Press release – September 27, 2024
The new CONTACT Elements Release
The latest version of CONTACT Software's open low-code platform supports companies even more efficiently in the development, manufacturing, and service of their products – on-premises and in the cloud. Here’s an overview of the key features.
CONTACT Elements combines over 50 flexibly combinable modules, helping companies develop products more efficiently, bring the smart factory to life, and implement innovative digital business models. The new release of the platform offers numerous features for CIM Database PLM, Project Office, and Elements for IoT. In addition to performance improvements at the database level and regarding tool integrations, all modules are fully usable in the WebUI. Below, we present the key innovations for users in detail.
Evaluate requirements faster
The new ReqXpert in CIM Database makes the evaluation process of product requirements even more efficient. It expands the Requirements Engineering module with two role-based views, allowing users to assign, evaluate, and track the status of requirements faster. The advantages of the end-to-end software architecture are particularly evident in everyday work: ReqXpert is integrated into the task management system of the Elements platform, so requirements to be evaluated are automatically displayed on the task board.
Standardize product portfolio with modules
CIM Database now supports the modularization of products with its Variants module for variant management. This allows reusable modules – which, unlike components, are variable in themselves – to be integrated into products. A modular approach is particularly beneficial for companies with a high variety of product variants, helping them reduce complexity at the product level and standardize their portfolios. The advantages range from more efficient development and faster change processes to economies of scale in production.
Extensive research options for task boards
With the new release, CONTACT expands the functional scope of its project management solution, Project Office, for agile teamwork in development projects. Users can now flexibly search for and access any task boards, regardless of whether they are personally involved in the project. Frequently used search filters and criteria can be saved as favorites, making organization more efficient.
In addition to a comprehensive redesign, the new version of the Workflow Designer also offers new functions and is much faster to use in the web browser than before. This includes a separate detail area displaying the data of a workflow as well as a minimap for quick orientation.
Increase energy efficiency in production
CONTACT has expanded Elements for IoT with new features and widgets to create a sophisticated energy management system, enabling companies to transparently track, analyze, and sustainably reduce their energy consumption. The system breaks down energy demand from the production line to the produced unit, providing reliable data for calculating the product carbon footprint, helping reduce CO2 emissions. Customers who combine the new energy management system with CONTACT's solutions for digital production control (Manufacturing Execution System (MES)/Manufacturing Operation Management (MOM)) can achieve further significant savings. The energy management system also complies with ISO 50001 and is eligible for government subsidies.
Create economic added value with PLM and IoT data
Insights is a new feature in CONTACT Elements for IoT, making it even easier to transform operational and usage data from service or production into value-added actions. Users can now bundle relevant information on a specific issue, such as frequently occurring problems from customer tickets or reasons for high scrap rates from the MES, in an Insight. These can be continuously expanded, shared with colleagues across departments, and used to derive targeted actions from the knowledge gained. With automated documentation, Insights helps improve quality and value creation throughout the entire product lifecycle, from development to production and use (Closed-Loop).
Optimal usability for all user groups
Our UX team has significantly enhanced the usability and accessibility of CONTACT Elements, adhering to the BITV 2.0 guidelines. Features like keyboard navigation, a screen reader, and increased contrast ensure all users can work efficiently and comfortably with the software. Forms have been made even clearer and the navigation bar has been optimized in terms of structure and workflow. Drag & drop mechanisms have been extended to more parts of the platform, making tasks like working within product structures even more intuitive.
The new release of CONTACT Elements is now available for customers and partners to download. At the Open World from November 12 to 13 in Munich, interested parties will have the opportunity to experience the platform and its new features live.
