Share-A-space vs PDM, PLM and ERP systems Is Share-A-space a PDM, PLM or an ERP system? Neither the first, nor the latter: Share-A-space integrates data from all of these systems. Below is a description of Share-A-space in relation to PDM, PLM and ERP systems.
Neutral repository Share-A-space provides a neutral, standards-based repository for shared product information, and a "politically neutral" environment for connecting multiple information sources of collaborating partners.
Rich reference framework Share-A-space implements a rich object schema, based on STEP AP239 (PDMschema and PLCS). This provides the richest reference framework possible, so that any other lifecycle information model can easily map onto a shared environment without any schema extension or customization.
A pure and independent data sharing mechanism Share-A-space implements a fixed object schema making it a "pure" data sharing mechanism that is independent of, and not encumbered by, the business processes used at the partners, and so can provide rapid and unambiguous exchange between systems with different business logic. An out of the box solution that is easy to set up enables business agility.
Delivers data consolidation Share-A-space delivers data consolidation. This enables incremental changes to product lifecycle configuration data to be quickly captured from authoring systems, integrated into the shared total product definition and published, supporting multiple views.
Makes data STEP and PLCS compliant Share-A-space makes data STEP and PLCS compliant. Any data put into Share-A-space® will become STEP and PLCS compliant and this is an attractive way to "get to STEP and PLCS" instead of upgrading in-house legacy systems.
Data sharing hub Share-A-space is a data sharing "hub" that provides a lower-cost alternative to costly maintenance of direct interfaces between multiple PDM/PLM/ILS/ERP systems.
Shared repository for long-life product data Share-A-space is a shared repository for long-life product data that will endure (because of the standards-based schema) for the lifetime of the project/product, while collaborating partners, and their information systems, may change.
Storing product lifecycle configuration information Share-A-space is an efficient environment for just storing published product lifecycle configuration information, without the overheads of full PDM/PLM capabilities.
Adds value to existing systems Share-A-space adds value to existing systems like PDM/PLM/ILS/ERP. Current systems may remain in place but at the same time data is consolidated and made standards compliant as well as easily available for authorized business partners.
