Digital Manufacturing

The Customer Supplier Interoperability (CSI) program was sponsored by the Department of Defense and the US Air Force Research Laboratory, ManTech division. The program’s goal was to develop solutions for engineering inefficiencies associated with technical data exchange and to accelerate the adoption of Model-Based Definition (MBD) methodologies in defense supply chains. Through the automation of manual tasks, CAD validation, and advanced toolsets, the CSI program paves the path toward MBD for the defense industrial base.

BENEFITS

Savings of approximately $50 million per year when fully adopted by all supply chain members in a large defense acquisition program.
With major programs exceeding 20 years in duration, this could result in more than $1 billion in projected savings.

Source: International TechneGroup

Force Protection Inc. (FPI) develops defense products and vehicles for the government. Their status as a government contractor means that FPI must conform to the strict government rules surrounding the communication of sensitive data. Failure to do so would result in fines or the loss of contracts. In response to this new need for security and accountability, FPI deployed MBE CAD data exchange software throughout its engineering teams, and the software is now used for all design and engineering data transfer.

BENEFITS

Control, flexibility, security, ease of use
Now have monthly logs of all data transfer activities, a key requirement for the US government.
FPI meets all of the strict requirements for security and accountability set by the US government.

Source: International TechneGroup

Thales implemented MBE CAD data exchange software to automate the flow of product data among its internal users. The web-based system provides a convenient, reliable and secure method for translating engineering data. This will be expanded in the second stage of implementation to include data transmission between Thales and its customers and suppliers.

BENEFITS

Time savings of 80%

Source: International TechneGroup

Samsung began by implementing the MBE CAD data exchange software at its Visual Display and Printer Divisions. The MBE CAD data exchange software allowed Samsung to more easily share quality data between various systems including design, collaboration, and data management. Multiple in-house applications utilize MBE CAD data exchange software as a secure backend server, for translations and validation. Samsung’s new data exchange software is also linked to its global suppliers.

BENEFITS

Delivery of data to customers and suppliers has been reduced from days to minutes
Improved process efficiency
Significant time savings

Source: International TechneGroup

U.S. Navy Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) Model-Based Definition (MBD) Case Study: NAWCAD Lakehurst is the center of excellence for Aircraft Launch and Recovery Equipment (ALRE) and naval aviation Support Equipment (SE). NAWCAD moved to a 3D MBD environment, which required the conversion of conventional 2D drawings to a 3D digital product definition. 3D PDFs containing digital product definition became the single source of data through the product development process.

BENEFITS

Realize greater than $3 million in annual savings
Reduced costs, increased quality, shorter schedule cycles
33% reduction in new item development schedules expected

Source: International TechneGroup

Prepare RFQ

To source a part, the Customer must first prepare a Request for Quote (RFQ) package to be distributed to prospective Suppliers using the Technical Data Package (TDP) for the part. The purpose of the “Prepare RFQ” process is to provide the Product and Manufacturing Information (PMI) necessary for the Suppliers to provide a realistic quote to produce the components and/or provide the process specified by the RFQ. The basic activities may include:

Preparing 3D models to be used by Suppliers
Preparing 2D drawing to be used by Suppliers (PDF)
Providing First Article Inspection (FAI) requirements to be followed by Suppliers
Providing contractual requirements to be adhered to by Suppliers
Preparing and providing process and material specifications for use by Supplier.

A digital RFQ is developed from an electronic TDP that contains all the required information needed for a quote in an interoperable digital file format that can easily be used by the Supplier. The use of validation software and review by subject matter experts in the development of the RFQ creates a data structure that can identify missing or inaccurate information and ensure that the RFQ and all technical requirements can be easily understood by the Supplier.

The digital RFQ is created utilizing the product data pulled from the TDP of the part or assembly. The Customer typically fills out much of the information automatically from various structured preset templates and databases. Any CAD drawings or models in the RFQ package are then translated into an interoperable neutral format (STEP, IGES, etc.) and released to potential Suppliers.

An alternative to compiling a digital RFQ by pulling data from the part or assembly TDP is to utilize a Supplier portal that integrates communication and data interfaces. Such a portal allows Suppliers to view, print, and download drawings, models, and specifications the Supplier has permission to access for a given RFQ from the data stored in the Customer’s Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) system. This management of access allows the prospective Supplier to receive only the specific PMI needed for the quote and eliminates the need for the Customer to extract a separate Digital RFQ from the part or assembly TDP. Security with this method, which is a major concern, is managed by the Customer. Only verified Suppliers should be allowed to directly access the technical data for a given RFQ maintained in the PLM system.

prepare rfq

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Digital Solutions

Digital RFQ creation (Customer and Supplier) - Improved Process Efficiency

Digital RFQ creation (Customer and Supplier) - Improved Process Efficiency

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Digital compilation methods can streamline the RFQ development process through structuring the creation process, ensuring completeness of the RFQ, checking for errors and omissions in the product manufacturing information, and matching the file types to what can be used by the potential Supplier. These process changes ensure that the Supplier can receive and review the RFQ information with minimal delays and respond with a reasonable quote in the shortest time possible.
BENEFITS: Reduced sourcing time, Increased accuracy, Reduced data loss
Manufacturability Analysis (Customer and Supplier) - Manufacturability Resolution

Manufacturability Analysis (Customer and Supplier) - Manufacturability Resolution

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Customer designs can be analyzed digitally using software to ensure that the product can be manufactured, allow for optimization, and address potential issues before Supplier quotes are requested. This can ensure that the resulting quotes do not include unnecessary costs, resulting in the lowest possible quote for a part that meets all needed requirements.
BENEFITS: Reduced lead time, Reduced cost, Decreased risk
Digital RFQ PMI Validation - Neutral File Format/Translation

Digital RFQ PMI Validation - Neutral File Format/Translation

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By digitalizing the RFQ package, errors that occur when an RFQ translation is performed are minimized. Utilizing Validation software ensures that the translated files match the tolerances displayed in the original file, the CAD file remains fully dimensioned, and manufacturability is maintained. Utilizing these capabilities results in the Supplier receiving a model, analyzing it, and responding without the need to perform an error prone and tedious recreation process. When creating models and drawings in a digital environment it is possible to synchronize specifications between the two entities. This results in the model and drawings accurately reflecting the same specifications throughout the entire part, enabling the Supplier to trust both the model and the drawings.
BENEFITS: Reduced Time, Increased Accuracy, Increased Trust
Automated RFQ Process (Customer and Supplier) - Improved Risk Management, Improved Process Efficiency

Automated RFQ Process (Customer and Supplier) - Improved Risk Management, Improved Process Efficiency

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Automation of the RFQ preparation process at each level in the supply chain helps synchronize Customer requirements and Supplier responses. This allows for a more dynamic design-to-production process while reducing the risk of errors from data that is not current or complete
BENEFITS: Decreased risk, reduced costs
Neutral-File Format - Interoperable PMI data

Neutral-File Format - Interoperable PMI data

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Providing standards-based, interoperable, models can enable the Supplier to receive product models directly from the Customer without the need for translation or modification. This enables the Supplier to decrease the lead time associated with re-constructing the model in specific formats
BENEFITS: Reduced lead time, Reduced risk, Reduced costs

Potential Issues with this Activity:

Incomplete RFQ information - Incomplete PMI

Incomplete RFQ information - Incomplete PMI

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To protect their intellectual property (IP), Customers will often limit the amount of technical data shared with potential Suppliers. The result can often be incomplete information, requiring the Supplier to request additional information, which creates a time delay. Suppliers will sometimes make assumptions about the missing data, leading to inaccurate quotes or rejected parts.
COST: Increased Risk, Increased Time, Increased Costs
RELATED SOLUTIONS: Digital RFQ Creation, Neutral File Format/Translation, Supplier access through a portal to the appropriate information
Customer provides CAD file in incompatible format - Unusable CAD Files

Customer provides CAD file in incompatible format - Unusable CAD Files

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If the RFQ’s CAD file arrives in in a format that the Supplier cannot access they must either find a way to translate the file to a usable format or recreate the model utilizing the 2D drawings within the RFQ. The translation process often results in data losses that can have a significant effect on the quote and the product. Recreating the model can be time-consuming and costly to both the Customer and the Supplier. Recreation of the models can also introduce errors that can be detrimental to the product and cost additional time and money.
COST: Increased Time, Decreased Model Accuracy
RELATED SOLUTIONS: Neutral File Format/Translation, Supplier access through a portal to the appropriate information
Inaccurate PMI Data in RFQ - Inaccurate PMI

Inaccurate PMI Data in RFQ - Inaccurate PMI

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It is not uncommon for an RFQ package to contain errors in the product manufacturing data. This incorrect information can result in significant rework by both the Supplier and the Customer to correct the problems. It also can lead to a mistrust by the Supplier of future RFQs provided by that specific Customer. This cycle can result in significant delays as the Supplier must thoroughly examine each provided document in search of errors that might influence its bid/quote. If the Supplier makes changes based off assumptions of what the Customer would want given its historical actions the problem can be even worse. While incorrect changes should be found during first article inspection, the delays associated with reworking the files can delay the quoting process substantially. When both drawings and models are provided by a Customer it can result in inconsistencies in the data of the two versions. The drawings can call for a certain specification while the model either neglects to display the specification or presents a different specification entirely. This usually results in the Supplier defaulting to the drawings and recreating the model based off the perceived trusted data source.
COST: Decrease Model Accuracy, Increased Time, Increased Costs
RELATED SOLUTIONS: Digital RFQ creation, Digital RFQ PMI Validation
Time-Consuming RFQ development process - Inefficient Processes

Time-Consuming RFQ development process - Inefficient Processes

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The creation of the RFQ can be an extensive, manual and unstructured process. Decisions on what PMI data the Supplier needs to develop an accurate quote can be difficult and lead to omissions and errors that result in bad quotes and delays.
COST: Increased quote time, Increased costs
RELATED SOLUTIONS: Defined Prepare RFQ process, Digital RFQ Creation, Neutral File Format/Translation, Supplier access through a portal to the appropriate information

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Prepare RFQ

Digital Solutions

Digital RFQ creation (Customer and Supplier) - Improved Process Efficiency

Manufacturability Analysis (Customer and Supplier) - Manufacturability Resolution

Digital RFQ PMI Validation - Neutral File Format/Translation

Automated RFQ Process (Customer and Supplier) - Improved Risk Management, Improved Process Efficiency

Neutral-File Format - Interoperable PMI data

Potential Issues with this Activity:

Incomplete RFQ information - Incomplete PMI

Customer provides CAD file in incompatible format - Unusable CAD Files

Inaccurate PMI Data in RFQ - Inaccurate PMI

Time-Consuming RFQ development process - Inefficient Processes

Communicate RFQ