Cloud

Customizing in SaaS PLM

Ensuring flexibility in Product Lifecycle Management

Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) has evolved rapidly in recent years. The availability of cloud solutions based on Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) now allows companies of all sizes to implement PLM and scale as needed quickly. This enables even small and medium-sized businesses to realize the benefits of PLM, such as improved collaboration, more efficient processes, and faster innovation.

However, the move to the Cloud also presents a challenge: customizing. The question is: How do companies ensure that their PLM system meets their specific business requirements?

This blog post shows you how to make your PLM platform more flexible using the customization options of the SaaS Functions Framework.

What is the SaaS Functions Framework?

The SaaS Functions Framework is a collection of architectures, best practices, and guidelines that simplifies and optimizes the creation and operation of SaaS applications. It offers the ability to customize the standard functions of cloud-based PLM systems, such as CIM Database Cloud, using special tools and interfaces, without changing the core code of the application.

How is the SaaS Functions Framework used in CIM Database Cloud?

The SaaS Functions Framework allows our customers to execute custom code within CIM Database Cloud without having to worry about deploying or maintaining their servers. This is ensured by a serverless infrastructure, which allows customer-specific logic to be implemented directly in the Cloud.

The responsibility for creating, maintaining, and the code of these functions lies with the customer company. The features they develop run independently of updates that CONTACT Software makes to the cloud PLM system. To simplify development, a Software Development Kit is available, allowing for quick and efficient implementation of individual business logic.

Why is customizing important in Cloud PLM?

In the past, companies were bound to rigid, monolithic architectures in on-premises PLM systems. Consequently, customizations were often costly, time-consuming, and risky, especially when they required deep changes to the core code. Customizing tools like the SaaS Functions Framework offer a more flexible and agile alternative in Cloud PLM:

Customization without compromise: Your company can tailor the PLM solution to its specific needs while retaining the advantages of a cloud-based platform (scalability, automatic updates, lower IT costs, etc.).
Faster time-to-value: By reusing predefined functions and with easy integration, you can develop and deploy new features faster.
Promote innovation: Empower your teams to experiment with new technologies and processes without compromising system stability.
Future-proofing: The SaaS Functions Framework allows for the continuous enhancement of your PLM solution and its adaptation to evolving business requirements.

Application examples of the SaaS Functions Framework in CIM Database Cloud

The SaaS Functions Framework…

…ensures easy ERP integration. This is achieved using webhooks, an industry standard for automatic, event-driven, real-time communication between web applications.
…promotes the implementation of custom business logic, such as input validations and dependency checks. For example, you can ensure that an item can only be released once the associated specification document is available and the item numbers consistently correspond to the number ranges of the item category.
…supports the development of custom automations. For example, document titles can be automatically generated from the associated item names. You can also obtain item numbers from the ERP system or define mandatory fields depending on the item category.
…enables individually designed reporting.
…allows the editing of files, such as stamping metadata into documents after release (approver, release date) and the creation of neutral formats.

Conclusion

Unlocking the full potential of Cloud PLM systems requires seamless integration into individual business processes. The CONTACT CIM Database Cloud Functions Framework serves as the ideal bridge here. Companies can tailor and expand their Cloud PLM platform as needed to meet changing requirements, without sacrificing the benefits of the Cloud.

CONTACT SaaS Functions Frameworks offer you the possibility to execute custom code directly in the Cloud.

CAD visualization in Cloud PLM

The benefits of an integrated 3D viewing solution

As a CAD designer, you surely remember the impractical blueprints, the endless meetings, and the guesswork about how part A should actually fit together with part B. With CAD visualization, those days are finally over.

In digital product development, fast and straightforward access to CAD models is crucial. Often, companies face the challenge that CAD models can only be opened and analyzed with special viewers or expensive CAD licenses. This is where the 3D viewer integrated into Cloud PLM comes in – an innovative solution that allows you to visualize, analyze and annotate CAD models.

We will explain here the advantages a 3D viewer offers and why it makes sense to be directly integrated in Cloud PLM:

What is a 3D Viewer?

The 3D viewer is a web-based application that allows CAD models to be displayed, measured, and annotated in three dimensions. The solution opens up new possibilities for collaboration between engineers, designers, suppliers and other stakeholders.

Applications for CAD visualization

Product development: Designers and engineers can analyze and improve models faster.
Supplier and customer communication: Models can be shared and discussed without partners needing special CAD software.
Quality assurance: Testing and approval processes are accelerated by direct measurement in the cloud and the commenting function.
Technical support and maintenance: Technicians can access 3D models to identify spare parts or perform repairs.

Advantages of 3D viewers Integrated directly into Cloud PLM

1. Cross-CAD system support:

The 3D viewer can display models from different CAD systems, for example, SolidWorks, CATIA, Siemens NX, or Autodesk Inventor. No native software is needed for this.

2. No CAD viewer licenses required:

Access to CAD models is often associated with high licensing costs. 3D viewers integrated in Cloud PLM eliminate this hurdle, as no additional licenses are required. This saves costs and makes it easier to provide the software to a large group of users.

3. Measurement and analysis:

With the 3D viewer, users can measure models directly in the cloud, create cross-sections, and perform analyses. This enables a quick verification of dimensions and tolerances even without access to a CAD system.

4. Collaborative annotation and feedback:

The tool allows users to leave comments and annotations on specific areas of a 3D model. Teams collaborate more efficiently and discuss changes directly on the object.

5. Easier tracking of version status:

The 3D viewer is fully integrated into a cloud-based PLM system. CAD models are called up and edited from within the PLM software. This facilitates management and ensures access to the correct version status.

What is CONTACT Elements 3D Connect?

CONTACT Elements 3D Connect offers a comprehensive 3D visualization solution that is integrated into the CIM Database Cloud PLM system. Employees from other specialist departments do not need to install any additional software, but use the viewer directly via the cloud platform. The tool automatically generates a 3D representation based on the checked-in CAD models and offers direct access to CAD model data, parts, variants, product structures and bills of materials. You can use measuring functions, exploded views and redlining and save snapshots of selected views. Color codes reflect component properties such as the release status directly in the model.

Conclusion

The integrated 3D visualization in Cloud PLM removes barriers, reduces costs, and accelerates processes. Cross-CAD system support, the elimination of licenses, as well as the analysis and commenting functions simplify collaboration between all parties involved and increase efficiency. Integration into a cloud-based PLM system ensures that the latest version statuses are always available and product development is optimally supported.

Learn more about the possibilities of 3D Collaboration in CIM Database Cloud.

ISO 27001 & Cloud PLM: reliably protecting product data

Why certification should be considered when choosing a system

A PLM system stores a wide range of sensitive product data — from the first sketch to the finished product. What happens if this data falls into the wrong hands? Or if third parties manipulate the information?

Companies can avoid such risks using certified Cloud PLM software according to ISO 27001. The certification follows globally recognized standards that ensure information security at all times.

In this blog post, you’ll learn why ISO 27001 certification is an important criterion when selecting a cloud-based PLM system. You’ll also get an insight into the processes and methods certified providers use to protect your data.

What is ISO 27001 Certification?

ISO/IEC 27001 is an international standard that defines the requirements for an Information Security Management System (ISMS). An ISMS includes policies, procedures, and technical measures that systematically protect information within an organization.

The ISMS defines three security objectives:

• Confidentiality: Only authorized persons are allowed to access sensitive information. Measures like encryption, access control lists, and file permissions ensure confidentiality.

• Integrity: Only authorized persons can modify data. It must be ensured that unauthorized changes can be undone.

• Availability: Information must always be accessible to authorized users. Risks like power or network outages are taken into account.

Independent certification bodies carry out the ISO 27001 certification. Key requirements include:

• Risk assessment and management: Identification of potential threats and vulnerabilities.

• Security Policies: Establishing clear guidelines for handling information.

• Training: Raising awareness among employees about information security.

• Continuous improvement: Regular reviews and optimization of security measures.

Advantages of ISO 27001 Certification for Cloud Providers

1. Trustworthiness and Transparency

ISO 27001 certification shows that the cloud provider follows high security standards, handles data with maximum care, and proactively addresses potential risks.

2. Risk Minimization

Companies that store sensitive data in the cloud need adequate protection against cyberattacks, data loss, and unauthorized access. ISO 27001 certification proves that the provider has implemented effective protective measures.

3. Compliance and Legal Requirements

Since certified cloud providers already meet crucial security standards, it’s easier for customers to comply with data protection and security regulations such as the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

4. Efficient Risk Management

ISO 27001 provides structured risk management processes. They help systematically identify, minimize, and address vulnerabilities early and reliably.

Conclusion

Cyberattacks caused economic damage of 266 billion euros in Germany alone in 2024. When selecting software such as Cloud PLM, IT security should be one of the key criteria. ISO 27001 certification signals to companies that their data is comprehensively protected. It follows reliable security standards and facilitates compliance with legal requirements.

The development and operation of cloud products based on CONTACT Elements meet the strict requirements of the ISO 27001 standard. This certification confirms that CIM Database Cloud meets the highest security standards and ensures effective management of information security risks.