In the past few years, powerful computer-aided design (CAD) and 3D visualisation technologies have evolved, offering all the skills required to create and use 3D models with embedded product and manufacturing data (PMI). But effective Model-Based Enterprise (MBE) efforts demand involvement from stakeholders across the firm, not simply CAD and 3D visualisation technology. Modern product lifecycle management Software (PLM Software) systems offer the required tools to track, manage, communicate, and collaborate on these deliverables in a controlled manner, even between manufacturers and their suppliers. Fortunately, this offers a workable option.
All these themes are covered in this white paper by Lifecycle Insights, a producer of research, instructional, and consulting insights on technology-led engineering programmes.
Terminology for model-based analysis: MBD, MBSE, and MBE
Terminology can be extremely perplexing when discussing engineering goals and the technologies that support them. To further complicate matters, model-centric methodologies are used in three separate engineering fields. Using a 3D model with Product Manufacturing Information (PMI) instead of a 2D engineering sketch as design documentation is known as Model-Based Definition (MBD), a mechanical engineering project. Model-Based System Engineering (MBSE), on the other hand, is a system engineering project to develop a digital system model usable by all engineering disciplines and other functional organisations inside a corporation. In order to produce new documentation deliverables outside of engineering, Model-Based Enterprise (MBE), a company-wide programme, augments 3D models and PMI with extra data. The documentation in this white paper, which is based on mechanical 3D models, is focused on MBD and MBE. In addition to documentation based on mechanical 3D models enhanced with the product, process, and PMI, this white paper focuses on MBD and MBE.
Assumptions regarding MBE schemes
An MBE programme may first appear to be all about producing deliverables, whether from engineering or other functional areas, and making them accessible to other stakeholders. However, it goes far deeper than that. Various stakeholders must work together on MBE projects throughout a variety of product development stages, particularly when evaluating and distributing design documentation, enhancing engineering documentation, and cooperating with suppliers. According to Lifecycle Insights, the MBE deliverable is not always just handed off in a fire-and-forget manner. Multiple parties are involved in each case, and there is constant back-and-forth communication between those parties. Therefore, technology that maintains versions, regulates access, tracks complex configurations, offers the proper access at the right time, and transfers design changes across organisations, suppliers, and the manufacturer is necessary for a successful MBE effort.
importance of PLM Software and 3D visualisation in empowering people
Many manufacturers rely on shared files, email, laptops, and desktop computers to track, manage, share, and cooperate on deliverables in an effort to implement MBE programmes. But each of these instruments has its own shortcomings and restrictions. Fortunately, Product Lifecycle Management software (PLM Software) technologies are a good substitute. The following skills, which are crucial for MBE initiatives, are provided by PLM software and 3D visualisation software:
- Version and iteration management
- Release management
- Notifications and updates
- Technical data package exchange
- Managing broad definitions
- 3D model interrogation
- Mobile 3D visualisation
- Secure sharing and synchronisation
- Secure collaboration
In support of the processes to generate MBD and MBE deliverables among the variety of process stakeholders, PLM software systems offer considerable advantages over desktops, shared files, and emails. Download the full Lifecycle Insights white paper to discover more about why PLM software systems offer the right additional set of capabilities to assure MBE success.
