Arena Solutions Introduces Advanced File Management -- New Optional Module Provides Platform for Integration of PDM tools into Arena PLM; New PDM Integration Adapters Announced
Arena Solutions, Inc. (formerly bom.com), the leading provider of online Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) solutions, today announced expanded functionality for Arena PLM with the introduction of a new Advanced File Management module. Advanced File Management provides enhanced capabilities for managing changes to product-related documents and other intellectual assets -- including CAD and EDA files, design documents, test results, business processes and more -- along with the product definition in Arena PLM. By linking this enterprise data to product information, Arena PLM delivers a higher level of business intelligence that helps OEMs compete more effectively.
MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA (PRWEB) April 25, 2003 -- Arena Solutions, Inc. (formerly bom.com), the leading provider of online Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) solutions, today announced expanded functionality for Arena PLM with the introduction of a new Advanced File Management module. Advanced File Management provides enhanced capabilities for managing changes to product-related documents and other intellectual assets -- including CAD and EDA files, design documents, test results, business processes and more -- along with the product definition in Arena PLM. By linking this enterprise data to product information, Arena PLM delivers a higher level of business intelligence that helps OEMs compete more effectively.
Along with the release of the Advanced File Management module, Arena announced its strategy to integrate Product Data Management (PDM) tools into Arena PLM through the development of a new series of integration adapters. This integration means greater efficiencies for engineering teams, improved availability of current design data, and better organizational efficiency and accountability. For OEMs in industries designing products with significant mechanical content, such as automotive, industrial equipment, and aerospace, Arena's new functionality will prove particularly helpful.
The first of Arena's new integration adapters, Arena's PDMWorks Integration Adapter, will allow integration of SolidWorks files in PDMWorks with product definition data in Arena PLM. Engineering teams will be able to manage SolidWorks drawings and part and assembly files in their PDMWorks vault, while managing corresponding released distribution files (e.g., PDF or eDrawing) in Arena PLM. In addition, access to SolidWorks part files by groups outside of engineering, including the supply chain, can be provided and controlled by Arena PLM. Arena is also planning similar integrations with other PDM and geometry vaulting systems.
Arena Solutions is the first PLM vendor to combine sophisticated file management with product definition functionality," said Michael Topolovac, CEO of Arena Solutions. With Advanced File Management, our customers gain both more sophisticated file management capabilities and the ability to integrate into the product definition record files authored or controlled in other enterprise applications, such as PDM vaults."
Advanced File Management is a natural extension of the core functionality in Arena PLM, and is a key component of Arena's strategy to integrate its PLM solution with MCAD and PDM systems, such as SolidWorks PDMWorks. Unlike PDM systems that are used during the design phase, Advanced File Management handles documents that are released to manufacturing and used with outside suppliers and outsourcing partners. By bridging the gap between engineering and the rest of the organization, Advanced File Management facilitates collaboration around changes across the extended product team.
Without a file management system, intellectual assets are frequently managed in an ad-hoc fashion, using multiple electronic copies, paper copies or simply informal corporate knowledge. This environment often leads to a chaotic change management process where confusion over version-related issues can cause costly mistakes. As the primary system of record for product information, Arena PLM is uniquely positioned to manage these intellectual assets along with the product definition. This provides a more complete product record that is stored in a secure, central online repository and can be accessed by geographically distributed product teams -- regardless of location or IT infrastructure. In particular, OEMs in regulated industries, such as aerospace, automotive, industrial equipment, medical or any manufacturer with extensive mechanical design requirements or complex document management needs can benefit substantially from Advanced File Management.
The Advanced File Management module provides a centralized environment for managing product-related files around which the entire team can collaborate. It utilizes Arena PLM's web-native, industry-standard security infrastructure to store and manage any type of file, including documents, CAD drawings, redlines and other markups, software, and image files. Its powerful new features include:
| | - Check-in/check-out capability. Users can check out files, make modifications, and check files back into the Advanced File Management vault. When a file is checked-out, others cannot alter it, which ensures that changes are strictly controlled and work among team members isn't duplicated. The repository stores a complete history of files over time, called "editions," providing an important audit trail for manufacturers in regulated industries.
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| | - Intelligent file associations. With Advanced File Management, users are able to associate a single file to many objects. This helps ensure that the right files are used with items or assemblies stored in Arena PLM, promotes re-use of standard documents, contributes to the ongoing refinement of corporate best practices and facilitates compliance with quality standards and regulatory requirements.
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| | - Distribution file repository. Advanced File Management serves as the repository for the distribution and markup files used for engineering change requests (ECRs), issue tracking, and other early stage change processes.
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About Arena PLM
Arena PLM provides a centralized environment for managing product data, making it easy for OEMs, suppliers and outsourced partners to collaborate in real time around a single set of information -- regardless of geographic location or time zone. This is particularly valuable for OEMs that need a secure way to share continually changing product data with contract manufacturers. Other benefits include fewer costly mistakes, improved product quality and faster time to market. The cost-effective subscription model, which makes Arena PLM affordable for organizations of any size, means that Arena PLM customers realize rapid ROI.
Pricing & Availability
Advanced File Management is currently available to Arena PLM users as an optional module. Customers can access Arena PLM from any computer with a web browser; there is no traditional software to install, maintain or upgrade. New Arena customers can be up and running within days. For pricing information, please call Arena Solutions' sales department at +1.866.937.1438.
About Arena Solutions
Arena Solutions (formerly bom.com) is the leading provider of online product lifecycle management (PLM) software. The Arena PLM solution facilitates rapid product development and efficient product management by unifying fragmented product teams, outsourced partners and remote suppliers into one cohesive design and manufacturing chain. As the system of record for product data, Arena PLM provides a unified product definition and a controlled change management process from product concept through end-of-life. By offering a real-time, integrated view of complete product information-which incorporates data authored in design tools and which can be automatically synchronized with production systems-Arena PLM enables the extended manufacturing enterprise to reduce errors, increase efficiencies, lower product costs and engage in more accurate planning. The web-native architecture of Arena PLM keeps the total cost of ownership low by eliminating the need to install, upgrade or maintain traditional software or hardware. Founded in February 2000, Arena Solutions is based in Mountain View, California. More information is available at www.arenasolutions.com.
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Arena Solutions, Arena PLM, Product Arena, Sourcing & Costing Arena, Integration Arena and bom.com are trademarks of Arena Solutions. Other product and company names are the property of their respective holders.
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