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ThyssenKrupp Elevator Americas Reduces Product Costs with aPriori
Technology Category
- Analytics & Modeling - Predictive Analytics
- Functional Applications - Product Lifecycle Management Systems (PLM)
Applicable Functions
- Procurement
- Product Research & Development
Use Cases
- Manufacturing System Automation
- Predictive Maintenance
Services
- Software Design & Engineering Services
- System Integration
The Challenge
ThyssenKrupp Elevator faced challenges in cost management, particularly at the design stage. The process was manual, time-consuming, and inconsistent, leading to delays and inefficiencies. Design engineers focused on product quality, with cost considerations being secondary. The company needed a solution to integrate cost management into the design process without slowing down product development.
About The Customer
ThyssenKrupp Elevator is a leading global elevator company, part of the ThyssenKrupp Group based in Essen, Germany. The company offers a wide range of products including passenger and freight elevators, escalators, and moving walks. With annual sales of 42.6 billion euros and over 177,000 employees globally, ThyssenKrupp Elevator Americas is the largest producer of elevators in the Americas, employing over 13,500 people and generating sales of more than $2.7 billion. The company operates extensively in the United States, Canada, Central, and South America, with significant manufacturing operations in Tennessee.
The Solution
ThyssenKrupp Elevator implemented aPriori, a product cost-management software, to address its cost management challenges. A cross-functional team evaluated the software over 10 weeks, focusing on its ability to provide real-time product-cost information. The team found that aPriori could identify cost savings even in mature product parts and was easy to use for both new and experienced engineers. The software allowed for instant and precise cost assessments from CAD models, enabling more informed design decisions. aPriori was also used by the manufacturing and procurement teams to optimize processes and negotiate better supplier terms.
Operational Impact
Quantitative Benefit
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