Skip to content

Identification

No Such Thing As Precise Bill of Materials

Precise Bill of Materials Don’t Exist

There is no such thing as precise bill of materials, they do not exist! So there I said it… Well this does require a little bit of explanation and nuance. In one of my previous articles I wrote about Parts don’t have Revisions, where I explained the different data models in PLM, ERP and CM2. Here is a quick refresher of the different setups (for more details check the article): All above models… Read More »Precise Bill of Materials Don’t Exist

Configuration Management is ...

Configuration Management is …

Next to this newsletter I have been posting a new series of posts on my blog mdux.net and LinkedIn. The Configuration Management is… series posts are not intended to limit the scope of Configuration Management, but to create awareness of the breadth of CM. Each of these elements is part of good Configuration Management Practice.

a day in the life of a configuration and technical change mangaer

A day in the life of a Configuration and Technical Change Manager in an Agile Organization.

The fourth edition of the CM+Agile series highlights a day in the life of a Configuration and Technical Change Manager at an agile car software company. It emphasizes the importance of reliable data in managing software releases, effective change management, and the critical role of Configuration Management in ensuring product quality and timely delivery, amidst challenges faced during development.

Configuration Management is... Communication

Configuration Management is… Communication

Configuration Management (CM) emphasizes the importance of communication, particularly in implementing changes that affect multiple functions. Effective communication is crucial for successful CM, facilitating collaboration across departments and organizations. By ensuring all information is properly managed, CM creates a framework that enhances communication among stakeholders. Join the discussion on LinkedIn.

Configuration Management is… Product Structures

The post discusses Product Structures within Configuration Management, emphasizing the importance of engineering, manufacturing, and MRP bills of material (BoMs). It highlights the significance of requirements and breakdowns in managing baselines and changes. The conversation encourages engagement with experts and reflections on organizational governance and product types.

Configuration Management is… Part Re-Identification

Configuration Management involves part re-identification, crucial for avoiding issues. Simply relying on Form, Fit, and Function is insufficient; traceability and interchangeability are vital. Notable failures from misidentification, such as Deepwater Horizon and GM’s Ignition Switch, highlight this. For further insights, consider the author’s book on the topic.

Configuration Management is… Identification

Configuration Management (CM) is crucial for proper identification of business elements such as parts, documents, and datasets. Without established rules for identification, a company risks operational chaos and potential failure. Effective governance ensures clarity and organization, making identification a vital aspect of successful business management. Join the discussion on LinkedIn.

Part Re-Identification: It is not about the Tree

The first anniversary of “The Essential Guide to Part Re-Identification” is celebrated with gratitude towards readers. The book emphasizes the complexity of part re-identification decisions, highlighting the need for understanding rather than just following a decision tree. Training on the relevant questions is vital for effective decision-making in diverse contexts.

to revise or not to revise

Parts don’t have Revisions

In his year-end post, Martin Eigner discusses the nuances of part revisions within PLM tools, summarizing insights from previous writings. He highlights that parts themselves shouldn’t have revisions; instead, data sets linked to parts should. Various methods for managing Bill of Materials revisions are explored, noting each approach’s strengths and weaknesses.

Customer Focus

How Configuration Management supports the shift in Customer Focus

The article discusses the need for a shift in customer focus within the automotive industry, particularly among Western OEMs, to adapt to shorter product life cycles driven by software integration. It emphasizes the importance of agile methodologies in product development, configuration management adjustments, and collaborating across hardware and software engineering to meet evolving customer expectations efficiently.