What Makes the Integration of an SDM Successful? The Journey and Experiences of an Automotive Supplier

Abstract

The successful introduction of a simulation data management system is a complex matter and is subject to a large number of influencing variables and dependencies. Due to the time horizon, some of these variables are in a perpetual state of change and determine the course of the integration. We divided the implementation into four phases. Initially, the needs and potentials of the business units were determined and, based on these, an appropriate SDM tool selection was made in the next step. In phase three, the SDM software was piloted in the working environment and is now being rolled out worldwide. The capability for integration into the existing and future IT landscape, including interfaces to other data management systems, plays a central role in ensuring end-to-end data flows and transparency while reducing manual and administrative efforts to an absolute minimum. This frees up capacities for value-adding activities. In the course of digitalization, automation and connectivity, it is important to question existing CAE processes and adapt them to the new circumstances and align them across teams and business units. Here, internal support and supervision is essential to ensure process understanding and fast maintainable implementations. From the author's point of view, however, the inclusion of users in the change process is the most important building block and the decisive factor for success or failure. While the previously mentioned topics are highly related to the SDM tool, this factor is to be considered absolutely tool-independent. Here, the consultation and active involvement of the users in every phase is decisive. The active involvement of CAE engineers as process designers, pilot users, but also as training providers has a convincing effect and serves as a multiplier for the entire SDM world. The author would like to thank :em engineering methods AG, GNS Systems GmbH and PDTec AG for their support on this journey.