Appligent based solution

Citation

(2005), "Appligent based solution", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 77 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2005.12777aaf.003

Appligent based solution

Appligent based solution

Keywords: ELDEC, Product data management, Aircraft components

ELDEC designs and manufactures electronic and electromechanical components for aerospace and defense applications. Its products are used on commercial and military aircraft in the US and Europe, and its customers and suppliers ail need to be aware of die latest specifications and maintenance bulletins.

The company developed an advanced product data management (PDM) system to manage a large volume of product information vital to the development and maintenance of its products. ELDEC needed to dynamically apply document control information from within its PDM system to validate each document's version and identity for delivery in both print and electronic formats. The system also maintains and reports revision information and the approval history of engineering update releases. However, the core PDM technology proved problematic in handling the high volume of complex print jobs the system generated and the company turned to a PDF-based solution utilizing on Adobe Acrobat and Appligent's AppendPDF Pro.

“It was easy to integrate Appligent's components with the API layers of our PDM system and the eRoom application to develop a real time solution for dynamically assembling and delivering critical content to our suppliers and customers”, said Chandru Narayan, Product Information Architect. “Appligent offers top tier technical support and has proven a great partner. We are currently extending our Appligent- based solution to other operating units in the company.”

Cross media publishing in real time

ELDEC's PDM is key to maintaining communications with its customers and suppliers, who need access to diverse content such as design specifications, business documents and engineering drawings. Each interaction must be customized as every customer or supplier has an unique contractual and operational relationship with ELDEC. Appligent's AppendPDF Pro enables ELDEC to dynamically assemble all business, design and engineering documents retrieved from the database into a single PDF file and stamp the revision control and approval information onto the pages prior to delivery by an automated distribution system. Both print and electronic deliveries are supported.

ELDEC has a network of over 70 printers throughout the organisation. The ability to append the various documents into one file ensures that all the required information is sent to the printer at the same time, eliminating the need to keep track of single-page documents or having other print requests intermingled.

PDF documents are also distributed to external partners over the internet via the e-Room collaborative environment. Each account has its own e-Room and finished PDFs are moved into the appropriate location on the server and partners are notified by e-mail. Users can log in to the system, retrieve the documents and interact with ELDEC by submitting change requests, suggestions or proposals to posted requests. The result is a direct conduit between ELDEC, its suppliers and its customers that improves the Sow of information and enhances collaboration.

Details available from: Appligent Inc. Tel: +1 610 284.4006; Fax: +1 610 284 4233; Web site: www.appligent.com