CIMdata PLM Industry Summary Online Archive
28 June 2004
Implementation Investments
Exclusive INCAT® Software Deployed at Automotive OEM to Improve and Better Secure Data Exchange with Suppliers
INCAT® announced the completion of a major upgrade of its software that allows access to VPM, the product data management system of a major automotive OEM. The INCAT software package, called ConnectDirectT, allows supplier organizations to connect directly with OEMs for safe, secure data exchange. In this particular deployment, it is the only allowed connection method by which supplier organizations may access the OEM's VPM database - essentially providing and securing the "front door" to data exchange between that OEM and its suppliers.
Version 2 is a significant upgrade over the original package, written by INCAT nearly five years ago. Version 1 provided the OEM's suppliers with a single point-of-contact for help services, it secured the OEM's database and established a stable environment in which the suppliers could exchange data. INCAT provided all the connection and support services to connect supplier organizations to the OEM's VPM server through V1.
"As tier-1 suppliers take on more product development and program management responsibilities, the importance of a low-maintenance, highly flexible supplier integration solution increases. INCAT's ConnectDirect offering supports this industry trend and can be applied anywhere that connectivity and data quality assurance is required," said Jeff Nedwick, INCAT Automotive Consulting Manager.
V2 features an overnight upgrade option that decreases system downtime. It also allows for on-the-fly changes when necessary. Another key feature of V2 is its provision for an OEM-based repository for VPM. This is achieved with a tool that is used to synchronize two repositories and involves a system using a server as a repository for the VPM software, and a repository for the INCAT checking software. It is completely secure and will not allow the transfer of data outside the repositories.
The upgrade also runs a series of checks on the supplier's machine for stability and software compliances to ensure accurate communication. These checks can be changed on the fly and include checks for OS level, software patches and software configurations.
Because INCAT developed, deployed and continues to manage this interface, there is consistent delivery and support, at a low cost, for all suppliers - and it eliminates the deployment and maintenance requirements of the OEM.
The deployment of V2 within this OEM and its current suppliers was completed in Q1 of this year. INCAT will provide V2 - and all related professional services - to new suppliers as they are engaged.
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