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Providing a Service Platform Across the Enterprise with Aras PLM to Streamline New Product Development Process
Technology Category
- Platform as a Service (PaaS) - Application Development Platforms
- Platform as a Service (PaaS) - Data Management Platforms
- Platform as a Service (PaaS) - Device Management Platforms
Applicable Industries
- Aerospace
Applicable Functions
- Business Operation
- Product Research & Development
- Quality Assurance
Services
- Cloud Planning, Design & Implementation Services
- Software Design & Engineering Services
- System Integration
The Challenge
Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) faced significant challenges in managing product information and processes across its diverse industrial segments. Each segment had developed its own systems for CAD data management, requirements management, and other engineering processes, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs. The lack of real-time communication and collaboration between departments further exacerbated the problem, making it time-consuming to share product information across disciplines. KHI needed a unified PLM platform to support its engineering business company-wide, streamline new product development, and optimize system-related costs.
About The Customer
Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd. (KHI) is a leading manufacturer of equipment for the aerospace, energy, industrial equipment, power, transportation, and shipping industries. With 34,000 employees on six continents and over $13 billion in annual revenue, KHI serves a global customer base in dynamically changing markets. The company’s aerospace division designs and manufactures products ranging from aircraft to satellites, while the transportation division delivers the Shinkansen and New York subway cars. KHI’s ship and offshore division produces gas carriers, large tankers, and advanced submarines. The energy solutions division provides global markets with energy equipment and management systems. KHI is also active in high-level engineering technologies, including environmental and recycling plants, industrial plants, precision machinery, industrial robots, and infrastructure equipment. In the consumer products segment, KHI produces motorcycles, watercraft, all-terrain vehicles, and other leisure and power products under the Kawasaki brand.
The Solution
KHI selected and implemented Aras Innovator in an in-house Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) configuration to achieve a more standardized and unified product development environment. Aras Innovator was chosen for its flexibility, scalability, and ability to support the unique processes of KHI’s various business units. The platform’s model-based architecture allowed KHI to perform customizations without complex programming, making upgrades faster and easier. KHI engaged Aras implementation partner ADS Inc. to help transform its vision into reality, leveraging the technical expertise and specialized utility tools provided by ADS. The Elysium CAD connectors were used to integrate Aras PLM with CATIA, enhancing the platform’s capabilities. KHI deployed Aras PLM in a private cloud environment, enabling easy support for different companies within the group.
Operational Impact
Quantitative Benefit
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