Structured and competent support to find the best-fit solution
How Intelliact uses a clearly structured evaluation process to identify potential, bring together customer and supplier requirements, and efficiently implement the best-fit solution in collaboration with all stakeholders.
That's what it's all about
Successful evaluation thanks to consulting and software expertise
With its combined consulting and software engineering expertise, Intelliact supports customers in evaluating new tools and systems. This includes analyzing the current situation, benchmarking relevant providers, and specifying customer and provider requirements in the proof-of-concept phase. The following project from the Intelliact portfolio highlights the key aspects of a successful evaluation.
Project challenges
Replacement of a CAD system and global harmonization of processes across all locations and functions
The CAD and PDM system of an international mechanical engineering company was outdated, no longer supported by the provider, and needed to be replaced. At the same time, the globally inconsistent CAD and PDM landscape across all subsidiaries and locations needed to be harmonized, as collaboration was very time-consuming and unreliable due to media breaks and different formats.
Intelliact's task was to conduct a thorough analysis and, on this basis, evaluate suitable CAD systems together with the company. Due to the company's profile, a plant engineering CAD system was required in addition to a mechanical CAD system. The PDM and PLM concept also played a central role. In order to clarify the requirements holistically, Intelliact involved all company locations with their different functions. Accordingly, the areas of innovation and product development were involved, as were order-specific development, production, after-sales, and service.
Implemented by Intelliact
Support throughout the entire evaluation process
The first step was to assess the current global situation in order to identify potential and key pain points and derive the requirements for the new systems. The analysis also showed that cross-location harmonization of product structures, processes, and working methods was necessary.
Intelliact then outlined a possible tool architecture and clearly defined tool classes (mechanical CAD, process CAD, PDM) and, based on this, described the customer-specific processes. The key here was to identify company-specific unique selling points that would secure long-term competitive advantages. Intelliact also took on the following tasks in the evaluation process:
- Defining the requirements for the new systems
- Developing a coherent evaluation concept (story) for potential providers
- Defining the evaluation criteria
- Assessing the tools available on the market (pre-selection by the customer)
- Communicating with providers during the benchmark
- Evaluating the benchmark results
- Providing content support in negotiations with providers
Benefits for the customer
Efficient, economical, and without “blind spots” for an optimal system
Decision-makers and relevant stakeholders within the company quickly gained a sound overview of current best practices and available tools. The structured selection process involved all locations with their specific requirements and ensured an efficient path to a functionally and economically suitable system (best-fit tool). Thanks to the content support provided by Intelliact experts in negotiations with suppliers, critical issues were identified at an early stage and costly mistakes were avoided.
Competent interface between customer and system provider
Intelliact also supports customers after the evaluation has been completed, if required, and acts as a mediating interface between the provider, system functionality, and customer processes. For Intelliact, this also includes proof of concept prior to the actual implementation in order to specifically align the system and requirements with the selected provider. By clarifying any misunderstandings and answering open questions at an early stage, significant time and cost advantages can be achieved.
Are you planning to evaluate new tools or systems? Intelliact supports you as a neutral evaluation partner – from the analysis of the current situation to conception and benchmarking to the successful implementation of the right solution.