Software tools and methods for the practice-oriented PDM integration of design and diagnostics of mechatronic systems in vehicles

a practice-oriented approach for an accelerated product development and product design process for mechatronic systems is presented. The handling of complex and versatile product data to perform this process is shown in the area of electrical drives and actuators in cars. It is discussed, how the coordination of all the necessary disciplines as development, design, testing field, specification and release management should be software supported and PDM integrated. The advantages and benefits of the presented methods are shown on particular examples.

The necessary software modules are introduced, showing that the realized solution gives both opportunities - the integration into a PDM backbone and at the same time an independent communication within department and/or company. The practical way, to realize the expert-specific needs of the development department, which is not possible with a general PDM system is pointed out. The internet and intranet capabilities of the system and the advantages of such a workflow in the practical communication with suppliers and external partners is shown. The benefits in the daily work are confirmed on examples, deriving the economic profitability of the presented methods.