The Basics (EBoM Structure)!

Well, before getting into the future possibilities of PLM and all that, or rather, without getting into all that, which is all the more common with other existing blogs, let me explain what I have understood of the basic EBoM (Engineering Bill of Materials) structure. The structure may vary from organization to organization but the basic concept remains the same.

At the top stands the basic model, beneath which lie many options belonging to various families under which we have branches of groups and finally, under each group, we have assemblies and parts. So, it is more or like the hierarchy as depicted below:

The ‘Basic Model’ is nothing but the complete vehicle or product which the organization is producing. This may be an electrical appliance or an electronic device or for that matter an automobile. This ‘Basic Model’ may be present in the form of various variants. However, importantly, each variant is a complete product in itself, which in fact, is the final finished good rolling out of the line. Let us take the example of tractor industry. A complete tractor is a ‘Basic Model’.

A ‘Basic Model’ is constituted by various families. Each family is more or less a primary feature without which a ‘Basic Model’ is incomplete. Some examples of families are Engine family, front tyre family, Battery family, etc.

Families contain ‘Options’. Options are completed features from a family. In a family, there may be present multiple options which may go into a ‘Basic Model’ whose applicability is off course governed by certain features like fitment or engine H.P. For example, from the family Engine, there may be two options, 55 HP and 65 HP. It is to be noted at this juncture that only one ‘Option’ goes from each ‘Family’ into one ‘Basic Model’.

‘Groups’ constitute ‘Options’. Groups are sub-features which are assembled to form a feature (option). Practically speaking, groups are nothing but the physically separable parts, which when assembled, forms the feature. A mirror may be a group with parts or assemblies like the frame, the holder bracket, etc.

Each ‘Group’ has assemblies or parts. These are lowermost entities in an EBoM. These are the basic constituents, both from the engineering as well as the manufacturing points of view. When a designer starts from scratch, he or she starts from here.

Hope, this was more than informative as the significance of this structure will be realized as you get into the applicability mode of PLM products.

Till we meet next time, signing off!!

The Beginning...

Sometimes it feels amazing to observe some brand becoming synonymous to the very competency it represents. We do not say we will search online, we GOOGLE! We want Ariel (detergent powder) but ask for 'Surf' to the shopkeeper. And when it comes to passenger cars, people want a 'Santro' which is a 'Maruti'.
The continual evolution of SAP is no different and has completely replaced the word 'ERP' from the lexicon. Likewise, another aspect which is emerging, although in a more dormant manner, is PLM (Product Lifecycle Management). Now some pundits will even argue that ERP is an aspect of PLM or the other way around and everyone have certain bases to support their arguments.
The point however, is not categorizing the two domains, but to focus on the opportunity which PLM is bound to bring in the coming future, which surely, is not far ahead.
The very reason I have started this web-blog is to not only try to seize this opportunity but also make the readers aware of how magnanimous its consequences can be.
To introduce, I am neither some 'Platonic Pundit' in PLM nor a marketing/ sales lead of some PLM vendor. I am like majority, a user. I started my career after graduating from college in the Product Development department barely some 8 months ago. I chose the Engineering Services functionality putting aside the 'designer's hat' just for the sake of PLM.
After about 6 months of what I have experienced, PDM (Product Data Management) and PPM (Product and Portfolio Management). Off course, I try to brief myself with ERP proceedings. However, I would love to begin with what I have learnt and will continue to post my understandings, in my own way. The sole reason for not copying some wiki PLM paragraphs and incorporating them into my posts is that I can foresee the applicability of PLM beyond manufacturing industry.
I am currently engaged with some prolific PLM systems like E-Matrix and Teamcentre. The associated CAD system is Pro-E and my competency is a PPM software, ICP (Iveco Configuration Platform) which an inbuilt software of the organization I am working.
I will also post about the glitches I encounter and would welcome comments, suggestions and criticisms, anytime and every time.
Till we meet next time and talk something which is more PLM related, Ciao!