Document system improves collaboration

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Oct 4, 2007

Kinnosa EDM 4.0 provides users with the ability to trace a document from initial creation to project completion

First Trace's Kinnosa Enterprise Document Management (EDM) 4.0 is a traceable and transparent document management system that enables collaboration across an extended enterprise.

It provides users with the ability to trace a document from initial creation to project completion using existing applications and systems, without interrupting business operations.

First Trace has released the first service pack (SP1) for Kinnosa EDM 4.0.

SP1 features significant system enhancements in operability, security, system management and functionality with major CAD tools from SolidWorks and Autodesk as well as Microsoft Office.

"Kinnosa EDM SP1 gives our customers the opportunity to create cost-effective and process-efficient data management systems without altering existing business practices or software", says Brian Williamson, Product Manager of Kinnosa EDM 4.0.

"This service pack is the result of months of software testing and refinement by our developers and represents a significant step toward our goal of providing visibility of all your business documents and data from the very first trace to their final use and retirement".

Kinnosa EDM 4.0 SP1 was designed by First Trace to provide system users with an advanced level of document management with minimal training.

The updates and enhancements in SP1 focus on six critical features that outperform competitive EDM solutions by increasing customers' operational efficiency and return-on-investment.: Kinnosa EDM 4.0 SP1 expands the capabilities of the connector between Kinnosa EDM and SolidWorks 3D MCAD product design software to further enrich the interface for design engineers.

The user does not have to leave the engineering application to access Kinnosa document management features for the project they are working on, thereby extending the use of SolidWorks for more efficient performance.

This, in turn, shortens employee training time and improves the adoption of the new technology by engineering staff.

The connector for Kinnosa EDM and Microsoft Office Suite was also improved to provide greater integration between the applications, making document management effortless for all users that create business documents, so that even those employees outside of the engineering department can recognise the benefit of automated document management.

Kinnosa EDM 4.0 SP1 provides enhanced connectivity to the OpenOffice Suite allowing unprecedented connectivity to customers' preferred platforms.

First Trace created connectors that would work with developing systems such as OpenOffice.

Kinnosa EDM has an integrated workflow module that complements its document management foundation.

Kinnosa Workflow is bundled with Kinnosa EDM 4.0 SP1 and is geared towards the needs of engineers and planners, automating much of the workflow process, such as file check in/out, release and sign off, making the system transparent and far less intrusive than other systems on the market.

Kinnosa Workflow shortens design and design change cycle times, reduces manufacturing costs and improves process efficiency by accelerating the implementation of critical revisions.

Kinnosa EDM is the only application available with adapters for PDMWorks Workgroup that allows users to seamlessly access PDMWorks data vaults to unify their business data.

This is a major benefit to customers that are limited by PDMWorks Workgroup's single repository environment and need workflow and change management capabilities across multiple locations.

Kinnosa EDM 4.0 SP1 offers the opportunity to manage and search documents across the enterprise, whether the enterprise is operating out of one location or across multiple locations.