PROJECTS

FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS ENGINEERING

The significance of electronics, software and controls is growing constantly in fire protection technology. Ever shorter product development cycles and internationalisation increase the internal coordination requirements between the individual development teams. However, the requirements regarding the exchange of data with external electronics development partners are also on the increase.

Client: Leading full-service supplier in fire protection sector > 5,000 employees

Branch: Fire protection systems engineering

Topic: PDM system roll-out, requirements management, process optimisation in R&D, SAP PLM, CAD selection/benchmark, setting up PDM backbone

Situation: The unfortunate selection of a PIM/CMS system – at the time also intended to provide PDM functions – was the reason for tackling the subject of PDM once again, this time with external assistance. Seasoned filing structures in 2D CAD were reaching their limits. Likewise, the increasing integration of mechanics, electronics, hardware/PCBs and software, i.e. the merging of mechanical engineering design and the electronics/software departments. However, the integration of change management in the production, or rather the ERP, environment was time-consuming and no longer up to date.

Brief:

• Survey/formulation of the requirements of the relevant departments
• Structuring and initial population of PDM specification
• Technical/content support for compiling the specification plus selection and roll-out of PDM system
• Prototyping and pilot run together with the PDM supplier in one area of development/engineering with CAD and ERP integration followed by roll-out to other areas of the company
• Active support during the selection of an E-CAD system

Result:

• Structured survey and presentation of the PDM requirements of the individual specialist departments
• Robust PDM specification as the basis for selecting software
• Exploratory meetings with four PDM suppliers, selection, contract negotiations, project/milestone planning with selected PDM partner: conception, prototyping, pilot runs
• Successful introduction and operational roll-out of CAD-PDM-ERP process chain

Foundation for expanding to other areas, including DMS, integration of production, CAE, etc.