CIMdata PLM Industry Summary Online Archive

14 March 2006

Implementation Investments

XVL-based Aftermarket Parts Service Drives Efficiency Improvements for Major UK Bus Manufacturer

Lattice Technology, Inc. announced that Optare Group, and its parts division Unitec, one of the UK's leading bus manufacturers, has launched its first online aftermarket service using XVL technology from Lattice Technology.

The web-based service, utilizing Lattice Technology's XVL Converter and XVL Studio products, was developed and built by Epitomy Solutions, a Sheffield-based aftermarket service solutions company, and a Lattice partner. The service is designed to improve business process while also increasing end-user service for Optare, its divisions and its customers. XVL is a 3D publishing technology that enables the use of highly compressed, yet high fidelity, 3D data directly in downstream applications that include web publishing, information sharing, and design verification for products.

Using XVL, Optare is able to integrate 3D CAD data in compressed formats, for use on the web.

"The service allows us to directly import CAD data avoiding costly data re-entry and reducing potential error," says Paul Shepherd, aftermarket director, Optare Group. "Additionally it comes with a superb dynamic 3D visualization capability which combined with compression technology allows easy CAD file transfer and sharing."

Epitomy developed its solution to meet Optare's unique needs of combining its original equipment data with 3D data from other companies to support two of the company's major bus models. The ROI is driven by both efficiency improvements and the removal of ambiguity and error, said Paul Shepherd. The 'My Vehicle' advanced search function provides a parts specification for each individual vehicle with just one click, providing a huge reduction in order error potential. The service creates a bespoke Unitec branded relationship and experience for each individual user. Feedback has been very positive." he finished.

About Epitomy Solutions

Established in 2001, Sheffield based Epitomy Solutions is a provider of aftermarket and cataloguing solutions to the complex capital goods market across Europe. Its clients include European logistics provider Lex Auto Logistics, LDV Vans, Dennis Eagle, Optare Bus, Heil Trailers International and the Mercury, Yanmar and MTD UK sales company, E. P. Barrus. Epitomy helps end users select the right part, first time, every time.

About XVL

"XVL" (eXtensible Virtual world description Language) is based on XML (eXtensible Markup Language) and enables ultra-lightweight 3D model compression. Without compression 3D data models can be huge and unwieldy. "XVL" solves the problem with ultra-compression and high accuracy simultaneously.

About Lattice Technology, Inc.

Founded in 1997 with headquarters in Tokyo, Japan and Los Altos, USA, Lattice Technology provides global companies with proven solutions for the propagation of 2D/3D design data across the enterprise. Lattice's standards based XVL® (eXtensible Virtual world description Language) technology enables companies to securely provide highly accurate and compressed 3D files to partners, suppliers, and internal departments in a lightweight browser-based solution. XVL is widely introduced in more than 2000 companies, mainly in the automotive and electronics industries. For more information, visit http://www.lattice3d.com .

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