Bosch signs up for PLM platform

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team May 19, 2005

The Bosch Group has selected the MatrixOne PLM platform to be implemented across its global operations to drive collaboration and speed product development.

The Bosch Group, one of Europe's leading industrial and electronic corporations, has selected the MatrixOne PLM platform to be implemented across its global operations to drive collaboration and speed product development.

Over time, thousands of Bosch employees worldwide will be linked to the MatrixOne PLM platform and Bosch's existing product data management (PDM) systems will be integrated into the MatrixOne system.

In highly competitive global markets, innovations based on new approaches in product development and production are pivotal for a company's success.

For this reason, Bosch made the decision to switch from a divisional PDM structure to a global PLM structure, providing the group with a significant increase in synergy due to closer collaboration and co-operation across all divisions - and faster integration of strategically important suppliers into the product development process.

In addition, by optimising its work processes and re-using existing information, the Bosch Group will gain a competitive advantage as they speed up product development and shorten time to market - all while reducing costs.

Moreover, Bosch has an additional goal for its implementation of the MatrixOne PLM platform - to integrate the three worlds of mechanics, electronics and software.

In order for products to be developed on-time and on-budget, these various disciplines must work together on an enterprise product data view that is automatically updated with the latest information - no matter where these designers and system engineers are based in the world.

"After careful consideration, we decided on MatrixOne because of its high level of flexibility and adaptability", said Dr Heinz Derenbach, Head of Technology and Development in Central Division Information Processing at Bosch.

"In addition, it is compatible to our overall architecture".

As a first phase, the MatrixOne PLM platform will be installed in two divisions and used as an information system on a global level.

For this purpose, data from existing PDM installations in different Bosch divisions will be made available in MatrixOne PLM.

Parallel to that project, the MatrixOne PLM platform will be introduced as a team data manager application allowing the integration of component data from ECAD applications for improved electronic design data management.

In addition, MatrixOne's new Materials Compliance Central application will be implemented, thus ensuring that the new laws regarding obligatory reports on materials and pollutants are observed.

These new EU regulations effect Europe's automotive and electronic industries in particular, as they are aimed at reducing the use of hazardous materials and promoting the recycling of materials.

The WEEE Directive will come into effect in August 2005 and the RoHS Directive will be in effect in July 2006.

To comply with these laws, manufacturers must implement specific processes in order to collect, organise, analyse and report data on all materials and substances used in new products.

Bosch also plans to create an e-sourcing platform for project purchasing, based on the MatrixOne PLM platform.

Increasing the re-use of information, parts and components will reduce costs and help the company realise further improvements in product quality.