The new Tebis PDM solution lets customers manage manufac-turing data in a standardised and transparent way — and the intuitive user interface makes the process easy. The result? A more reliable process, with minimal errors, at a lower cost — all in a very short time.

In small and mid-sized organisations, the process of man-aging manufacturing-related data frequently has weak points. These weak points become obvious when documents and files are not updated or are not available when needed. Too often, data is saved in duplicate or stored in a manner that is not clearly defined. This situation gets worse when frequent engineering changes occur during the design phase, requiring time-intensive communication to prevent errors. And even with lots of communication, the unavailability of correct data can create down-times. In the worst-case scenario, data errors cause the manufacturing of products that must be rejected.

Easy and effective
Tebis PDM was developed specifically for managing manufacturing-relevant data in these types of organisations. PDM (Product Data Management) is defined as the management and storage of all data and documents required to manufacture a product. PDM ensures a structured information flow within an organisation. Also, Tebis PDM can integrate and manage all data associated with a project. The data management is seamlessly integrated in the Tebis user interface, so users can easily view, edit and manage any files from external applications. Thus, the system can be put to use immediately, without major implementation expenses, and be very quickly amortised.

Centralised and standardised data management
With Tebis PDM, all departments involved in the manufacturing process use the same central document and database server to organise, store and secure the manufacturing data. The current version of the data — and only the current version — is readily available at all times. As soon as a newer version of a document is created, the older version is locked and archived. However, it is easy to trace change processes back — just click a button.

Automated NC programme storage
Tebis PDM has the reportedly unique option to store NC programmes automatically, sorted by setups. The system then sends the NC data directly from the central server to the machine. This capability reduces the burden on NC pro- grammers considerably, since they no longer need to sort and provide data manually. Plus, the correct NC programmes are always available at the machine.

Effective communication due to releases
The release mechanism integrated into the Tebis PDM system ensures that the workflow transfers the necessary data to each subsequent process step. Anyone completing a task then releases the dataset for the next process step. This release mechanism eliminates the need for inquiries among the designer, the NC programmer, the machine operator and all other parties involved in the process — resulting not only in considerable time savings, but also in a significant reduction in errors.

Information for everybody in the organisation
As an entry-level solution, Tebis PDM can be put to use immediately to optimise the interaction of all process sta- tions involved in manufacturing. The integration of PDM Viewers enables other teams — from costing to project management and assembly — to be integrated into the information process. Depending on an organisation’s specific needs, the system can be expanded to encompass capacity planning, resource management and workshop control.

Quick Payback
Below is a sample calculation of return on investment. Looking at the expenses for engi- neering change management — and the costs incurred from incorrect manufacturing due to incorrect data — there is always potential for optimisation. When these expenses are compared with the cost of Tebis PDM software, implementation and training, the result is impressive: the investment pays for itself very quickly.

Example of an efficiency calculation
Annual potential savings
Potential 1: Change management
Employees NC programming: 5
Hourly rate per employee: € 50
Time savings in minutes per employee per day: 10

Potential 2: Rejects
Manufacture based on outdated data, resulting in additional expenditure per year: 1
Value per part: € 10.000

Savings and investments
Potential 1: € 8.750
Potential 2: € 10.000
Overall potential: € 18.750
*Tebis PDM: € 14.300 Software, implementation and training

Return on Investment
Amortisation period: 9.2 months