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ASTRON's PDM transition for enhanced efficiency
Other
• Sought modern data management.
• Required complete design lifecycle control
• Aimed for updated electronic and mechanical data
• 1,000+ saved documents with efficient retrieval
• Saved time with efficient interim changes
• Reduced risks with effective documentation
Teamcenter PLM
A new product data management system — how ASTRON achieved this
ASTRON is the Dutch institute for radio astronomy, employing approximately 150 people under one roof, including a large number of technicians and astronomers. ASTRON's mission is to enable discoveries in radio astronomy by developing new and innovative technologies, operating world-class radio astronomy facilities, and conducting fundamental astronomical research. Since its establishment in 1949, the institute has gained a global reputation through innovative technological developments and impactful astronomical discoveries.
Business challenges
The institute had been using an outdated documentation system, prompting the need for a new product data management solution. The primary motivation behind this change was to address issues related to technical configuration and revision control. ASTRON's objective was to effectively capture and maintain electronic, mechanical, and project data throughout the entire lifecycle of their designs, ensuring that they remain current and up to date.
Keys to success
Major institutes that are ASTRON's clients demand years-long configuration management. These involve long-term projects that evolve slowly over time. Centralised control of documentation management is essential to maintain all details. ASTRON had recently transitioned to another CAD package: Siemens NX™. Adopting PDM in Teamcenter® was a natural step as both packages collaborate seamlessly. Teamcenter® is an extensive software package with numerous capabilities.
To manage complexity, ASTRON only implemented what was essential for the organisation. Precise requirements and specific enquiries were crucial to determine at the outset. All documentation related to electronics, mechanics, and project management is now recorded in Teamcenter® from the beginning to the end of a project. Whilst initially used only by the R&D department at the project's outset, all ASTRON employees now have access, and the solution is used more extensively than initially anticipated.
Results
Over 1,000 documents have been successfully recorded, resulting in substantial time savings, thanks to the outstanding document retrieval capabilities of the new system. Moreover, this practice has played a crucial role in mitigating risks by effectively documenting interim changes.
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