Visual BOM: A PLM System for Assembly-Type Manufacturing

basic information

■Main Features 【Integration of BOM and 3D Models】 The bidirectional highlighting display (cross-probing) of BOM and 3D shapes, as well as the search for similar parts using 3D shapes, are various unique functions utilizing 3D data, recognized as patented technology. 【Strong Support for Cost Planning and Development Purchasing】 Visual BOM allows sharing of product configurations at the design stage with relevant departments, enabling cost reduction through concurrent engineering. 【Promotion of Reuse and Standardization of Design Assets】 The search function for similar parts using 3D shapes facilitates the discovery of drawings and deliverables created by other designers in the past, promoting the reuse of proven parts. Additionally, the ability to reverse-engineer multiple parts at once allows for strategic consideration of standardization based on the shared usage rate of parts in existing products. 【Realization of "True" Design and Manufacturing Process Collaboration】 Based on the registered design parts list, a process flow (BOP) can be created. Once the process flow is established, a parts list (M-BOM) that serves as master information for the production management system is automatically generated, enabling intuitive and accurate collaboration between design and manufacturing processes.

Applications/Examples of results

■Customer Testimonials (in no particular order) 【Kawai Musical Instruments Manufacturing Co., Ltd.】 I believe the time spent searching for the desired drawings has been reduced to about one-tenth. Additionally, the number of field personnel who can independently search for drawings has increased, resulting in a significant decrease in inquiries to the design department. 【Nile Works Co., Ltd.】 Even if the specifications of electronic components are listed differently by each person in charge, they can be easily verified by rearranging them in the order of the reference numbers (such as the correspondence between components and circuit diagrams). 【Tatsuno Co., Ltd.】 We were able to achieve efficiency improvements in the service department through the use of 3D data, including a reduction in the man-hours required for creating traditional parts lists, improved searchability for maintenance parts, and the convenience of being able to check detailed and timely information, including 3D shapes, from tablet devices.

Detailed information

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  We centrally manage deliverables in product development, such as drawings, items, and BOMs. The part shapes created in 3D CAD can be converted to XVL and registered in items and BOMs, allowing for sharing across all departments. By managing deliverables with connections to each other, we enable easy access to desired information, such as identifying items and drawings from part shapes.

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  We will create and manage requests for design changes (ECR), instructions (ECO), and notifications (ECN) within the system. This information will be saved as a history in drawings, items, and parts lists, ensuring traceability in the event of a problem. Additionally, the comparison function for before and after changes using 3D shapes allows anyone to accurately recognize the modified areas, significantly reducing communication efforts among stakeholders. Furthermore, the reverse deployment function enables immediate confirmation of the impact range when issues arise.

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  The search function for similar parts using 3D shapes allows designers to find design artifacts created by others in the past, promoting the reuse of proven components. Additionally, the ability to reverse-engineer multiple parts at once enables strategic consideration for standardizing components, taking into account the shared usage rates of parts in existing products. Furthermore, by advancing standardization, it becomes possible to implement a configurator (modular design) that creates product configurations based on customer specifications.

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  You can register a work-in-progress BOM (D-BOM) that does not have an internal part number assigned. For registered parts, you can reference historical cost information, and for newly registered parts that are not yet registered, you can estimate costs by referencing the cost information of registered parts with similar specifications and shapes. Additionally, by visualizing the 3D shapes of high-cost parts that require cost management using a gradient function, and by finding alternative parts through a similar shape search function, it is possible to calculate accurate estimated costs at an early stage of manufacturing.

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  In addition to managing the design BOM (E-BOM), you can also manage the production BOM (M-BOM), which serves as input information for the production management system. Furthermore, by creating a process flow (BOP), you can achieve information sharing across organizations and factories, promoting the standardization of manufacturing processes. Since the BOM and BOP are managed in connection with each other, design changes can be reflected in the production BOM and process flow effortlessly and accurately.