Blog – SolidPartners

2 Feb 2019

SolidPartners at SolidWorks World 2019 in Dallas, TX (Feb 10-13)

As Bill Murray was apt to say in his movie focused on February 2nd… “Well it’s Groundhog Day… again…” As a weather reporter named Phil Connors he’s covering Punxsutawney Phil, the groundhog who emerges from his hole every February 2nd to see if he can see his shadow.

Going to SolidWorks world (again) is a bit like this scene wherein we meet with old friends, and we remember the good old days, just as this old friend meets with Bill Murray.

You see we’ve been going to this show for the past 20 years as an exhibitor and are excited to see many of our ‘yearly’ friends and clients. Even though it seems like a repeat event, we’ve gotten a great booth location (right across from SolidWorks main booth) and we think you’ll really like our presentation this year. …

5 Aug 2017

There is no Cloud… PLM

4G:PLM, Activault, Bill of Materials, BOM, Cloud PLM, PDM, PLM, SolidWorks ePDM 0

With all of the hype surrounding Cloud PLM, etc., we’d like to cut through the fog and cloud confusion.

Why don’t you host the server yourself – or use a private cloud vs. someone else’s computer?

A lot of companies we talk to, both large and small, are still a bit skeptical about the PLM potentialities on the cloud. Servers for Product Lifecycle Management software are some of the key repositories of Intellectual Property (IP) for any given company, and if these fall into the wrong hands the results can be very damaging. Your company IP is worth way more than any server and perhaps you’re the best one to know how to protect it.

We know of one green energy company who went out of business over a dozen years ago, and their IT equipment was backed up and sold to the highest bidder at auction. …

16 Jul 2017

Solving the PLM Puzzle with 4G:PLM

4G:PLM, Bill of Materials, BOM, News, PDM, PLM, SolidWorks ePDM 0

Product Lifecycle Management systems are overly complex… but they don’t need to be. If the cure is worse than the ailment most people won’t want it. And that’s the problem with PLM – it is a puzzle. Many companies spend huge budgets on tools and consultants. Once deployed the tools are loathed by users…

How can you figure out a better way when you’re constrained by the tools?
How do you get users to use the tool? You’d like them to want to ‘add books to the library’ of product knowledge, but if it is too complex for the casual user, what can you change? The greatest product librarian tools aren’t any good if you don’t have any “books in the library”!

…

11 Jun 2017

Affordable PDM without the Drama

4G:PLM, Activault, Bill of Materials, PLM 0

We’re on the eve of another NBA finals game. The nation is focused on these two teams (Cleveland and Golden State) and the drama is unfolding. People actually enjoy the drama – watching two superstars jawing at each other. Who’s going to win? Who’s favoring which team? Even our staff at SolidPartners is evenly split – they can’t agree on the favorite, although I know mine…

What drama! What suspense… and fans love it!

The only thing which isn’t suspenseful is the cost of the tickets – they are sky high! The nosebleed seats are over $1,000! See the vivid seats page below just for an idea of the cost. You’d have to be a die hard fan to want to spend that kind of money for one evening of entertainment.…

4 Mar 2017

What is the Affordable PLM Act?

Automation, Bill of Materials, BOM, News, PLM, Process Re-Engineering 0

You’ve all heard of the Affordable Care Act – at least those of you following modern politics in the USA. With our newly elected president there’s a lot of hoopin’ and hollerin’ going on about this legislation across the country. Perhaps it will be repealed, and/or replaced, but it will take a real act of congress to move on this initiative.

Strange how this closely aligns with starting a new company-wide initiative for PLM (Product Lifecycle Management). To get a new system into the company, or to ‘repeal’ the current system, you’ll need to move a mountain of politics and get all parties to ‘buy in’ to the change. Do not despair – there is now HOPE with 4G:PLM! The three keys to making this work:

Education – get everyone trained on what’s really going on today, how it can be better and how you can eventually get 100% coverage on your systems and processes.

…

12 Feb 2017

SolidPartners Exhibits at SolidWorks World 2017

4G:PLM, Activault 0

For over 15 years SolidPartners has exhibited at the largest tradeshow for SolidWorks mechanical CAD software. SolidWorks World 2017 in Los Angeles was no exception – we were able to participate and show off some of our newest software to the over 5,000 attendees.

This year was unique in that it was Super Bowl weekend with the crowd from SolidWorks (predominantly Patriot’s fans) a bit down about the progress of the game in the first 3 quarters. Our SolidPartners’ booth was right across the aisle from the DS SolidWorks booth and the big screen where most folks were gathering to watch the game. As most football fans know by now, the New England Patriots came up with a big come back win in the fourth quarter and won in overtime.…

1 Aug 2016

How Cloud Based PLM Increases Efficiency

News 0

Cloud Based Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Software is an essential feature for your small or medium sized business’ PLM.

When it comes to choosing an affordable PLM product, you are looking for increased efficiency and long-term savings. While many PLM products charge you for features you will never use, a cloud PLM is worth finding and implementing.

Here are a few of the ways that cloud-based PLM increases efficiency:…

21 Jul 2016

How to Get the Most Out of an Affordable PLM Solution

News 0

Many small and medium sized businesses need the efficiency and functionality of a premier product lifecycle management (PLM) product, but their budget has them searching for an affordable PLM solution.

How can your business get the most out of an affordable PLM solution?

This guide will walk you through how to generate strong ROI from your PLM budget.

Develop a PLM Roll out Plan

One of the best ways to get the most out of a new PLM system is by going in with a plan. Here are a few elements you should make sure are included as part of your PLM plan.

Get Executive and Organizational Buy In – Depending on your company’s size and organization, who needs to be on board will vary.

…

21 Jul 2016

Knowing if You Should Switch PLM Systems

News 0

Your small to medium sized business has been working with a product lifecycle management (PLM) product for a while. But you are now wondering if this is the most affordable PLM solution.

Before jumping into a new PLM system, here are a few of the questions that you should stop and consider.

1) How much does your current PLM cost?

The first two questions you want to ask assess your current PLM situation. If your current PLM solution is effectively meeting your needs, there’s no need for a switch.

The most basic question to start with is how much you are spending. Many PLM products have added features and complexities that are simply unnecessary for small to medium sized businesses.…

21 Jul 2016

3 Ways PLM Benefits Manufacturers of All Sizes

4G:PLM 0

Will a product lifecycle management (PLM) system benefit your small to medium sized manufacturing company?

Absolutely.

An affordable PLM system brings the many tasks, and departments involved with bringing your product to the marketplace into one integrated product.

Let’s look at the benefits of a PLM system to manufacturers.

Save Time with an Effective PLM

Modern manufacturing companies use a host of technology products, such as spreadsheets, emails, and shared documents. But using each of these individual products require manually moving data between programs, long email chains, and even long interdepartmental meetings.

PLM software brings the many discrete processes from design through marketing under one software umbrella. This improves coordination and improves efficiency at every step of your manufacturing process.…