CIMdata PLM Industry Summary Online Archive
28 February 2007
Implementation Investments
Rocky Mountain Composites Successfully Implements SofTech's ProductCenter PLM Solution
SofTech, Inc . announced that its ProductCenterT PLM solution has been implemented company-wide at Utah-based Rocky Mountain Composites Inc. (RMC). As pioneers specializing in the application of advanced composite materials, RMC provides engineering, design and manufacturing services to the aviation, aerospace, government, military and commercial markets. James Winegar, Assistant to RMC's President, is quoted as saying, "Additionally, RMC is the primary supplier of technology and advanced composite structures for SPECTRUM AERONAUTICAL, LLC, developer of a family of new business and personal jet aircraft."
Prior to implementing ProductCenter, RMC had been managing product and design data by utilizing a structured Microsoft Windows file system with read and write privileges. "What started as a search for a PDM package to organize and manage design data was extended to a solution that controls the entire lifecycle of our products," explains Bryan Winkel, Engineering Manager at RMC. "In addition to being a SolidWorks Gold Partner product, which was a requirement for RMC, ProductCenter's low-cost of ownership and flexible licensing model provided us with a solution that was the best value for our money."
In the initial stages of the ProductCenter rollout, RMC focused primarily on the management of SolidWorks product design data using the ProductCenter SolidWorks Integrator. Soon after, RMC deployed the ProductCenter Workflow module as the focus transitioned to productivity improvements within the engineering change order, approval and release processes. "Implementing ProductCenter has provided dramatic improvements, as an example, the engineering change process has been reduced by 50% when compared with how we worked before ProductCenter," states Randy Nate, PLM Administrator and CAD Designer at RMC.
Next up for ProductCenter at RMC will be managing the Engineering Bill of Materials and then expansion into the QA and Purchasing groups. ProductCenter will also play an integral role as RMC works towards AS9100 certification later this year. AS9100 is focused on quality system requirements for suppliers to the aerospace industry.
"All release documentation, not only design data but also QA, Manufacturing and Quality/Business Management system documentation and processes will be controlled by ProductCenter," adds Bryan Winkel. "From the top Business Management system processes to standard operating procedures, process specifications and shop floor documents, ProductCenter is and will continue to be a tremendous benefit to the entire organization."
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