Arena PLM Software

[MadMango]

It should be a given that the selection of PLM software shouldn't be undertaken lightly by any company. Hopefully there is a lot of discussion prior to ordering. Alas, if there was discussion, our Engineering department was left out of the loop. I've just learned that my company has selected Arena PLM (

http://www.arenasolutions.com/),

and that I am now involved with the "committee" for implementation, to represent Engineering interests. We all know how poorly design-by-committee can go, and I am trying to avoid being at the mercy of IT, Planning, Finance, Quality, or whatever department deemed that we needed this software. I'll be given more information as it becomes available, which doesn't sit well with me. So I am turning to the ET Forums for some background and insider information. I found a few prior discussions, but most are 4-5yrs old, which is "forever" in software terms, and rather light on actual discussion.

thread559-98796
thread559-180563

It seems that member pdybeck has/had experience with the software, but hasn't logged-in since April this year. I'm hoping that more users have been exposed to Arena PLM over the years, and can offer up some "pitfalls to avoid" advice. I'd also be willing to hear general feedback about how other users successfully integrated a PLM system that was not native to their CAD system (SolidWorks specifically).

"Art without engineering is dreaming; Engineering without art is calculating."

Have you read faq731-376 to make the best use of these Forums?

 

[drawoh]

MadMango,

What do you perceive as the threat? Most of this software is mature, and free of bugs. The user interface could have more to do with your local implentation, than with the original software.

I don't like terms like PLM and PDM. I like Document Management, DM is you must use an acronym. You are storing and controlling documents.

A fundamental rule is that the person who manages the document does not know how to do your job. If they take control of your work, or they aggressively dictate how you do your work, your system is going to hold up work and drive down quality.

Another fundamental rule is that PLM, PDM, DM or whatever you want to call it, is to be regarded as an efficiency tool. If it starts to hold up work, it is not efficient, and it should be shut down.

--
JHG

 

[MadMango]

If it starts to hold up work, it is not efficient, and it should be shut down.

That is my biggest fear. We don't have efficient processes in place now, and we are considering to add the complexity of a suite of software on top of that. I have been burned at other companies for poor execution of similar software, where I had no opportunity to affect changes or improvements. This time it seems that I may have a chance to nip things in the bud before they migrate to others. I have seen other companies dive-in feet first, but then scale back on add-ons and modules due to cost. That in turn manifests into work arounds or corner-cutting. I hate buying a shotgun and only using it as a club.

"Art without engineering is dreaming; Engineering without art is calculating."

Have you read faq731-376 to make the best use of these Forums?

 

[HDS]

Who outside of engineering would have any interest in a PLM system? Maybe quality if they are responsible for the document flow or have problems with revision control.

 

[MadMango]

Purchasing, Production, Planning... "PLM" is the magic bullet for all woes.

"Art without engineering is dreaming; Engineering without art is calculating."

Have you read faq731-376 to make the best use of these Forums?