Serbian auto maker upgrades to full PLM solution

An IBM Product Lifecycle Management Solutions product story

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Jun 20, 2005

Zastava Automobili, one of the largest auto makers in the Balkans, has chosen IBM PLM solutions to streamline the development of its cars and improve its positioning in the European market.

Zastava Automobili, one of the largest auto makers in the Balkans, has chosen IBM product lifecycle management (PLM) solutions to streamline the development of its cars and improve its positioning in the highly competitive European market.

A long-term customer of IBM, Zastava, based in Kragujevac, Serbia, is facing the same challenges as other players in the industry: the need to deliver the highest quality automobiles faster while complying with global industry standards.

CAD CAM Data, an IBM Business Partner, will help Zastava tackle those challenges and migrate to Catia V5, the world's leading 3D product-development application and use Smarteam, a leading collaborative product data and lifecycle management solution.

Catia V5 and Smarteam are IBM PLM solutions, developed by Dassault Systemes.

CAD CAM Data will implement the total PLM solution, including IBM IntelliStation workstations, training and consultancy services.

With Catia V5 and Smarteam, Zastava will optimise data management and collaboration between business, engineering and manufacturing departments.

Using Catia V5, the auto maker expects to reduce product development time by up to 40% while improving product quality and facilitating integration with overseas OEM partners and suppliers.

Zastava will use the full Catia V5-based architecture, capitalise on digital mockup (DMU) capabilities and fully exploit the power of relational design.

Its design team will optimise processes and capture and reuse the company's knowledge for the benefit of future vehicle programs.

Zastava also has chosen a tailored solution from IBM Global Financing to finance the project over its lifetime while quickly reaping the business benefits of PLM.

CAD CAM Data is an IBM Business Partner selling Catia.

"Standardising our product development platform on Catia V5 means that we will be using the same tools as the most prestigious and innovative brands on the market".

"Our implementation requirements are simplified and our designers can become more productive as fast as possible", says Zoran Bogdanovic, Director of Zastava's Research and Development Centre.

"We have a strategy to collaborate with our suppliers based on full 3D digital representation".

"Now we have the best tool on the market to achieve that and one that is recognised as the industry de facto standard".

He adds: "We are financing the project with IBM Global Financing, so that we pay over the lifetime of the solution, rather than paying everything up front when budgets are tight".

"It made business sense because their proposition was the best on the market and tailored directly to our needs".

"For IT projects, IBM Global Financing is much better than a traditional bank".

"CAD-CAM Data has been closely co-operating with Zastava Automobili for more than three years, on preparation of the current project", says Pera Dragicevic, General Manager of CAD CAM Data.

"Zastava's decision to implement IBM PLM solutions, based on Catia V5 and Smarteam, is an acknowledgement that IBM PLM solutions can definitely provide automotive companies with tangible business benefits".

"Zastava will be in a better position to provide its customers with innovative and affordable cars".