Efficient coordination processes for project schedule management (PSM), i.e. scheduling and managing projects, make an important contribution to the optimization of collaborative PLM processes. The more complex collaboration networks and the products to be developed are, the more important efficient methods for PSM synchronization (PSMS) across departmental and company boundaries become. The objective of the PSMS project group is to develop standardized communication modules and methods based on the STEP AP242 Domain Object Model.
The rules and modules listed in the PSMS recommendation (PSI 25) are IT independent, support both conventional and agile methods, and can for example be implemented via the asynchronous exchange or in shared applications via portal services, the cloud or data space solutions. They ensure stable and efficient processes across all disciplines, as well as between the different ecosystems maintained by the partners (OEMs, suppliers).
The user companies and IT vendors in the project group last year also defined test scenarios and test data for synchronizing project master data and milestones and launched their implementation. At the same time, they coordinated and specified in greater detail the next, functional phases of expansion for synchronizing entire process structures and the links to the PLM/ERP objects and deliverables affected. This also makes it possible to expand and integrate product data management to include the process-related artifacts of project needed for project and schedule management.
For the first time, the test scenarios and test data provide references to the vendors, thus making it possible for them to develop new PSM interfaces based on STEP technology and the AP242. PSI 25 provides a coordinated set of rules for the functional and procedural design of system-specific interfaces. Feedback from the pilot projects will incorporated in PSI 25 as improvements.
In 2023, the many outside influences that resulted in cutbacks in ongoing projects, changes to priorities and to available resources posed a particular challenge to user companies and vendors. This has repeatedly led to uncertainties and hindrances in the PSMS project. The technical challenge in PSMS implementation projects is the fact that the companies involved are breaking new ground in project schedule management by making use of the STEP AP242 reference model.
In the current year, the project group plans to complete PSI 25 V2.0, which will offer comprehensive functional extensions compared to the first version. This means that synchronization of entire process structures as well as links to the objects and deliverables concerned will be specified, thus making bilateral integration with, for example, the PLM and/or ERP world possible.
"Despite less than ideal conditions, we were able to ensure the continuity of the PSMS project in 2023 and achieve significant results. This includes, first and foremost, the functional expansion of the rules in line with changes to priorities in terms of the industry partners' requirements."
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