Aras PLM Software - Useful Tool?

[handleman]

First off, let me apologize if this is not the right forum for this question. I'd be more than happy to take it to the proper one. However, if I can provide my boss with a new tool that helps our division it will certainly help me get ahead. I did a search on Eng-Tips for "Aras" and only got one hit, which was a mention in-passing about five months ago.

That being said, has anyone had any experience with Aras PLM software? I read in a trade rag that they are going open-source with it. I'm trying to find out if it is something that can help us out with managing our projects (scheduling, task assignment/tracking, etc.). We're a custom machine design/build division within a large company. I'm not really looking for document/drawing/file management as much as workflow, scheduling, coordination/communication between different departments, etc. I would just download it myself and evaluate it, but it has to be installed on a server with SQL server. I'm just a lowly ME designer, so I'm lucky to have admin rights on my own machine, much less a server.

I don't think anyone currently in our division (myself included) has experience with any type of PLM software, so another expensive software package would likely be a tough sell at this time. However, if I can get some more information I may be able to justify some additional investigation time and resources to check out some free software.

Thanks!

 

[InnovatorM]

Was just crusing around and saw the question on the Aras plm system. Just to be up front, I'm with Aras. thought I'd try to answer your questions... yes, we've open sourced the apps so you can download and customize them as needed. you don't need a server to run the system, it'll load up on a std windows laptop or pc running xp. you will need IIS and .net loaded and sql svr, but there's a free version of that now too; sql express (there's a link to it from the aras download page). we just recommend a server for production use as good IT practice; we all have it loaded on our laptops.

the download has the project mgt and workflows included (scheduling, task assignment / tracking, etc its all in there). the download on our site is the same software that's running at motorola, delphi, lockheed martin, us army, as well as smaller companies like sonnax automotive and fox electronics.

the download is the production-ready system with complete access to all the solution capabilities for unlimited users. its an open soa so its fully extensible and customizable with web service apis for integration to extend an existing pdm system if you already have one. there's no obligation to purchase anything from us at any point, your company can use it forever for free.

we get asked all the time how we make money; we're doing the same thing red hat does; sell support subscriptions, training and consulting. so if your company wants enterprise-class support you know where to find us.

as a side note, I got a call earlier this week from a small research company letting me know they downloaded, installed, configured and set up user security structure, loaded their data, and are using it to run their business... and they never talked to us, just used the docs on our site. I think its awesome! you don't have to have a huge project or hire a bus load of consultants anymore to have enterprise plm with pjt mgt, eng chg workflows, doc mgt, parts, boms, fmeas, etc.

hope this helps clarify. if interested the download and support forums are at

http://www.aras.com

 

[toffeet]

Hello InnovatorM,

Thanks for the response. I am very much in the same position as "handleman", small manufacturer, looking for a PLM but can't justify the cost of the big programs like Teamcenter. I have been using Solid Edge for 5 years now, without a PDM program. How would Aras interact with Solid Edge or are there some programming involved?

Kind regards,
Theodore

Solid Edge V19 SP1 on WinXP SP2

 

[InnovatorM]

toffeet,

Sorry for the delayed response. your situation is pretty common (too much $$$ for Teamcenter, et al). sounds like there's some clarification that would be helpful.

Aras is an enterprise PLM system designed to help companies with the product development processes. Aras in addition to workflows and forms Aras has file management, but the download does not currently include in-process CAD file mgt (CAD package integrations).

Our intent in open sourcing is to make available the ability for people/the community to develop and share CAD integrations.

At our recent Community event, someone signed on to do a SolidWorks integration.

http://www.aras.com