There are many arguments in favour of converting to SAP PLM, such as the cancellation of Pro/INTRALINK 3.x for Wildfire 5 on the part of PTC. The introduction or conversion to a PLM system does, however, tie up resources in the company. Processes should be analysed and optimised; when introducing a CAD direct integration the construction data must be migrated and operators must be trained to operate the system. These are to name but a few measures.
However this can be difficult to achieve if construction is running at more than 100% capacity utilisation during boom phases, something that was frequently the case in the past. This makes the crisis and the associated drop in the capacity utilisation of construction departments appear all the more interesting for many companies prepared to tackle an SAP PLM project now. Wolfgang Schukowski, Senior Sales Manager at .riess engineering: "It amazes us again and again how many companies demonstrate strategic foresight right at this difficult time, and press on with a migration to SAP PLM for the abovementioned reasons. This is something we did not expect at the start of the crisis. Our customers benefit from the experience gained during our numerous introduction projects of SAP PLM integration for Pro/ENGINEER, as well as several migrations of Pro/INTRALINK and other PDM systems."
SAP PLM and CAD direct integrations of SAP provide a complete solution for the management and distribution of product data. Furthermore, SAP has a unique environment for the realisation of integrated sequences. SAP PLM is a component of SAP ERP and therefore already available in many organisations. The PDM/PLM functionality is of strategic significance to SAP, guaranteeing that a stable PLM platform will also be available in the medium and long-term.
It would clearly seem that many businesses are using the situation to improve the starting conditions for growth when economic recovery takes place, which is a very promising approach.
