Outdated PLM System Stifles Efficiency and Data Integrity
The issue faced by Spire Collective was that the current PLM system was outdated and did not allow for proper process control between different departments within the company. A system was needed that could be adapted to the existing workflow, rather than having the system dictate operational methods. Concerns arose about the large amount of data, perceived as difficult and time-consuming to transfer to a new system, causing hesitation in adopting a new solution. The Bill of Materials (BOM) management in the old system was so cumbersome that it was essentially unused, leading to data being dispersed across multiple pieces of software and compromising data integrity.
A Six-Month Transition to Fusion Manage
The goals were to move all data from the old PLM system into the new system within a six-month timeframe. Upon delving into Autodesk Fusion Manage, the software was found to be highly adaptable. With the assistance of Team D3, it was tailored to fit the company’s specific business processes.
“At StoreYourBoard, we design and build elegant solutions to significant storage problems, catering to items ranging from kayaks to power tools. The company provides everything needed to organize equipment and reclaim space. While the products are impressive, they are relatively simple, necessitating a lower degree of process control compared to industries like medical or aerospace. This allowed for simplified workflows within Autodesk Fusion Manage, with the capability to add complexity for data collection and integration with enterprise software.”
Key areas addressed included Items & BOMs, Engineering Change Management, Document Management, Project Management, and NPI Workspaces. Other features utilized were workflows, scripting and automation, roles and permissions, notifications, training, and the Team D3 Support workspace.
Customizing Autodesk Fusion Manage
Team D3’s primary goal was to ensure the successful implementation of the Autodesk Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) technology for Spire Collective. This included customizing the PLM system to fit the client’s needs, testing the system to ensure it functioned correctly, efficiently deploying the PLM technology across the client’s organization, and providing training to “key stakeholders” on how to use the PLM system.
Configure
- Utilized foundation and quick-start configuration templates/guides.
- Conducted workflow mapping sessions with the client’s subject matter experts (SMEs) and business users.
- Hosted user story workshops to obtain critical business requirements and rules.
- Incorporated input from client data sources and SMEs.
Test
- Associated user stories with test cases to create verifiable desired outcomes.
- Conducted user acceptance testing (UAT) sessions to evaluate the configured pre-production solution and identify any gaps or defects in functionality.
Deploy
- Executed production releases for each iteration in the project.
Train
- Provided training appropriate for client project stakeholders to ensure success throughout project iterations.
Achieving Visibility, Control, and Efficiency with Fusion
The Spire Collective team was pleasantly surprised by how easy and intuitive the software was to use, particularly appreciating the clean, modern UI that was lacking in other PLM systems. While much of the system could be easily configured by the end users, having Team D3 as an integration specialist was comforting. They handled more complex modifications, such as advanced scripting and integrating cost/profitability calculators. Team D3 took the time to understand the business and provided innovative ideas for processes that had not been previously considered.
Despite initial hesitation to switch systems due to the potential for data loss and corruption, Autodesk Fusion Manage featured a robust data import tool that made data migration straightforward. In the few instances where the import process was flawed, and data did not align correctly, Team D3 was there to sync the data with the appropriate product when needed.
Tracking projects to ensure products are launched on time and maintain the quality that customers expect from StoreYourBoard.com became significantly easier. Key team members now have full visibility into the product lifecycle, from ideation to end of life, and all stages in between.
The team especially appreciated the ability to click on a Autodesk Fusion viewer link that displayed the 3D model, allowing remote team members to better understand the product in a 3D space.
The Impact
“Autodesk Fusion Manage has enabled our team to operate at a higher level of efficiency, with each member having immediate access to the product database. Whether Customer Service needs information on which replacement part works for a specific product revision or Marketing requires visibility on the timing of a product launch, Autodesk Fusion Manage has already proven to be an invaluable asset in its first few months of use. The team couldn’t be happier with the results. Team D3 has been fantastic, and having Autodesk Fusion Manage Support available will be beneficial as more questions arise in the future.”
-Matt Winslow, Production Manager
