CIMdata PLM Industry Summary Online Archive
May 29, 2007
CIMdata News
"Leveraging Product Knowledge Integration": A CIMdata Review of Proficiency's Collaboration Gateway Program
CIMdata consulting and research firm published a brief program review of Proficiency's Collaboration GatewayT approach to addressing product knowledge integration. The report, entitled "Leveraging Product Knowledge Integration: Enabling Product Information Re-Use throughout the Enterprise" is available for downloading on the CIMdata website.
John MacKrell, CIMdata Senior Consultant, explained that Product Knowledge is the accumulation of information that is derived during the design, analysis, testing, and production planning for a product. It includes specifications, design data, test data and results, production process plans, and maintenance, service and repair information. He emphasized that for organizations to be innovative and competitive, they "need to be able to leverage their Product Knowledge and integrate it into the product development process so it can be re-used in a coordinated and organized way." Mr. MacKrell observed that Product Knowledge is a critical asset that is often ignored because it is difficult to capture and reuse. "Unfortunately the loss of Product Knowledge results in companies having to resort to redesigning parts, which is very costly both in terms of time and money."
According to Mr. MacKrell, Proficiency's Collaboration Gateway addresses many of these issues adding that, "The solution makes complete Product Knowledge exchange possible and cost effective and makes product knowledge visible to more decision makers." He noted "the strength of this solution is in situations where multiple product definition solutions are used in companies or supply chains." Mr. MacKrell concluded that given that product development innovation, quality, and speed rely on collaboration among all of the people in the extended enterprise having appropriate access to high-value product knowledge, "the Proficiency Collaboration Gateway becomes an important enabler to the success of PLM initiatives and the businesses that employ PLM."
About CIMdata
CIMdata, an independent worldwide firm, provides strategic consulting to maximize an enterprise's ability to design and deliver innovative products and services through the application of Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) solutions. Since 1983, CIMdata has delivered world-class knowledge, expertise, and best-practice methods on PLM solutions. These solutions incorporate both business processes and a wide-ranging set of PLM enabling technologies.
CIMdata works with both industrial organizations and suppliers of technologies and services seeking competitive advantage in the global economy. In addition to consulting, CIMdata conducts research, provides PLM-focused subscription services, and produces several commercial publications. The company also provides industry education through international conferences. CIMdata serves clients worldwide from locations in North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific.
To learn more about CIMdata's services, visit our website at www.CIMdata.com or contact CIMdata at: 3909 Research Park Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48108, USA. Tel: +1 (734) 668-9922. Fax: +1 (734) 668-1957, or Siriusdreef 17-27, 2132 WT Hoofddorp, The Netherlands. Tel: +31 (0)23 568-9385. Fax: +31 (0)23 568-9111.
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