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Handling Global Project Management with Style, Ease & Aras PLM
Technology Category
- Application Infrastructure & Middleware - Data Exchange & Integration
- Application Infrastructure & Middleware - Database Management & Storage
- Functional Applications - Product Lifecycle Management Systems (PLM)
Applicable Industries
- Consumer Goods
- Retail
Applicable Functions
- Business Operation
- Product Research & Development
- Quality Assurance
Services
- Software Design & Engineering Services
- System Integration
The Challenge
The most urgent issue for Alessi was project management. At Alessi, the definition and introduction of each new product is a project and each project involves several different people from a variety of disciplines inside and outside the company. In the high turn, multi-season retail environment, effective project management is critical. Prior to implementing Aras, relevant part data was stored in the PDM system while all related information and documentation was handled through a set of ad-hoc tools and descriptive files stored in an array of shared folders.
About The Customer
Alessi, the world-renowned creator of unique and innovative houseware products founded in 1921 by Giovanni Alessi, has developed a policy of design excellence that has made it one of the leading internationally renowned Italian Design Factories. The company has reconciled its typically industrial needs with its tendency to consider itself as a 'research laboratory in the field of the applied arts'. Known for its iconic style, the Italian manufacturer blends a true passion for top-level design with the industrial approach required to develop, manufacture and distribute over 3,000 products for the home, table, kitchen, office, and more. Several Alessi products can be found in the permanent collections of the world’s most prestigious museums, including the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) New York; the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York; Victoria & Albert Museum, London; and the Triennale Design Museum in Milan. The company currently collaborates with over 200 designers from all over the world. Alessi’s products are developed using the highest quality metals and other materials including plastics, wood, crystal, and consumer electronics. The company puts the same amount of care and attention into displaying their products in its 43 flagship and 370 in-store shops around the world.
The Solution
Alessi selected Aras as their enterprise product lifecycle management solution. The Aras implementation, led by Focus PLM Senior Project Manager Stefano Mariani, provides Alessi with a robust, integrated infrastructure with enterprise project management, real-time reporting, and full visibility into project status. Focus PLM’s Direct PLM connector ensures integration with the company’s CAD systems and an additional integration to SAP provides connectivity to ERP. All BOMs (bill of material), parts, CAD files, and related documents are now stored in a single repository and Alessi can provide optional, secure access to anyone in the product lifecycle, inside or outside of the company. The Aras solution has improved productivity and efficiency throughout the product development process. According to Mariani, the transition to Aras was 'completely seamless with no data loss or interruptions.'
Operational Impact
Quantitative Benefit
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