On April 1, SAP AG announced its new integration strategy for CAD and other authoring tools. SAP plans to simplify and expand its offering by integrating authoring tools for mechanical design, electronics and software into SAP Product Lifecycle Management software.
This strategy will introduce a new integration platform called SAP Engineering Control Center, that will help companies deliver innovative products and services in a shorter time to market. This ties in with the broader aim of “idea to performance,” a holistic business approach to managing the entire life cycle of a product, from design through manufacturing and service.
The pace of technological advance is constantly increasing and puts pressure on manufacturers to be more innovative. Products are becoming more and more complex and are often a combination of mechanics, electronics and software. The consequence: Product data is stored in multiple repositories (for example, several CAD systems), making it difficult for engineers to keep track of product data and to ensure data consistency. Product development processes are often running in parallel or they are overlapping each other, so it is crucial to ensure a consistent, comprehensive and reliable product description.
SAP’s strategy aims to help increase efficiency in engineering and manufacturing through a new flexible integration platform for all kind of authoring tools. SAP Engineering Control Center will provide a 360-degree product view, including mechanics, electronics, software and simulation, offering total transparency across engineering disciplines. It will make the life of engineers easier by providing a single, intuitive user interface for the integration of all leading authoring tools.
With this planned offering, manufacturing companies shall be able to generate consistent product designs and achieve higher product quality. The tool integration framework is intended to help companies to create a holistic product description, ensure data consistency and reduce operating of their IT landscape.
Through the new SAP Engineering Control Center, SAP will provide a:
- New, harmonized User Interface for all tool interfaces
- One integration platform for all kind of authoring tools
- A scalable platform for growth
The challenges of the fourth industrial revolution require a digital product description that accompanies the product from first idea to the creation of the physical product until the end of life cycle. SAP’s goal is to support our customers on this journey, the authoring tool integration platform is one more step towards this direction.
Click here to read the press announcement.
