This article, part of the How Do YOU CM2? blog series in collaboration with IpX, emphasizes that true configuration management (CM) maturity transcends documentation. It requires standardized processes that are adaptable, measurable, and actively improved. Organizations must apply CM consistently across all lifecycle phases and maintain traceability to ensure effective performance.
In the 53rd edition of the Future of CM Newsletter, I continue my collaboration with IpX – Institute for Process Excellence in our “How Do You CM2?” series.
This time, an article dear to my heart: the integration between CAD models and Parts. What do you think is the right strategy?
This article emphasizes that parts do not have revisions; rather, datasets do. It discusses the confusion and inefficiency created by treating part revisions as part of the part number. Shifting focus to dataset revisions enhances clarity, reduces errors, and streamlines processes within organizations, driving down costs and improving quality in product development.
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
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.
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.
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 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 (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.
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.