Asynchronous PLM Data Exchange via SRM Intermediary
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems face challenges in automating the exchange of design data with external users who are disconnected from the system, lacking efficient and secure methods for data transfer and traceability.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an asynchronous data exchange method using an exchange definition object that packs and publishes product data through a Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) system, allowing secure transfer and response management between a PLM system and external users, with features for access control and data integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If asynchronous data exchange is implemented with external users, then data exchange efficiency and traceability are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary data exchange mechanism that mediates between the PLM system and external users. This intermediary layer handles the complexity of asynchronous communication, file transfer management, and response tracking, thereby improving data exchange efficiency without directly increasing the core PLM system's complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The data exchange process is segmented into distinct components: exchange definition objects, file transfer objects, and response tracking mechanisms. This segmentation allows each component to handle specific aspects of the exchange independently, improving overall efficiency while managing system complexity through modular design.
2Reliability
If secure data transfer methods are implemented, then data security is improved, but transfer speed and efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Security measures such as authentication, authorization, and encryption are implemented preliminarily before the actual data transfer begins. Exchange definition objects are pre-configured with security parameters, and user credentials are verified in advance, ensuring data security without impacting the speed of the actual file transfer process.
3Productivity
If automated exchange processes are implemented, then labor efficiency is improved, but process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service automation where exchange definition objects automatically initiate data transfers, and response objects automatically track and retrieve responses from external users. This automation improves labor efficiency by eliminating manual intervention while managing complexity through standardized, self-managing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
Automated feedback mechanisms are implemented through response objects that automatically track the status of data exchanges and retrieve responses from external users. This feedback loop enables automated process monitoring and management, improving labor efficiency while containing complexity through systematic feedback handling.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for an asynchronous data exchange between a PLM system and an external user. The method includes defining an exchange definition object related to product data, packing the exchange definition object for transfer, publishing the packed exchange definition object through an SRM to a browser of the external user, receiving a product data download request from the browser of the external user through the SRM, transferring the product data from a file management system of the PLM system to the file transfer manager of the external user, receiving a response exchange definition object from the browser of the external user through the SRM, and receiving the response product data from the file transfer manager of the external user.