viewer App

Our Report Viewer app gives individuals outside the engineering department the ability to view and run Windchill reports with ease. Within the Report Viewer app, you can easily:

  • Run pre-configured reports and saved reports
  • Save new reports
  • Access pre-built report dashboards that utilize the Windchill search engine

Part Associations App

This app provides a “shortcut” for users (especially shop floor employees) to access critical CAD files and documentation, and it consolidates results onto a single screen. Quickly access drawings, parts, assemblies, and other documents associated with CAD and part data.

For users who are in Windchill every day, we strongly suggest seeking out adequate training and support as a first step towards solving some of these frustrations. Even the most seasoned users may find tips and tricks that can simplify their workflows on a day-to-day basis.

BoM Compare App

Pro Tip: Did you know that Windchill BoM comparisons exist in Windchill?

They do! Now with our BoM Compare App, this feature is easier to find and leverage. View a side-by-side comparison of two Windchill bills of materials and select which attributes to compare, all with the click of a button.

Streamline PTC Windchill Navigation

Easy navigation is a huge factor that plays into workflow productivity. Windchill has many menus, screens, and options, making it difficult for users to navigate the system and find the information they need. This can be especially frustrating for infrequent users who are not familiar with the system.

Our EAC Apps are purposefully designed with easier navigation in mind. Instead of constant mouse clicks and multiple new windows opening across your screens, our developers created an ideal workflow. And significantly reduces how long it takes for you to get the info you need based on your job role.

Another challenge we hear from Windchill users is how long it takes to search for and find the data they need. We acknowledge that searching and finding documentation in Windchill can take way too long and cause a lot of frustration. This is especially true for people who only need to go into Windchill once in a blue moon. EAC Apps gets users to the data or drawings they need in just a few mouse clicks.

Below is a timetable that compares the number of mouse clicks it takes in the standard Windchill interface (a user with Windchill experience and skill) versus how many it takes using our productivity apps with little to no training needed.

Support Windchill Performance and Speed

Windchill can be slow to load, especially when working with large amounts of data or performing complex operations. This can lead to delays and frustration for users who need to work quickly and efficiently.

Additionally, optimizing the platform’s performance with maintenance on the back end is critical to ensure smoother operation, faster response times, and improved overall stability.

As a start, we highly recommend checking out the infographic, “6 Ways to Check and Maintain Your Windchill System” to support a healthy Windchill environment.

If your Windchill system continuously crashes or freezes, there is a serious issue that needs attention. For additional help, our managed services team is dedicated to resolving these issues and providing you with a more efficient and seamless experience. Our managed services, EAC Alliance, takes the heavy lifting off of your system admins so they can focus on their core responsibilities.

Learn more about the EAC Alliance program for Windchill. In regards to system crashing or freezing, that does NOT have to be your “normal”. In fact, 99.5% of our Alliance customers see a 100% in Windchill uptime and over 99% in availability. And 100% of our customers say they experience a significant improvement in speed and performance.

For most apps, you don’t even have to log into Windchill at all to get the info you need quickly and securely whether you’re a finance team member in your home office, or a builder on the manufacturing shop floor using your phone or tablet.

Quick Access App

More specifically, the Quick Access App eliminates the need to go into Windchill at all. Shop floor personnel can submit a problem report, a change request, or a new variance directly within the app. The Quick Access app improves user adoption and streamlines access to critical data sets.

The Quick Access app enables team members to quickly view a product’s structure, supporting information, and digital content. It also facilitates rapid issue capture to ensure quality and speed time to market.

Help with Effective Windchill Customizations

Another pain point that has been highlighted is the limited flexibility for customization within PTC Windchill. We understand that different organizations have unique requirements, and we are committed to empowering you with the ability to tailor the platform to your specific needs.

We are actively working on expanding the customization options and offering more flexibility to adapt PTC Windchill to your workflows and processes. Each EAC App allows for ample customization based on what your team or department wants or needs! We’ll set you up for success.

The best part is, even if you upgrade your Windchill version, you don’t have to start over with custom code like you do with ThingWorx! Our apps help administrators maintain the user portal after ThingWorx Navigate upgrade releases.

Windchill Security and Task Support

Need to give Purchasers access to only specific assets? Our EAC Apps allow you to share critical data securely with those who need it based on particular permissions and settings.

Give your shop floor access to the latest drawings, and design changes with easy-to-find and digestible data without having to email busy engineering teams. By expanding access to users in multiple departments with just a few clicks supports your Windchill investment.

Task Management App

Meet the Task Management App. Task Management helps users complete multiple tasks within one window! Streamline your workflows, filter by team assignment, and finish your to-do list. This app will fuel your efficiency, user adoption, and time management.

The Task Management App was designed to enable stakeholders to review and act on assigned Windchill change tasks. It provides visibility into important open tasks and their status.

Additionally, we have a robust knowledge base, user mentoring, and tutorials to assist you in leveraging the full potential of PTC Windchill. Our training and mentoring team is always available to address your queries and provide timely assistance.

Support for Windchill Collaboration and Integration

Is your engineering team the only department accessing Windchill data? If so, your company is not maximizing your technology investment. Our experts stress the value of collaboration and integration with other tools and systems for seamless workflows and processes surrounding your current tools and technology environment.

Our intuitive role-based apps make it easy for stakeholders in other departments to get the data they need from Windchill in a matter of seconds – instead of constantly having to ask the engineering team for answers!

Each app can be tailored to a specific role in your organization. Plus our PLM Apps integrate with any 3rd party system and expand Windchill’s integration capabilities, allowing you to connect with a broader range of applications and enabling smoother collaboration across different teams and departments.

Windchill Support for BoM Reports

For example, a healthy manufacturing BoM report requires input from multiple departments including design, procurement, manufacturing, and sales, and even more stakeholders need access.

The BoM Reports App allows all departments across the enterprise to accurately see the BoM data they need in real-time in the context of their job role. Within the app, you can view lists of unreleased products, created or modified parts in real-time (Cheers to supporting the digital thread strategy!)

Windchill Support for Change Management

Furthermore, Change Management is a core operational asset that can make or break processes across the enterprise. Our Change Management App aims to automate the critical flow and hand-off of information between teams and departments.

Enable excellent project management with an app that provides graphical views of problem reports, change requests, change reports, change variances, promotion requests, and more. This app is highly customizable based on the department and role of each user for maximum efficiency.

Bonus PTC Windchill Support: Implementation & Upgrades

Without experts who have the adequate time and capacity to do so (it’s seriously a full-time job), Windchill may not always be implemented properly in a timely fashion. This leads to data inconsistencies and errors. Errors that almost all manufacturers just can’t afford to be making.

The right approach matters, especially with PLM. To mitigate risk and save your IT team from a heavy burden, check out our service offerings for advanced Windchill support including Windchill implementations, upgrades, installs, and migrations.

Why Windchill is Still Critical for Success

Your feedback and input have been invaluable in shaping the direction of our efforts to improve your experiences with the complex yet powerhouse that is Windchill. We want to assure you that we are committed to continuously enhancing the platform with EAC Apps to serve your needs better and exceed your expectations.

The amount of power and robust capabilities of Windchill is the best investment a company can make on its digital transformation journey and implementing the digital thread. Connecting your data is critical. Finding and accessing your data with user-friendly PLM apps expands Windchill usage and amplifies your Windchill investment.

EAC Apps is the practical solution for PTC Windchill support by increasing Windchill usage and user satisfaction across the enterprise.

If you have any further pain points or suggestions, we would love to hear from you. Your insights are vital in driving our ongoing improvements.

Discover more info in the EAC Apps Brochure or check out the webinar replay.

P.S. Did you hear? We released the latest version of EAC Apps 3.3.0! Check out the Compatibility Matrix and Release Notes here.

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