The PLM Evolution for Mechatronics: From Filing Cabinet to Business Object Modeling (R)
11/16/2005
The synergy between mechanical and electrical presents the starting point for GM's mechatronics initiative. GM is bringing together its MCAD and ECAD tools, integrating them through PLM. As a result, the PLM tool must evolve from a bulk filing cabinet to become a business object modeler. GM is beginning to see evidence of the evolution. The data modeling they require is complex and detailed, and they recognize that a federated integrated model, such as the 12-fold way, presents a solution for that data-sharing framework. Finally, they recognize two glaring deficiencies in the maturation of mechatronics, what they call the partial integration gap and the plug-n-play engineering application gap.
Keywords: MCAD, ECAD, electrical schematics, mechatronic data model, UGS, Teamcenter, data model, PLM XML, CPDA 12-fold way, Business object modeling, STEP application protocols, partial integration gap, plug-n-play engineering application gap