Situation
Kongsberg, due to its performance-based contracts for Remote Weapon Stations (RWS), needs to maintain complete control over the design specifications and configuration of all systems at all times. Their responsibility includes providing customers and government authorities with accurate configuration information for each individual RWS, information previously scattered across various Line of Business (LOB) systems.
Problem
The level of integration between Kongsberg’s internal systems and those of its suppliers fell short in handling the increased complexity of operations. This problem became particularly prominent as the business grew. For instance, when subsystems were returned from maintenance, the corresponding information required manual updates to reflect changes—a process leading to extended lead times in the maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) process.
Solution
The solution promotes a consolidated view of all design specifications. All change requests and deviations of over 200 components per individual RWS are available through the Eurostep ShareAspace PLM Collaboration platform. This platform collects relevant information from the internal LOB systems, including updates from external subcontractor systems, to provide a complete and updated product configuration of each RWS. These configurations are then published for customers and government authorities. ShareAspace’s information model is based on the ISO standard Product Life Cycle Support (PLCS), ensuring compliance with both current and future requirements.
Benefits
- More Agile and Faster to Market (TTM): Kongsberg Protech Systems (KPS) can manufacture the RWS according to the latest design specifications, fostering innovation, enhancing product quality, reducing production costs, and swiftly responding to market changes.
- Customer Satisfaction: The improved internal and external workflows between business units and external stakeholders don’t necessitate changes in existing business processes. This efficiency enables more cost-effective preventive maintenance on delivered systems.
- Improved Quality: Up-to-date information from suppliers is consolidated with data across LOB systems, with reports automatically generated.
In summary, Kongsberg Protech Systems (KPS) is the world’s leading supplier of Remote Weapon Stations (RWS), providing high-tech systems for enhanced awareness and protection in high-risk areas. The discussed changes have furthered their ability to fulfil their role effectively.
