At CIMdata, we constantly monitor the evolution of PLM concepts, approaches, and solutions and look for new industry trends from the perspective of both users and solution providers. Eurostep has been on our radar screen for many years as a well known contributor to the development of global product data standards such as STEP ISO 10303. They have a well-earned reputation for bringing these ideas into actual production using commercial software as well as custom-made solutions.
As part of current research efforts focused on solutions addressing the in-service and after-sales domains of the product lifecycle, we have recently reviewed Eurostep's Share-A-space product in detail. Our impression is that Share-A-space is a solid PLMenabling technology offering that supports some critical business needs faced by companies as they seek to implement PLM and other broad enterprise-based initiatives. Share-A-space appears to be an excellent tool for secure collaboration both within an organization as well as throughout an extended enterprise and its various participants. At its core, Share-A-space is a standards-based data consolidation and exchange solution. It complements many existing solutions like CAD, CAE, PDM, ERP, and others, and provides the possibility for these solutions to deliver additional value to the enterprise and its business partners.
Share-A-space is built on the new Product Life Cycle Support (PLCS) initiative, a standard that promises to become a key enabler for process improvements in several service-focused industries such as aerospace and defense. Its applicability is far ranging and covers many other industries such as automotive, machinery, and telecom. Having had the opportunity to talk directly to users of Share-A-space, it is clear that the product meets many end user requirements in that it seems to be easy to install with a low initial investment and it plugs relatively easily into almost any existing IS/IT architecture.
Share-A-space is solid PLM-enabling technology that supports extensive and complex information integration in the context of real worldwide supply chain collaboration. We are impressed with Eurostep’s approach and are happy see them take systems integration support to the next level.