CAD/ERP interface

Today, this is considered the basis of comprehensive digitization - master data is valuable corporate capital. Simus Systems has been developing software for cleansing, structuring and classifying technical data since 2002 and offers this as a service. Managing Director Arno Michelis talked about this with E-3 Magazine.

E-3: How did it come about?

Arno Michelis: Still as research associates, first two, then three partners in initial university projects recognized the challenges that the ever-growing volumes of data in product definition pose to medium-sized and large industrial companies. In order to be able to solve tasks of these projects more efficiently, we developed a first program. In further steps, this became a software for analyzing, cleansing and building classifications for structuring technical master data, typically from PDM/ERP systems. This approach was extended with Classmate CAD for the analysis of 3D CAD models, which has since been patented. This has enabled us to significantly reduce the effort and time required for technical data analysis and optimization projects. Customers can thus implement projects in a manageable amount of time that would otherwise not be feasible at all.

E-3: Close links to ERP systems appear to be a necessary prerequisite for this?

Michelis: We have been accompanying the 50 years of SAP history for exactly 20 years. As early as 2005, we developed the first standard interface solution to SAP, which has been continuously expanded since then. Data inventories are reliably synchronized with SAP, making preparation and maintenance outside the SAP interface more flexible, faster and more convenient. This applies not only to classification, but also to material masters and other information objects such as equipment. Structural adaptations of classification systems can also be easily accomplished with our solution. Time-consuming steps such as the creation of new classes and characteristics can be completed in a very short time. The interface solution works optimally with S/4 Hana, which is very helpful during migrations.

E-3: Once you have structured and cleaned the master data, you want to keep it in this state. What can you contribute to this?

Michelis: On the one hand, we start in product development. As early as 2006, we developed a Finder program, a software module that enables components to be located quickly and reliably on the basis of geometry and technical data. This promotes the reuse of existing solutions so that no duplicates are created in the first place. On the other hand, we offer tools that guide processes such as the creation and maintenance of material masters in a regulated manner through all the departments involved. In this way, it is also possible to set up a master data center that ensures quality and limits the growth of data volumes. These master data governance processes can be set up easily and quickly outside SAP and synchronized with the ERP system.

E-3: What other benefits do users derive from your software?

Michelis: At the interfaces of the established software systems CAD/PDM and ERP, digitization gaps have emerged that our software can close. For example, we automatically create routings of machining operations
based on the CAD models and material information transferred to SAP. The link with cost parameters from SAP results in a quick possibility for pre-calculation. This early and reproducible knowledge of product and production costs supports make-or-buy decisions. Designers can also have the anticipated manufacturing costs of their components and assemblies calculated automatically directly from the user interface of their 3D CAD system. In this way, cost drivers can be identified early on in the development phase and effective countermeasures can be taken.

E-3: Where is your software headed in the near future?

Michelis: In order to offer customers more flexibility in the use of our software, we have also been offering the modules as cloud solutions since this year. This means that customers are free to choose how they connect Simus Classmate to their systems.