Microsoft Office for the web™ integration in Cloud PLM

How the integration simplifies document management in Cloud PLM

Pioneering technologies and digital innovations are shaping today’s economy. Seamless collaboration within companies is an essential factor for success. Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) supports this and helps increase efficiency. This is where the integration of Microsoft Office for the web™ in Cloud PLM comes into play. The integration of PLM systems and Microsoft Office not only promises an optimized way of working but also a smooth workflow that takes collaboration and productivity to a whole new level.

In this interview, André Guldi, Product Manager Cloud at CONTACT Software, explains the differences between document management with MS Office and in Cloud PLM, as well as the benefits of integrating Office for the web™.

André, how does document management differ in MS Office and Cloud PLM?

AG: MS Office has become the standard for creating documents, spreadsheets, and presentations because of its ease of use and extensive editing capabilities. However, documents are usually stored at the file level, which can lead to an unstructured data landscape. There is often no proper version control, leading to confusion and uncertainty about which documents are up-to-date. Many copies of the same document can be in circulation at a company, which makes collaboration and traceability difficult.

In Cloud PLM, this is different: its document management functionality offers a comprehensive solution. It establishes a “Single Source of Truth” for any type of document – a central, reliable storage location for documents. Managing metadata and file attachments allows for the structured organization and quick identification of documents. Additionally, extensive versioning, release workflows, and access control enhance document control. Search functions not only scan file names but also metadata and, using full-text search, even the content of the files. This simplifies finding documents and saves valuable time. Another significant advantage of document management in Cloud PLM is audit-safe storage. It is clear to users at first glance which document is currently valid, thus avoiding confusion or incorrect use.

What is Microsoft Office for the web™?

AG: Microsoft Office for the web™ (formerly Office Web Apps) is a web-based application that facilitates working with Office files. It allows users to open Word, Excel, OneNote, and PowerPoint documents directly in a web browser. The device used only requires a supported browser, an active internet connection, and users need a suite license. This allows them to use the full functionality of the web-based Office applications. This license not only allows them to gain access to documents but also to edit and share them with others – conveniently through the web browser without installing the Office Suite on their computer.

What are the benefits of integrating Office for the web™ into Cloud PLM?

AG: Microsoft Office for the web™ is seamlessly integrated into the Cloud PLM web interface. This allows users to create, view, and edit Office documents directly without the need to save them separately. They are saved in the Cloud PLM file storage, also known as Blobstore. This feature allows multiple people to work on the same document simultaneously without relying on local installations of MS Office.

A key feature is that only a single file exists, which simplifies file management and ensures a clear structure. The solution combines the advantages of an online Office editor with centralized and legally compliant document management in the PLM system: avoiding additional programs, eliminating file transfers, and enabling collaborative editing with version tracking, release workflows, and access control. This ensures efficient and secure document management.

What makes the connection between Office for the web™ and CIM Database Cloud special?

AG: CONTACT Software is the first software provider to offer the Office for the web™ integration in a Cloud PLM system. To edit an Office document in CIM Database Cloud, customers need an Office for the web™ suite license.

Conclusion

Microsoft Office for the web™ provides companies with an efficient solution for document management. It enables users to directly create, view, and simultaneously edit Office documents. The integration saves files directly in the Cloud PLM file storage, promotes collaborative work without local MS Office installations, and ensures a clear structure through a single file. This solution combines the advantages of an online Office editor with centralized document management in the Cloud PLM system, including versioning, release workflows, and access control for efficient and secure document management.

Discover CIM Database Cloud now – the first Cloud PLM system that enables the seamless integration of Microsoft Office for the web™.

Digital Operational Excellence in Practice

Operational Excellence is the ability of a company to continuously improve its value chain in terms of efficiency and effectiveness. It is the ultimate discipline in the manufacturing industry. Companies face constant pressure to optimize their manufacturing processes and increase productivity. However, there are several hurdles to overcome, such as lack of coordination, paper-based processes, and a multitude of labor-intensive manual activities.

For sustainable production optimization, digitalization through Manufacturing Operations Management (MOM) systems is a fundamental cornerstone. It’s crucial that IT activities go hand in hand with the design of processes and methods, and their integration into the shop floor organization, which often faces challenges such as limited resources, skill gaps, and restricted operational capacity.

Based on our project experiences, we have summarized the following typical steps for you to achieve increased OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness) and EBIT:

Qualification and involvement

Early involvement of employees as ambassadors significantly contributes to the success of the project. Therefore, the project team and leadership are trained at the project’s outset. This fosters a shared understanding and ensures sustainable integration of activities. Additionally, to assess the coverage of process threads with the standard software and to create mock-ups for the target system as needed, key users must be involved early on.

Equipment and Asset Management

A simple system solution without smart machine integration often generates significant benefits in the initial phase of the project. This is particularly true for maintenance. Asset management documents the condition of the equipment ‘as maintained.’ This allows similar groups of systems to be managed in a standardized manner and to identify deviations (benchmarking). Further potential lies in the standardized spare parts management.

Cross-System Data Logistics

The next step typically involves the integration into company-wide data logistics. To achieve this, leading systems and consumers are identified and matching is designed at their interfaces. Companies should not underestimate this design phase, which is often the most challenging part of establishing a stable data logistics. In terms of technical implementation, certified interfaces for standard systems like SAP are preferable, as individual approaches are often maintenance-intensive and not future-proof.

Optimization of Shop Floor Control

Once order data (from upstream systems) and equipment are available in the MOM system, the optimization of processes surrounding production and shop floor control continues: Error-prone Excel tools are replaced, planning consistency is enhanced, and manual efforts are reduced.

For instance, through effective shop floor data collection (SFDC), operators can report causes and quantities of defects, improving the information basis for control. By digitally providing manufacturing documents, manual efforts and sources of errors can be reduced. All of these measures significantly increase the acceptance of digitally available information among operators.

Machine Integration and Data Preparation

The integration of machines and equipment into the MOM system (Machine Data Acquisition) creates a comprehensive picture of the current manufacturing situation. This enables companies to implement condition-based and predictive maintenance measures. Another particularly important aspect is the implementation of a cross-functional energy management on this basis, as the system provides data for calculating the CO2 footprint throughout the entire production chain.

Digital Shop Floor Management

Digital Shop Floor Management (SFM) serves as a central interface between IT and process optimization. SFM is the key lever for continuous improvement in production and is methodically supported by cascading rule meetings. This allows insights and issues to be visualized and addressed from the workshop floor to the site level, from OEEs and loss reasons at a single facility in one shift to the impact on operational performance and site EBIT.

Stabilizing and Improving OEE

The focus on improving OEE often revolves around reducing downtime and reasons for disruptions. This is based on the consolidated overview from Machine Data Acquisition (MDE) and Shop Floor Data Collection (BDE), identifying measurable causes of losses for each machine. A typical insight, applicable to many companies, is that OEE losses are not solely due to equipment failures but often stem from organizational issues. Therefore, alongside initiatives such as setup workshops, machine cleaning measures, and employee training, projects in office areas are also of significant importance (e.g., order processing, planning/scheduling, and product development/master data).

Enterprise-wide Benefits

Digitization through MOM software establishes a foundation for companies to optimize their production sustainably. In typical cases such as in medium-sized mechanical engineering, improvements of the average OEE across all machines by more than 10 percentage points and an increase in site EBIT by more than 2 percentage points are quite realistic. As long as there are sufficient orders, increased productivity is immediately reflected in higher EBIT. At the same time, improved process quality and responsiveness have a positive impact on customer relationships.

How PLM paves the way for sustainable product development

In today’s sustainability-driven world, ensuring transparency and traceability across the entire product lifecycle is crucial. Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) helps to tackle these challenges by providing a solid data foundation for informed decisions.

Challenges for companies: regulations and customer demands

Companies are often faced with regulatory challenges that influence the development of strategies and products. The European Green Deal and the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) provide a corresponding framework. At the same time, customers demand solutions that support sustainable product development, and the call for a green transformation grows louder. But how can companies take this step?

Companies in the green transition

The green transition is a monumental task for the industry. Sustainable development, as defined by the 1987 Brundtland Report, becomes a guiding principle. The goal is to meet the needs of the present without compromising the needs of future generations. With sustainable design as a core element of this movement, economic and ecological dimensions are aligned. Unlike approaches like Eco-design, Sustainable Design also integrates ethical aspects, human rights, and social justice, such as social aspects in the supply chain.

PLM as a key for sustainable product design

Every product goes through various lifecycle phases where decisions regarding material selection, design, and manufacturing processes are made. PLM systems like CIM Database PLM enable the consideration of sustainability principles as early as the design phase. Reducing waste, efficient use of energy, and recycling become integral parts starting from early design processes.

Read more about how PLM contributes to sustainable product development here.

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and PLM: An unmatched combination

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is another central approach for the evaluation of environmental impacts. By quantifying and assessing environmental impacts across the entire lifecycle of a product, companies can identify environmental aspects and potential effects.

PLM as a structural guide for sustainable products

The product structure, also known as Bill of Materials (BOM), is utilized by PLM as a structured guide. It enables accurate assessment of environmental impacts across the entire product range. Material properties, work schedules, and data aggregation support the selection of sustainable materials.

Material Compliance: Mastering regulations more easily

The selection of materials must not only be environmentally friendly but also legally compliant. This is where Material Compliance comes into play. A PLM system enables the management of product structures and material data as well as a smooth implementation of material compliance through the traceability of used materials.

Digital Product Passport for the circular economy

Transparency about materials and products is crucial for a successful circular economy. The Digital Product Passport acts as a carrier of information from the PLM system and provides a foundation for GHG reporting. The Asset Administration Shell (AAS) serves as a standardized technology for information exchange.

PLM for a sustainable future

Through a holistic view of the lifecycle, impacts and risks can be detected, assessed, and ultimately avoided at an early stage. CONTACT Research is committed to more sustainable product development in order to shape a harmonious future. Let’s tackle the challenges of sustainable product development together and leave a positive impact on the world!

Read the full article on the CONTACT Research Blog here.