CIMdata PLM Industry Summary Online Archive

8 May 2008

Implementation Investments

Stretch Inc. Uses Arena PLM to Set up the Right Systems and Controls to Take the Market by Storm

Arena Solutions announced that Stretch Inc. (http://www.stretchinc.com), the pioneer and leader in software configurable processors, has adopted on-demand Arena PLM to enhance collaboration, manage its outsourcing activities, and more easily comply with industry standards and regulations. Stretch selected Arena PLM in part because the company liked what the software-as-a-service (SaaS) model offers: lower cost, reduced risk, anytime/anywhere accessibility, and an easier-to-deploy, easier-to-manage PLM solution.

As Stretch takes the next step in rolling out its technology -- marked by video processing and encoding for security and surveillance applications -- it's in a highly competitive position and ready to shake up the industry. "Arena PLM allowed us -- overnight -- to have big company advantages, without adding big company overhead," said Joe McDonough, senior director of customer service and supply operations at Stretch Inc.

Stretch is using Arena PLM to manage the company's bill-of-materials (BOM) information and tie together part numbers, part specifications, approved vendor lists and other information in a single, controlled environment that can be accessed 24/7 from anywhere in the world. "When we say 'go' to our contract manufacturers, we want to be sure that when the machine starts, it's building the right thing," said McDonough. "With Arena PLM, we can ensure quality standards and guarantee predictable results. Our suppliers and contractors can go into Arena PLM, download the latest production version, and build to that spec. This ensures everyone involved has access to the right information."

The benefits of collaboration extend to internal team members as well. "You can talk about Stretch as an entity, but, really, there are many people from multiple departments -- marketing, engineering, management -- who collaborate on product development. Arena PLM is helpful because it provides clarity and ensures everyone is speaking a common language," continued McDonough.

"Stretch is a very smart upstart company that quickly recognized it can leverage technology and outsourcing to compete on a much grander scale in the marketplace," said Craig Livingston, chief executive officer of Arena Solutions. "Implementing Arena PLM during the early stages of the company makes a huge difference. With the right systems and controls in place, Stretch can more easily manage the mission-critical processes that get the company's advanced products to market faster and more effectively. Timing and product quality are key success factors for start-ups. Stretch can rely on Arena PLM to help it meet both of those requirements -- and do so at an extremely affordable price."

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