Integrating your CAD solution with your ERP solution can be a big task with a lot of obstacles. The downside is, that even if you succeed with your integration, it might not be the solution that brings the most value to your organization.
A CAD solution is perfect when you want to design your products and make visualizations of the product. However, sharing product information across departments and IT solutions is not the primary purpose of the solution. On the other hand,d a PLM solution (Product Lifecycle Management software) is designed to help your organization manage product related document throughout the products lifecycle. Including making the right product documents available to the right employees.
And here you find the big difference... Where a PLM solution only pushes the relevant documents to the ERP-solution, a direct integration very often pushes too little, or conversely too much information. E.g. pushing an eBOM (engineering BOM) where only mBOM (manufacturing BOM) is interesting for operational departments.
This makes it harder for employees to identify the documents they need. But it also makes it complex to identify the differences between the same document across different versions of the product.
With a PLM solution like Windchill you are able to compare different versions of the same document. This is e.g. relevant when procurement needs to adjust upcoming orders. The same is the case when a service technician needs to identify whether a component from the newer version of the product is compatible with the older version that needs a new spare part.
Windchill is easily integrated into different CAD and ERP solutions. You can therefore integrate Windchill into your current setup without having to change your other solutions.
Therefore, our recommendation is that you use each system for what it is best for. A CAD and a PLM solution are made to work together and create greater business value for your company.
If you are both looking for a PLM and an ERP solution, then take a look at our 9A Advanced Manufacturing. This solution is based on Dynamics 365 Finance and Supply Chain Management and is made to fit the requirements of manufacturing companies. The solution even includes a connector to Windchill PLM.
In this e-book, you will learn how an IIoT solution can help your manufacturing department address challenges such as operational efficiency, flexibility, product quality and sustainability
This e-book aims to provide the insights needed to achieve long-term success with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM)
Companies worldwide are acting swiftly in setting up new digital business strategies. How about your company? Are you following along?
Balancing today and tomorrow in digital manufacturing
How partnerships and technology unlock success
Digital business transformation is what we do. Making sure organizations are ready to deliver for the end customer of today and those of tomorrow. Thanks to our industry expertise, we are able to combine speed and quality into your digital transformation journey.
