BASF Polyurethanes

Manufacturer of the specialty plastic polyurethane (BASF Performance Materials division)
1,657 employees (2022)
€3 billion in sales (2022)

BASF Polyurethanes GmbH in Lemförde is the market and technology leader for polyurethane systems and plastic specialties in Europe. Polyurethane (PU) is considered the "magician" among plastics. The high-quality plastic solutions make daily life easier: in sports and leisure, in construction, at home, and in automobiles. BASF PU has been using CIM Database since 1994 as a platform for global data, process, and project management. In doing so, BASF's plastics experts benefit from reliable processes and agile teamwork in planning and managing development projects and in designing new production facilities. The Lemförde site is the global technology center and research and development center for polyurethane products.

Task and objective

Central platform for the product development process and cross-site project management
Integrated project management including support for agile methods
Powerful document management
Secure data exchange with external partners and suppliers
Transition from drawing-centric approach to item-centric methodology

Solution

CIM Database as a global PLM platform with comprehensive functionality range
CAD data management for SolidWorks and Creo
Automated product data exchange via web-based collaboration portal
Hybrid project management including integrated controlling
Document management with Office integration and powerful enterprise search
Engineering Change Management (ECM)
Efficient and flexible classification through Universal Classification including visually supported search with Class Browser

Benefits

Consistent product data and accelerated processes
Persistent transparency regarding project, deadline, and cost situations
Swift order processing and strong project cash flow through project-specific expense tracking and consequent rapid invoicing
High project profitability through integrated controlling/li>
Accelerated document search and know-how protection through rule- and role-based authorization system
High level of reuse and secure handling of high variant numbers through easily configurable class concept
Secure data exchange with external partners via Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)
Reliable execution of cross-site inspection and approval processes through digital ECM