Sudden impact: SaaS model accelerates automotive suppliers’ PLM expansion plans
MBT Staff -- Manufacturing Business Technology, 9/26/2007
Air International Thermal Systems (AITS) obviously likes the Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) model. The Tier 1 supplier of automotive heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and power train cooling systems recently doubled its investment in Arena Solutions PLM, an on-demand product life-cycle management (PLM) application.The company, based in Port Melbourne, Australia, is using the Arena solution to support collaboration with more than 800 global suppliers, as well as unify PLM processes across six of its own facilities in Australia, Asia, and the U.S.
As part of its expanded deployment, AITS has integrated Arena PLM with its ERP system. The link between Arena PLM and Infor ERP LN (the former Baan ERP system) was accomplished via a set of adapters now available to all Arena PLM customers.
A similar set of adapters allowed AITS to upload CAD data into a single workspace that can be accessed by anyone with login credentials across the AITS supply chain.
Arena CEO Michael Topolovac says the expanded investment by top-tier automotive suppliers like AITS validates the SaaS model in the PLM space.
“The doubling of its investment in our software is another proof point of the value Arena PLM can provide for a company of the size, scope, and importance of Air International,” Topolovac says. “Only Arena PLM combines the rich functionality, front- and back-end integrations, and on-demand advantages that can help AITS solve its increasingly complex business challenges and maintain its competitive advantage.”
AITS executives have high praise for the Arena solution.
“Our Arena PLM implementation was done flawlessly, with no interruption to the business,” says Gary Phillips, global service delivery manager for Air International Thermal Systems. “It was the most low-key systems implementation I have ever been involved in. As an integral part of our manufacturing IT strategy, Arena PLM will have the most profound impact on the way Air International does business going forward, yet its implementation barely caused a ripple.”
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