Mechatronics engineering is like the body's nervous system, coordinating a symphony of components much like neurons orchestrate body functions. Neurons are the building blocks of the nervous system, enabling communication and coordination, allowing for the integration of information and the execution of appropriate responses to stimuli.
Why am I giving you another example that has nothing to do with software? I find analogies very exciting because they sometimes shed a different light on topics or simply make seemingly complex matters easier to understand.
In the software world, we talk a lot about the integration of data from different sources, end-to-end processes and so on. The importance of integrated product data really cannot be emphasized enough. As I mentioned in the title:
I see holistic product data management as the lifeblood of engineering, especially when it comes to mechatronics.
What does holistic product management look like in mechatronics?
Mechatronic products are becoming more complex, and you can find them in many different areas: consumer electronics, in robotics systems, medical devices, aerospace and automotive systems, just to name a few. They resemble a living organism, consisting of mechanics, electrics, electronics, firmware, and software – amongst others.
When it comes to the development of such a masterpiece, close, cross-divisional collaboration is essential – based on company-wide shared engineering data.
Data from different authoring tools must be managed simultaneously. But that's not all: data from the ERP system is also relevant.
You are probably familiar with situations like these: There are supply bottlenecks for a particular component and you must look for alternatives. Someone has ordered a wrong component, or the Printed Circuit Board does not fit into the intended installation space. Such errors no longer occur when your authoring tools are integrated into SAP PLM.
To effectively address the key challenges in the product development process, a paradigm shift is necessary. This entails adopting a new approach to collaboration that seamlessly manages both product and project data while seamlessly integrating them into the innovation process.
The following critical aspects underscore the need for this transformation:
Prompt communication of relevant information:
Efficient communication is paramount, particularly in disseminating crucial information such as changes to all teams involved. A streamlining system is needed to ensure that updates and modifications are promptly communicated across the project.
Easy access to required data:
Accessibility to essential data is a cornerstone of successful product development. Implementing a system that facilitates easy retrieval of necessary information is vital. This ensures that teams can quickly access and utilize the data pertinent to their respective tasks.
Early integration of downstream processes:
To enhance efficiency and mitigate challenges downstream, it is imperative to integrate processes such as purchasing and production at an early stage. This proactive approach not only saves valuable time but also contributes to cost-effectiveness in the overall product development lifecycle.
Your prescription for a holistic mechatronic product model
As a strategic standard integration platform for authoring systems of all kinds, SAP Engineering Control Center | SAP ECTR provides the ideal basis for a holistic mechatronics solution. It integrates MCAD and ECAD systems as well as software in SAP PLM and offers direct access to SAP ERP. This enables a common data model that maps and manages the relationships between the individual product components. All product data is available company-wide and can be managed more easily and efficiently.
If you want to find out more about how holistic mechatronic product development works in the SAP system, you should not miss to watch this webcast recording in English or German:
SAP, XPLM and DSC will show you solutions on how to
- Map a complete virtual, mechatronic product model
- Digitize the entire product development process - across all disciplines
- Create a "single source of truth" and manage a unique component library that is controlled by the SAP system
- Transfer ECAD data to the SAP system without having to leave the familiar interface
- Integrate downstream processes such as purchasing and production at an early stage
The development of mechatronic products is not a collection of isolated disciplines but rather a holistic process that thrives on a fundamental principle: maintaining a consistent "heartbeat" of product data management. SAP PLM and SAP Engineering Control Center are essential building blocks for such an integrative approach. An approach that ensures staying closely attuned to the pulse of innovation.
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