Item vs CAD structure

[ChrisPLM]

Hello everyone.

I currently work for a company that has a basic PDM system, even the reseller told me it is actually a file manager. This is to say that CAD files are checked in and the CAD structure is used as the BOM.

They have no concept of Item management.  I am trying to build a case for Item management and have an Item vs CAD argumentation.

The current PDM allows to link files so as you have a WTpart and its contain.  The CAD files replaces the WTpart and additional files can be linked to the CAD files.

Eg, if I have a model, I can associate office files (such as test report, material specification etc…). This looks similar to what you would do with the WTpart. They are also wanting to link their PDM with their new ERP system. They intend to transfer the BOM. They have not been receptive of the discussion about eBOM and mBOM

I struggle to articulate argumentation in favour of Items with that particular company.

I was wondering if anyone could share his experience.

I guess this is the same situation within companies having using PDMLink for many years but never enabled the WTPart.  What argumentation is used to build the case for the WTpart.

Thank you

[MikeLockwood]

After having full WTParts / Product Structure implemented and in use at Alcon for several years - and having coached all users (and consumers of Windchill info) thru the thinking transition of having the BOM defined by CAD, I'm now experiencing the very beginning of this awakening / awareness / thought process at Edwards Lifesciences.  Very interesting.

My overall recommendations are (we're living this here right now):

1. Compare existing ERP BOM's to CAD structures (we have some products that mismatch 40% - but for valid reasons which relate to EBOM/MBOM, variants, overloaded CAD assy's, different supplier variations of parts, ERP BOM changes / PN's being used to indicate status / country, etc., etc.)

2. Buy some books and get all on the team to read and discuss them (really!!).

3. Formally interview representatives of every role in the company and ask / explore how they get / maintain this info now.  A zillion local spreadsheets, Access databases, etc. come out of the woodwork and get exposed.  Get all the users to state in their own words what would be better.

[FrancoisDelys]

Wt part centric PDM offers the synchronization with ERP data. For international companies dealing with the change management all day long and trying to segregate the discrepancies between design, manufacturing engineering and aftermarket, using the Wt part for linking the versions, the documentations, the views and the changes is the best way to synchronize everybody.