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Enabling Supplier & OEM Collaboration: PLM & CAD Data Interoperability

Automate business processes involving technical data packages with multi-CAD, datasets & metadata across the enterprise

Increasingly companies from various large-scale industries like Aerospace & Defense have more than one CAD system; it can be a blend of active systems like CATIA, NX and Creo. Recent program initiatives can easily overwhelm the resources on one system and if the resource is a CAD system its prudent to overflow from one CAD system to another. 

Most companies exchange CAD data file format with suppliers, customers, and subcontractors. CAD data exchange is the movement of 3D design data between collaborating design/engineering/manufacturing companies. 

It could be native CAD data or STEP, or visualization format such as JT. 

Optimization of CAD data exchange processes across suppliers, contractors, partners and vendors is highly desirable to maintain efficient collaboration. 

Automated CAD data exchange processes make them the most efficient while enabling auditing. Also, if CAD data exchange can take place at off peak hours, it enables much desired load sharing across available resources.

eQube®-DaaS Platform

eQube®-DaaS, is a powerful Low/No-Code Data Integration and Analytics Platform. It rapidly establishes a robust, resilient, and scalable Data Fabric with a connected network of integrated data, applications and devices that puts the power of analytics in the hands of end users, leading to Actionable Insight. 

It empowers you to work with any data, any format, any API, any speed, with any system, any application, and any device. All this without writing any code, enabling secure, scalable, and robust information collaboration across networks, partners, suppliers, and customers that are geographically dispersed while honoring security rules. The platform can be deployed exclusively on cloud or on-prem as well as collectively on both (cloud and on-premises) in a hybrid manner.

Scenarios in which eQube®-DaaS Platform provides CAD interoperability, Data Orchestration and Automation of CAD Technical Data Package:
 

1. Sharing data packages in disconnected mode with eQube®-MI: 

Data is shared with external entities (like sub-contractors) as secure technical data package (TDP) which includes assembly structure and CAD designs. TDP can contain CAD as 3DPDF and is bundled with the package for quick content review.  

One such example can be: 

  • Fetch NX Assembly Structure from Teamcenter using eQube-DaaS Platform.
  • This CAD Assembly will be converted to 3DPDF Files using Elysium 3DxSuite.
  • Attach PLM Structure Data to the formatted 3DPDF using eQube-DaaS Platform.
  • 3D PDF File shared over secure channel to sub-contractors, suppliers, government entities.

2. Review Data package in a browser using eQube®-BI 3D Insight

The 3D-Insight feature in eQube®-BI provides dynamic, interactive visualization that allows for detailed drilldown to gain actionable insights. The 3D Insight feature in eQube®-BI offers a unique capability to visualize assemblies in 3D, enabling you to zoom, rotate, and view color-coded 3D models for improved clarity. eQube®-BI's 3D Insight makes this process seamless. Key capabilities include auto-spinning assemblies with adjustable speed and direction, customizing the appearance, highlighting parts, displaying selective parts, and linking to other metrics/analysis, third-party applications, or another 3D-Insight widget

One such example can be:

  • Retrieve the Assembly CAD and convert it to JT file using Elysium 3DxSuite
  • Review BOM and CAD structure using eQube®-BI 3D Insight in a browser
  • Slice the BOM Structure by applying filters and analyze the updated CAD

eQube-BI 3D Insight:
 


 

3. Manufacturing BOM & CAD data collaboration between PLM Systems

In a multi-PLM environment, EBOM, MBOM & CAD data can be synchronized using secure eQube-DaaS Platform. The platform connector framework honors the underlying PLM application security model and transfers only authorized data in a desired CAD format. Elysium 3DxSuite enables CAD healing, validation or lower the CAD versions for cross-platform transfers.  

One such example can be:

  • Fetch Object, Relations, BOM from Teamcenter/NX using eQube-DaaS Platform
  • Convert NX Assemblies & Parts to Creo Assembly & Part using Elysium 3DxSuite.
  • Create Object, Relations, BOM in Windchill/Creo with converted files using eQube-DaaS Platform

Enhancing Supplier & OEM Collaboration with eQube®-DaaS:
 

1. Streamlined CAD Data Exchange:

eQube®-DaaS Platform seamlessly integrates different CAD systems, automating data transfer while ensuring data integrity and security as part of any business process. Such eQube solution can handle various formats (e.g., STEP, JT).

2. Scalable and Flexible Integration:

The platform supports large-scale data exchanges across multiple systems and adapts to diverse data sources and formats, making it ideal for complex, multi-PLM and multi-CAD environments.

3. Low/No-Code Implementation:

eQube®-DaaS Platform offers a Low/No-Code approach, enabling quick setup and configurations of CAD data exchanges without extensive coding thereby providing lower TCO.

4. Real-time Data Orchestration:

Real-time orchestration across systems ensures up-to-date collaboration, keeping all stakeholders aligned with the latest CAD data.

5. Enhanced Security:

The platform adheres to stringent security standards, ensuring only authorized data is exchanged, crucial for industrial domain which focuses on protecting the IP.

6. API and Third-Party Integration: 

Supports integration with third-party applications via its API Gateway, enhancing interoperability with other enterprise systems and integration frameworks. 

7. Performance Optimization: 

Optimizes memory usage during CAD data processing, ensuring efficient performance even with complex assemblies or large datasets. 

For more information on how eQube-DaaS Platform can transform Supplier Collaboration process, please contact us at https://www.1eq.com/contact_us 

For more information on all the CAD operations that can be embedded in the eQube-DaaS Platform business processes, please refer to https://www.elysium-global.com/en/ 

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