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What Are Open Systems?

CAMBRIDGE, MA, March 27, 2007 -- Almost all PLM software suppliers claim to sell open systems...what are open systems? What business value do they offer? How do you evaluate openness claims?

In this global market where collaboration leading to faster time to market, innovation, and lower manufacturing costs is a necessity, facilitating digital information and knowledge interchange is critical. This view has led to market demands for "open" software, with the implication that it will unlock data models and lead to information sharing. Not surprisingly, most product lifecycle management suppliers claim to provide open software. However, the level of information sharing that users desire requires overcoming substantial barriers not easily jumped.

Daratech research concludes that there are divergent ideas on what constitutes an open system and has written a report detailing six case studies exploring issues with collaboration and interoperability. These studies include companies from aerospace, automotive, aero/auto suppliers, and manufacturing. The report discusses the confusion between open standards and open source. Caveat emptor, in today's marketspeak it's probably not what you think it is.

The most important factor to consider, other than the validity, feasibility and ROI of a PLM strategy, is the degree of openness required of the systems on which that PLM strategy is based.

Maintaining interoperability throughout the enterprise requires a long-term commitment of resources, and policies. Interoperability may compromise data security or even corrupt data. No one wants to own middleware or linkages; even fewer people want to maintain or be responsible for them. Using multiple PDM systems, especially when designed to support other businesses' processes, is not a good idea. Simply publishing a system's data model is neither a necessary nor a sufficient condition for sustainable information exchange between systems. By establishing a formal set of expectations, a company can choose the products best suited to meeting its true requirements. Different applications have unique strengths and weaknesses, and these need to be evaluated in the context of the metrics chosen to measure success.

Daratech has prepared six case studies in discrete manufacturing to help you understand how leading enterprises are facilitating collaboration with open systems.

About Daratech

Daratech, Inc. is a leading provider of information technology market research, advisory and strategic consulting services, and executive-level conferences for manufacturing, engineering, construction and plant operations. Established in 1979, Daratech specializes in PLM, CAD/CAM, digital product simulation (CAE), PDM/EDM, AECO PLM (architecture, engineering, construction, operations, plant lifecycle management), document/enterprise content management, GIS and related areas.

www.daratech.com

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