After the introduction of PLM, it is already clear that we are 20 percent faster in project management because the wheels mesh better.Stefan Feldmann
Development Manager
Gerhardi Kunststofftechnik GmbH
GERHARDI
Gerhardi develops and produces high-quality plastic technology, injection molded parts and electroplating techniques for the automotive industry.
Integrated product development process including bid management and procurement
GERHARDI Kunststofftechnik GmbH is a specialist for the production of high-quality plastic parts with galvanized surfaces. The 1,200-strong company develops and manufactures radiator grilles for the premium vehicles of renowned German and international automobile manufacturers at the locations in Lüdenscheid, Werdohl and Ibbenbüren as well as interior components and functional parts. The automotive supplier positions itself as a full-service provider that supports its customers in the early conceptual phase of surface design for production and develops the technology behind it.
Solution
Company-wide use of the PLM system CIM Database with almost 300 users from different departments; depiction of the complete product development process from the quotation phase to the procurement of the operating resources to the start of production (SOP); planned integration of the acquisition lists to evaluate the order probability and sales planning; integration of the two CAD systems Catia and NX via CONTACT Workspaces technology in the course of this year.
Benefits
Greater efficiency in order processing by integrating the quotation process into the PLM system; more overview of the approximately 80 parallel development projects thanks to the multi-project and program view of the project portfolio; acceleration of project processing by 20 percent, which at the same time makes it easier to meet deadlines; gentle start of series production by increasing the degree of product maturity in the early phase of product development; fewer iteration loops to ensure product quality.
Specifics
Replacement of the existing PDM system, which was not multi-CAD-capable and will not be further developed; replacement of an independent project management solution that is not integrated with PDM; implementation of project management prior to the integration of CAD systems and the migration of the CAD database; extension of project management to include a content-related view that signals the degree of fulfillment of tasks to the project managers.
