Enterprise modelling : building a product lifecycle (PLM) model as a component of the integrated vision of the enterprise

Enterprise modelling has proved to be an efficient tool to study organisations structure and facilitate decision making. The enterprise is a complex system that is required to use its processes to generate value in a given environment (concurrent, market, suppliers and humanity). We focus on three management disciplines: Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), Supply Chain Management (SCM) and Customer Relationship Management (CRM). These business processes are so intertwined that the enterprise has to concentrate on the three to attain its economic objectives. To enhance the development of PLM, SCM and CRM models, the enterprise needs to capitalise the knowledge necessary to adapt and apply modelling techniques. Knowledge Management (KM) is a key factor to give a unified enterprise vision. Firstly, we propose an integrated enterprise model depicting the interactions between PLM, SCM, CRM and KM models. But a state of the art showed that PLM models are scarce. Most of the PLM models found depends strongly on the particular case studied and can not be used with other enterprises. After defining the most important components of the PLM vision, we propose to organise these components into a formalised way. The study of SCM and CRM models proved to be helpful to structure these components. Finally the validation methodology that is to be established in our coming research works is not only to be used with the PLM model presented in this paper but with SCM and CRM models also.Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), Enterprise modelling, Enterprise systems

A case analysis of a product lifecycle information management framework for SMEs.

Information management during the product lifecycle has received a great deal of attention over the last few years, mainly because firms work in a complex business environment characterized by information overload, high levels of competitiveness and the acceleration of technological change. In this context, Product Lifecycle Management(PLM) software has been evolving rapidly and,today, powerfultools in the market enable high levels of information to be managed. However, commercial PLM software is mostly oriented towards large-sized firms, which poses a big challenge for small and mid-sized enterprises (SMEs). To address this issue, SMEs can develop their own Product Lifecycle Information Management (PLIM) Frameworks for managing data and information throughout the product lifecycle processes. This article presents a successful example of a PLIM Framework: the case of Pladomin’s PLIM Framework

Knowledge-based Engineering in Product Development Processes - Process, IT and Knowledge Management perspectives

Product development as a field of practice and research has significantly changed due to the general trends of globalization changing the enterprise landscapes in which products are realized. The access to partners and suppliers with high technological specialization has also led to an increased specialization of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Furthermore, the products are becoming increasingly complex with a high functional and technological content and many variants. Combined with shorter lifecycles which require reuse of technologies and solutions, this has resulted in an overall increased knowledge intensity which necessitates a more explicit approach towards knowledge and knowledge management in product development. In parallel, methods and IT tools for managing knowledge have been developed and are more accessible and usable today. One such approach is knowledge-based engineering (KBE), a term that was coined in the mid-1980s as a label for applications which automate the design of rule-driven geometries. In this thesis the term KBE embraces the capture and application of engineering knowledge to automate engineering tasks, regardless of domain of application, and the thesis aims at contributing to a wider utilization of KBE in product development (PD). The thesis focuses on two perspectives of KBE; as a process improvement IT method and as a knowledge management (KM) method. In the first perspective, the lack of explicit regard for the constraints of the product lifecycle management (PLM) architecture, which governs the interaction of processes and IT in PD, has been identified to negatively affect the utilization of KBE in PD processes. In the second perspective, KM theories and models can complement existing methods for identifying potential for KBE applications.Regarding the first perspective, it is concluded that explicit regard for the PLM architecture decreases the need to develop and maintain software code related to hard coded redundant data and functions in the KBE application. The concept of service oriented architecture (SOA) has been found to enable an the explicit regard for the PLM architecture.. Regarding the second perspective, it is concluded that potential for KBE applications is indicated by: 1.) application of certain types of knowledge in PD processes 2.) high maturity and formalization of the applied knowledge 3.) a codification strategy for KM and 4.) an agreement and transparency regarding how the knowledge is applied, captured and transferred. It is also concluded that the formulation of explicit KM strategies in PD should be guided by knowledge application and its relation to strategic objectives focusing on types of knowledge, their role in the PD process and the methods and tools for their application. These, in turn, affect the methods and tools deployed for knowledge capture in order for it to integrate with the processes of knowledge origin. Finally, roles and processes for knowledge transfer have to be transparent to assure the motivation of individuals to engage in the KM strategy

Elements of the industrial operation model in the Iranian construction industry

Abstract. The construction industry is notorious for its conservatism and low levels of productivity. During the previous decade, this industry lagged behind other efficient and profitable industries, such as the automobile industry, and was slow to adopt its best practices. The rate of development in this industry is not very encouraging. This research aims to adopt best practices and efficient systems from other industries into the construction industry. This research aims to create a model for a case study of Iranian construction companies to achieve the objective of a productive construction industry. In this study, several important Iranian construction companies that mostly operate as contractors were chosen for the case study. The author prepared the semi-structured interview to collect empirical data. The interview topic and questions were derived from a survey of the relevant research literature to determine the main elements of the industrial operation model (IOM). Following the interview, the data was evaluated to illustrate the existing status of Iranian construction companies, and then a model was developed for IOM. The data indicate that Iranian construction companies are well behind other industries, such as automotive, in terms of industrial operation model and productivity. The research reveals the limited product lifecycle engagement, simple portfolio management, limited data strategy, lack of advanced visualization, and marketing and sales processes. This study employs empirical data to establish a methodology for Iranian construction companies to maximize their IOM benefits. In the created model, construction companies are present throughout the product lifecycle, from the feasibility study through the sale, marketing, and operation stage. According to this model, organizations could profit from improved alliance contracts, more income from more work, effective data strategy and knowledge management, and enhanced production processes. To accomplish this, they must reorganize their business operations and place greater emphasis on portfolio management, data strategy, and marketing and sales processes, resulting in enhanced productization

Knowledge-based Engineering in Product Development Processes - Process, IT and Knowledge Management perspectives

Product development as a field of practice and research has significantly changed due to the general trends of globalization changing the enterprise landscapes in which products are realized. The access to partners and suppliers with high technological specialization has also led to an increased specialization of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Furthermore, the products are becoming increasingly complex with a high functional and technological content and many variants. Combined with shorter lifecycles which require reuse of technologies and solutions, this has resulted in an overall increased knowledge intensity which necessitates a more explicit approach towards knowledge and knowledge management in product development. In parallel, methods and IT tools for managing knowledge have been developed and are more accessible and usable today. One such approach is knowledge-based engineering (KBE), a term that was coined in the mid-1980s as a label for applications which automate the design of rule-driven geometries. In this thesis the term KBE embraces the capture and application of engineering knowledge to automate engineering tasks, regardless of domain of application, and the thesis aims at contributing to a wider utilization of KBE in product development (PD). The thesis focuses on two perspectives of KBE; as a process improvement IT method and as a knowledge management (KM) method. In the first perspective, the lack of explicit regard for the constraints of the product lifecycle management (PLM) architecture, which governs the interaction of processes and IT in PD, has been identified to negatively affect the utilization of KBE in PD processes. In the second perspective, KM theories and models can complement existing methods for identifying potential for KBE applications.Regarding the first perspective, it is concluded that explicit regard for the PLM architecture decreases the need to develop and maintain software code related to hard coded redundant data and functions in the KBE application. The concept of service oriented architecture (SOA) has been found to enable an the explicit regard for the PLM architecture.. Regarding the second perspective, it is concluded that potential for KBE applications is indicated by: 1.) application of certain types of knowledge in PD processes 2.) high maturity and formalization of the applied knowledge 3.) a codification strategy for KM and 4.) an agreement and transparency regarding how the knowledge is applied, captured and transferred. It is also concluded that the formulation of explicit KM strategies in PD should be guided by knowledge application and its relation to strategic objectives focusing on types of knowledge, their role in the PD process and the methods and tools for their application. These, in turn, affect the methods and tools deployed for knowledge capture in order for it to integrate with the processes of knowledge origin. Finally, roles and processes for knowledge transfer have to be transparent to assure the motivation of individuals to engage in the KM strategy

Product lifecycle management in degree level teaching with Teamcenter PLM software

Despite the situation that product lifecycle management is heavily used in Finnish manufacturing industry, some Finnish educational institutions have not implemented practical PLM system functionalities into educational program. Common situation among educational institutions is that PLM training is mainly theoretical. Even when PLM software is implemented it is mainly used as data storage system. However, PLM system is much more than data storage. The lack of effective product lifecycle management training environment influences negatively to graduated students PLM skills. Increased communication, control of processes and single source of information are main benefits of a PLM system. This research studies the most relevant focus areas in Product lifecycle Management theoretical and practical teaching based on the requirements gathered from Finnish Manufacturing Industry. This research is focusing on the most important theoretical PLM focus areas, but also the most common practical PLM applications, processes and use cases in Finnish manufacturing industry. Based on the requirements of Finnish Manufacturing Industry, Teamcenter PLM software is implemented and configured to support practical degree level teaching. Research clarifies the current PLM knowledge of graduated students and gives recommendations about degree level PLM teaching arrangements. Both theoretical and practical teaching are considered. Based on the findings gathered from 35 Finnish manufacturing companies, relevant PLM use cases, processes and application are implemented to support Product Lifecycle management education with Teamcenter PLM software. Furthermore, the importance of different theoretical PLM topics is clarified based on the opinions of PLM professionals. This study utilizes design science research method to gather empirical data from different manufacturing companies. The foundation of PLM research presented in literature review provides the framework for this study. These studies provide the background information about PLM and how the implementation of PLM system can provide business benefits. This research proposes configured Teamcenter PLM environment for Finnish educational institutions to serve as a foundation of PLM system. Furthermore, the suggested PLM artifact is demonstrated, evaluated and communicated to specified target audience.Tuotteen elinkaaren hallinnan käyttö Suomalaisessa valmistavassa teollisuudessa on lisääntynyt viime vuosina merkittävästi. Käytön laajentumisesta huolimatta Suomen korkeakoulut eivät ole vielä täysin ottaneet käyttöön ohjelmistopohjaista käytännön opetusta. Yleinen tilanne on, että tuotteen elinkaaren hallintaa opetataan vain teoria tasolla, ja vaikka tuotetiedonhallinta ohjelmisto olisikin käyttöönotettu, se toimii pääasiassa datan tallennuspaikkana. Tuotteen elinkaaren hallinta ohjelmiston opetuksen puute vaikuttaa negatiivisesti valmistuvien opiskelijoiden PLM osaamiseen. PLM järjestelmän etuja ovat lisääntynyt kommunikaatio, kontrolloidut prosessit ja yhteinen tiedonlähde. Tämä tutkimus keskittyy löytämään merkityksellisimmät fokus alueet tuotteen elinkaaren hallinnan teoria opetuksessa ja käytännön opetuksessa. Tulokset perustuvat aineistoon joka on kerätty Suomalaisen valmistavan teollisuuden PLM asiantuntijoilta. Tämä tutkimus keskittyy merkittävimpiin ja tärkeimpiin PLM teoria alueisiin, mutta myös Suomen valmistavassa teollisuudessa käytetyimpiin PLM järjestelmän aplikaatioihin, prosesseihin ja käyttötapauksiin. Teamcenter PLM järjestelmä käyttöönotetaan ja konfiguroidaan tukemaan korkeakoulu opetusta. Tutkimuksessa selvitetään tämän hetkinen valmistuvien opiskelijoiden tietämys ja annetaan suosituksia kuinka PLM opetus tulisi järjestää Suomen korkeakouluissa. Sekä teoria opetus, että käytännön opetus on huomioitu tukimuksessa. Tärkeimmät Teamcenter PLM järjestelmän ominaisuudet käyttöönotetaan ja konfiguroidaan opetuksen tueksi. Järjestelmän vaatimukset perustuvat 35:een Suomen valmistavassa teollisuudessa toimivan yrityksen vaatimuksiin. Tärkeimmät Teamcenter PLM ohjelmiston ominaisuudet, prosessit ja käyttötapaukset huomioidaan tutkimuksessa. Teoreettisen opetuksen tärkeimmät osa-alueet selvitetään kyselyn avulla Suomen valmistavan teollisuuden PLM asiantuntijoilta. Tutkimuksessa hyödynnetään Design Science Research metodia. Tutkimuksen lähtökohtana on kirjallisuus analyysi, joka antaa taustatietoa tukimukselle. Tässä tutkimuksessa annetaan suosituksia PLM opetuksen järjestämisestä Suomen korkeakouluissa, sekä suositellaan Teamcenter PLM ohjelmiston käyttöönottoa ja konfigurointia tukemaan tuotteen elinkaaren hallinnan opetusta

Applying PLCS to EDMS/MTF at the European Organization for Nuclear Research

Estágio realizado no CERN e orientado Eva Sanchez-Corral MenaTese de mestrado integrado. Engenharia Informática e Computação. Faculdade de Engenharia. Universidade do Porto. 200