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Want To Know the Secrets Behind Tamturbo’s Product Success?

Johnny Minor Mørup — Thu, 06 Apr 2023 13:04:00 GMT

Tampere-based Finnish company Tamturbo has revolutionized the compressed air systems industry with its high-speed turbo compressors. With Aras Innovator, the company has completely changed the way they work with all product data.

This blog reveals the secrets behind how Tamturbo has gained complete control of its product data, improved efficiency, data quality, and collaboration between different functions within the company.

Who is Tamturbo?

The company, founded in 2010, develops and sells air compressors for industrial environments. Despite its small size, Tamturbo has turned the world of compressed air systems upside down with its 100% oil-free high-speed turbo compressors, which produce oil-free compressed air, eliminating the risk of contamination. The company's compressors also recover waste energy from the compressing process and use it for customer processes, making them low maintenance, efficient, and sustainable.

What drove Tamturbo to consider a Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) solution?

Today, Tamturbo has complete control of all product data and improved its efficiency, data quality, and collaboration between different functions within the company.

But back in 2019, Tamturbo was faced with the need for more control over and access to its product data. They relied on network drives, making it challenging to manage and collaborate between different functions in the company.

During the years of researching and prototyping their compressor air systems, Tamturbo did not need to handle their product data in a structured way. A full-scale Product Lifecycle Management solution (PLM) was not on the radar. However, when their first product entered the market, they realized they needed to manage their product data in a more structured and centralized way.

This lack of control over their data became a significant problem for Tamturbo, as they were a growing company that needed to manage its data more efficiently.

At that point, the need for PLM became clear. In 2019, Tamturbo implemented Aras Innovator to manage its product data more efficiently. They invested in defining their goal processes and data model before implementing, which paid off in the long run. They now control their data, which they manage by user rights. The PLM system is now at the center of all their product data. They have CAD data, analysis and simulation data, IoT data, and ERP data integrated into their PLM system.

What did Tamturbo hope to achieve with its PLM implementation?

They wanted to improve their efficiency, mostly in design but also in all other operations in the company, such as sourcing and manufacturing. They also wanted to improve their data quality and collaboration between different functions in the company. All of this had to be done at a reasonable cost, as they were a small but growing company.

What were their considerations leading up to the implementation?

Before implementing their PLM solution, Tamturbo had various considerations and questions to answer. They had to figure out the following:

Which goals, big and small, they wanted to achieve
What their current processes looked like, and how Innovator should support them
What their data model was, and how the system could help

They invested in defining their goal processes and data model before implementing Aras Innovator, which paid off in the long run. The better prepared they were, the less they had to pay for implementation, and the smoother the process went.

What does their data landscape look like today?

After implementing the Aras Innovator PLM solution, the company now has complete control over its data, which is managed by user rights. In short, the system is now at the center of all Tamturbo product data. They also have CAD data, analysis and simulation data, IoT data, and ERP data integrated into their PLM system.

Today's most critical objects in their PLM system are parts and bill of materials (BOM) data, change management documents, and CAD data. Aras Innovator enables users to manage product data and to collaborate efficiently between different functions in the company.

The takeaway:

Tamturbo's successful PLM implementation is an excellent example of how a company can improve efficiency, data quality, and collaboration by investing in a PLM solution. Tamturbo has complete control of all product data by choosing Aras as its supplier. They can now manage their product data more effectively and are well-positioned to continue to grow as a company.

If you missed our recent webinar where Tamturbo expands on its success story, up to watch it on-demand right here:

From the Excel Chaos to Centralized Product Data Management (aras.com)

And if you are interested in the written case study, you can download it here:

Clean Air, Clean Data (aras.com)

Want To Know the Secrets Behind Tamturbo’s Product Success?

Johnny Minor Mørup — Thu, 06 Apr 2023 13:04:00 GMT

This blog reveals the secrets behind how Tamturbo has gained complete control of its product data, improved efficiency, data quality, and collaboration between different functions within the company.

Who is Tamturbo?

What drove Tamturbo to consider a Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) solution?

Today, Tamturbo has complete control of all product data and improved its efficiency, data quality, and collaboration between different functions within the company.

This lack of control over their data became a significant problem for Tamturbo, as they were a growing company that needed to manage its data more efficiently.

What did Tamturbo hope to achieve with its PLM implementation?

What were their considerations leading up to the implementation?

Before implementing their PLM solution, Tamturbo had various considerations and questions to answer. They had to figure out the following:

Which goals, big and small, they wanted to achieve
What their current processes looked like, and how Innovator should support them
What their data model was, and how the system could help

What does their data landscape look like today?

The takeaway:

If you missed our recent webinar where Tamturbo expands on its success story, up to watch it on-demand right here:

From the Excel Chaos to Centralized Product Data Management (aras.com)

And if you are interested in the written case study, you can download it here:

Clean Air, Clean Data (aras.com)

How To Choose the Right PLM For Your PDM

Johnny Minor Mørup — Sat, 05 Nov 2022 18:15:00 GMT

Some might say it all starts with PDM (Product Data Management). That statement is true for many manufacturers. All design engineering, product development, and manufacturing organizations need an automated solution for managing, utilizing, and leveraging 3D CAD design data. And PDM tends to be the starting point. Determining whether a PDM solution is and should be the only solution to answer growing needs, however, can be challenging for most manufacturing organizations.

Questions like, do you need a PDM system or a PLM application? What are the major configuration differences between the two? And if both are needed, how can they coexist within the organization? The choice between PDM and PLM is partially an either-or proposition. All PLM applications use some form of PDM as the underlying data foundation on which they operate. One former blog post describes how PDM systems can optimize CAD design data by upgrading to PLM.

Yes, you CAN now have your cake and eat it too!

But before starting a PLM initiative – or just contemplating starting an initiative – it is important to make sure that all stakeholders, including management, understand what PLM is – and what it is not. Widespread confusion about PLM often creates obstacles. Obstacles that lead to incorrect definitions of needs and unclear justifications for introducing PLM in the first place. In this blog, we examine facts and myths about PLM.

Myth: PLM is a “one size fits all” solution

Transferring best practices from one organization to another is clearly a myth: only experiences and learnings can be shared, but without any guarantees that what worked in one organization will be as effective somewhere else. Some practices will certainly work in small pockets of scope. However, working practices cannot be fully reproduced out of context, even if the system implementation can be copied. Every organization is unique and has its own legacy of challenges, both from a data and process perspective.

Most organizations will not look at simply buying a tool or platform to enable PLM-related processes. They expect operational efficiency and implementation of best practices to help them become more effective and competitive: i.e., do more with the same resources and scale activities while reducing cost. Whereas buying apps or tools is quite straightforward via a license model, making good use of an integrated and streamlined working practice across multiple functions is not always obvious. This can be quite complex based on product or process requirements which can be contradictory at different stages of product maturity.

Even if it covers more scope, no single platform or tool can stand out-of-the-box (OOTB) on its own unless covering only a very narrow self-contained scope; implementation complexity rises with the product, data, and business model complexity, in addition to multiple legacy ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) and MES (Manufacturing Execution System) integration points and legacy data migration requirements. PLM processes need to be contextualized for any brownfield organization wanting to get value from it. Similarly, for start-up or greenfield organizations, PLM processes need to be tailored to their level of business maturity—aka customized in a controlled manner, balancing short- and long-term requirements.

Every digital solution requires some tailoring design, including adaptation and integration with the rest of the enterprise—because it is contextual and (for the most) does not consist of simple transactional processes. No single platform or solution will cover it all, and neither will the platform be used in complete isolation from any other solution, especially for advanced product engineering and manufacturing.

This can be quite complex based on product or process requirements which can be contradictory at different product maturity stages.

In addition, most enterprise digital platforms now cover much more than what a former PLM system used to deliver. Buying a PLM platform is not a simple decision. It typically involves a medium to a long-term commitment to a vendor and short/medium-term engagement with a strategic implementation partner.

Myth: PLM is simply a tool

One of the most recurring – and consistent – myths about PLM is that it is viewed as a tool. It is a view that goes back to the days of basic engineering collaboration tools, where IT platforms emerged from the world of 3D and CAD data management tools to also manage the relational data of the whole enterprise.

PLM is not only about engineering; it is also about converting ideas and concepts into virtual simulations and digital models, ultimately leading to physical products and associated services. A significant part of the product creation process is rooted in engineering. However, we, as engineers, are also very conservative people.

Historically, it is fair to state that PLM started as a tool. But it has since evolved into a discipline. It took twenty years. Now it’s here, and it will continue to reshape and evolve.

Fact: PLM is an enterprise-wide methodology

PLM includes all engineering aspects and is used as a product lifecycle management process to help connect, organize, control, manage, track, consolidate, and centralize all the information that affects a product. Just as important, PLM offers a process to streamline collaboration and communication between product stakeholders, engineering, design, manufacturing, quality, and other key disciplines. PLM helps track information related to the safety and control of components, especially in the aerospace, automotive, electronic, medical device, military, and nuclear industries.

A robust PLM framework improves the development and management of the Engineering Bill of Material (EBOM), Manufacturing Bill of Material (MBOM), requirements management, sourcing, document storage, collaboration, workflow - and other areas all essential to product development.

Fact: PLM can be used on an enterprise scale

PLM should not be seen only as an IT tool that represents a central hub containing all data from various systems like CAD, CM, PDM, etc., but also as a business hub that manages all the different information flows from concept, through production, to end-of-life.

As CIMdata defines it, “PLM is a strategic business approach that applies a consistent set of business solutions in support of the collaborative creation, management, dissemination, and use of product definition information across the extended enterprise, and spanning from product concept to end-of-life-integrating people, processes, business systems, and information. PLM forms the product information backbone for a company and its extended enterprise.”

Being both a business approach and a software solution, Product Lifecycle Management has shifted from being a purely engineering-oriented tool to an enterprise solution, which enables organizations to create better products in less time, and at a lower cost.

Due to the increased product complexity, continuous innovation, and globalization, organizations focus on partnering with other enterprises in pursuit of better product design and efficient manufacturing. As a proactive reaction to the ever-changing business environment, outsourcing activities to specialized partners is a common practice, where each partner should have access to relevant data and processes.

The challenge with this is that the data is often scattered in different systems, file folders, network drives, etc., making it difficult to locate and share the correct data. In addition, the product-related processes are not integrated, reducing the traceability and visibility of the end-to-end product lifecycle processes.

Selecting the correct Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) solution can help companies resolve these challenges, providing a solution that supports the end-to-end lifecycle of the products - all the way from ideation through requirements management, product design, and industrialization to maintenance and end-of-life. To be truly successful with PLM, a system that can be integrated both up and downstream in the supply chain is required to have the flow and control of information as effective as possible.

For more information on the benefits of using your multi-CAD and PDM tools with Aras, watch our on-demand webinar.

How To Choose the Right PLM For Your PDM

Johnny Minor Mørup — Sat, 05 Nov 2022 18:15:00 GMT

Yes, you CAN now have your cake and eat it too!

Myth: PLM is a “one size fits all” solution

This can be quite complex based on product or process requirements which can be contradictory at different product maturity stages.

Myth: PLM is simply a tool

Historically, it is fair to state that PLM started as a tool. But it has since evolved into a discipline. It took twenty years. Now it’s here, and it will continue to reshape and evolve.

Fact: PLM is an enterprise-wide methodology

Fact: PLM can be used on an enterprise scale

For more information on the benefits of using your multi-CAD and PDM tools with Aras, watch our on-demand webinar.

How To Choose the Right PLM For Your PDM

Johnny Minor Mørup — Sat, 05 Nov 2022 18:15:00 GMT

Yes, you CAN now have your cake and eat it too!

Myth: PLM is a “one size fits all” solution

This can be quite complex based on product or process requirements which can be contradictory at different product maturity stages.

Myth: PLM is simply a tool

Historically, it is fair to state that PLM started as a tool. But it has since evolved into a discipline. It took twenty years. Now it’s here, and it will continue to reshape and evolve.

Fact: PLM is an enterprise-wide methodology

Fact: PLM can be used on an enterprise scale

For more information on the benefits of using your multi-CAD and PDM tools with Aras, watch our on-demand webinar.

How to Prepare for Product Recalls with a Digital Thread

Johnny Minor Mørup — Tue, 26 Apr 2022 16:08:00 GMT

The FDA has published a guide to help medical device companies quickly become “recall ready,” including how voluntary product recalls can be done faster and more efficiently by having a digital thread (PLM) in place.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently published an industry guidance for recalls to help companies, including medical device manufacturers, quickly and effectively correct or remove products in violation of FDA laws from the market. The guidance outlines the steps companies should take to develop recall policies and procedures before a recall is necessary. With a focus on training, planning, and record-keeping, recall-ready companies can quickly and effectively remove products from the market and limit the public’s exposure to risk. The FDA has the authority to require recalls of certain products, including medical devices. 

A voluntary recall is an action taken by a company to correct a product in violation or remove it from the market. The new guidance explains how proper product coding and distribution records help facilitate faster, more accurate recall actions. It encourages companies to use electronic communications to quickly identify and provide certain product information when alerting consignees and the public about a voluntary recall. 

Recall levels at a record high

The publication of the guidance reflects the agency’s response to the growing number of product recalls over the last five years. The number of recalls issued during the first half of 2021, however, was higher than the number of recalls issued during the first half of each of the previous five years.

Among the most serious of these recalls is related to HVAD pump implant kits. The first 3 months of 2022 have so far resulted in 12 medical device product recalls, including the recalls of CPAP and BiPAP ventilator machines.

From this set of recalls, device design is the most common FDA-determined cause. Faulty design may stem from insufficient design control during the product development phase. Examples of device design issues include components that do not stay in place, interfaces suspect to user misinterpretation, and inaccurate assays or measuring components.

Managing a nationwide recall is already challenging and adding the logistics of coordinating international measures can become extremely difficult if well designed systems are not in place.

The FDA estimate is that if the industry could address these problems jointly with the agency – including manufacturers improving their design control procedures - it is possible to prevent as many as 90% of recalls each year.

Becoming recall ready

It is critical for manufacturers and their product distribution chains to be “recall ready,” according to the FDA.  It recommends that a manufacturer make the following general preparations in advance of a potential recall:

Identify relevant products and use adequate product coding
Establish a recall communications plan
Identify appropriate personnel & train them on their responsibilities
How a digital thread can help prepare for product recalls
Identify relevant products and use adequate product coding

Product Identification & Unique Device Identification capabilities like those found in Aras Innovator help companies create individual serialised products and parts or batch/lot identification of products and the identification of receiving customer. With the digital thread, manufacturers can easily obtain customer details for communication purposes should a product recall be needed.

Many medical devices must bear a Unique Device Identifier (UDI) on their labels and device packages. The UDI and serial numbers can easily be tracked and located with the digital thread to find all required documentation or information. The coding used should allow for the identification of the production and control data created for each lot, batch, or unit.

Establish a recall communications plan

A critical element to any product recall strategy is a well-developed communications plan that answers the questions who, what, when, where, and how. The QMS Corrective Action Plan inside Aras Innovator can be used during a recall to identify, capture, and execute the associated activities needed to enact a recall, including identifying, analysing, and actioning any deviations, rework orders, change notices to both correct and/or prevent any additional problems.

Written recall procedures can be stored, approved, and released with the digital thread. The recall procedures can be easily found attached to the correct product.

Identify appropriate personnel & train personnel on their responsibilities

The learning management system and the associated training record can be used to ensure that personnel who have been identified to perform recall activities have been trained on a regular basis, so they have a thorough understanding of the recall procedures they are being asked to perform.

During a recall

Traceability of affected product in the production network is vital to minimize the impact of a recall. The key factor is quick access to accurate and relevant information. The digital thread enables fast traceability of all results and metadata from any suspect product back through all stages of production to initial test results. This enables operators to see which batches could be affected and take appropriate action to contain the issue.

For this reason, it is essential to have a system in place which will enable you to immediately identify which batch, and which finished products, might be implicated. 

Because recalls can affect the entire supply chain, including downstream suppliers, wholesalers, or vendors, the FDA recommends that companies develop recall procedures to quickly inform their entire distribution chain, so consignees can rapidly identify affected lots and recall downstream products when necessary. 

This might seem obvious, but recent events still show significant issues communicating recalls to customers and suppliers.

For more information on how to improve your design control procedures, be sure to check out our webinar, Mastering Design Control with Medical Device PLM.

For more details on bolstering your recall readiness, be sure to review Initiation of Voluntary Recalls Under 21 CFR Part 7, Subpart C.

Johnny Minor Mørup

Johnny Minor Mørup — Mon, 25 Apr 2022 14:19:55 GMT