ProSTEP iViP Symposium 2007

Workshop 1: „Design for Robustness“ - Process Optimization in Vehicle Development

Bernhard Phillip, casolute GmbH
Dr. Martin Strietzel, casolute GmbH

Abstract
The visualisation of the aesthetic impact of manufacturing tolerances on vehicles is only solved unsatisfactorily up to now. The new developed software aesthetica now provides a solution for the application areas Design, Product Development, Manufacturing Engineering and Production as a combination of visualisation and simulation. By visualising the optical impact of variations on the fit and finish situations of an assembly an early detection and elimination of aesthetic problems can be achieved. The deployment of this software tool during the development process decreases the number of physical prototypes required and leads to cost and time savings. Furthermore this software tool contributes to the quality improvement of the final product and the quality assurance. Late and costly modifications caused by large variations are avoidable and belong also to the most relevant benefits of the process concept “Design for Robustness”.

Workshop 2: Collaboration Support between ECAD and MCAD Systems

Dr. Arnulf Fröhlich, PROSTEP AG
Dr. Marcus Krastel, :em engineering methods AG
Jörn Schlingensiepen, PDTec GmbH

Abstract
The integration of mechanical and electrical components in mechatronic integrated products gains steadily significance. The development takes place in separated domains with different CAD tools (ECAD and MCAD). For the respective disciplines high-functional software tools are available at the market, however the support of existing processes and systems reaches the functional limits for collaboration of these systems. With the increasing product complexity as well as the requirements for shorter development times the need for feasible solutions for a sustainable collaboration on basis the existing ECAD and MCAD systems constantly increases. These subjects were discussed in 2006 in the context of the ProSTEP iViP e.V. project group "ECAD/MCAD-Collaboration" and a first data model based on the entities of the ISO10303 APs 210 and 214 has been designed and made available as XML schema for implementation. The Workshop aim is both to provide interested participants an insight into the project activities and to acquire the current need for action of the users. The Workshop will be in two main parts: The presentation of the present level of development of the project group "ECAD/MCAD Collaboration" and a discussion between users, system vendors and research facilities on possible additional usage scenarios and solutions, as well as their exploitation for the optimization of the collaboration between ECAD and MCAD developers.

Workshop 3: Holistic Management of Product Engineering Processes by Project Management Platforms

Christian Peine, Benteler Automobiltechnik GmbH
Dr. Oliver Quirmbach, ILC PROSTEP GmbH

Abstract
The efficient development of new products from idea to launch has always been vital to the automotive industry. Only businesses that bring high-quality innovations to market quickly and cost-effectively can maintain or enhance their competitive position. Many organizations have identified major weaknesses in the overall management of their product development projects. Lack of communication, unclear requirements, late customer changes—these are just some of the problems cited as the reason for production startup delays and the high number of recalls. The steady rise in product variants has been accompanied by a sharp increase in complexity, chiefly due to the growing use of electrical/electronic systems and software. Product development now includes entirely new disciplines, each with their own tools and processes. This poses new challenges for managing the development process. The management of the entire product engineering process requires new conceptual approaches and IT-tools. From business unit heads and project managers to engineers and software developers business processes have to be managed integrated. All product data and processes in a heterogeneous system landscape have to be displayed and maintained in a cockpit in context of the respective user. System-spanning technology platforms provide now the opportunity to realize the vision of an integrated Product Lifecycle Management. The workshop introduces new conceptual and technological approaches referring to different projects. The participants acquire additional requirements on a project management platform for product engineering and assess their importance. The exchange of experiences provides important knowledge for the advancement of the own PEP and its technological support to all participants.

Workshop 4: Supplier Interaction in Drivetrain Development

Hugo Kröger, PTC Parametric Technology GmbH
Bernd Pöttner, Volkswagen AG

Abstract

• process definition and requirements for data management in drivetrain development
• need for collaboration with external and internal partners
• implementation within Drivetrain Engineering Center (ECA)
• controlling roles and access rights
• live presentation
• process visualisation and milestone checking
• value for process owner