PDM Implementation in Record Time
By Doug Shelburne
We began implementing CMII five years ago. We were coming from a culture where change was perceived negatively and anything to do with the change process was very difficult and time consuming. With the help of CMII, we changed that culture and implemented a change process that uses the CMII principles.
Our change process is well defined and works very efficiently. However, the process is neither fully automated nor does it use electronic records.
There was no chance of getting approval to purchase a PDM system, which like our experience with ERP, was going to take many months to implement. In addition, any new PDM system had to interface with the existing ERP system.
The process of learning the functions of PDM, understanding our needs, and sorting through the vendor "propaganda," began about two years ago. This process started slowly with reading, attending a PDM conference and talking to a lot of people. It ended with some very intense hands-on demo's.
The decision came down to two vendors who could interface with our ERP system. The final decision would be based on which of the two could also accommodate our closed-loop change process.
We chose a vendor who has a very powerful and flexible PDM system (which translates into a very complex system). Although complex systems are not easy to implement, this one had the best potential to grow with expanded functionality.
The choice was made. The funds were committed.
The implementation clock was running.World-Record Time
This is the amazing story of how Framatome Cogema Fuels (FCF) overcame the odds and implemented a PDM system in a world record time and started generating ROI in less than a month.Framatome Cogema Fuels
As part of a worldwide organization, FCF designs and fabricates nuclear fuel, control components, and incore detectors. We provide engineering services associated with the nuclear-fuel cycle and field services for the inspection and repair of fuel and related components. FCF is also involved in the storage and disposal of spent fuel.
Our parent companies, Framatome and Cogema serve the total fuel cycle needs in France and around the world through uranium mining, conversion and enrichment, fuel-assembly design and fabrication, and nuclear-fuel reprocessing.
Our Timing Goal and Prerequisites
First, we had to learn about PDM, survey the vendors and make a selection. Then came the challenge - - the system was to be in a production mode as soon as possible after delivery.
The vendor estimated at least eight months to achieve a production mode. We set our goal for implementing the first program at three weeks which was so far "out of the box" that it was considered crazy. (The vendor did not understand CMII).
Prerequisites for achieving in-production use of a PDM system with a complete contract BOM included schema design, data transfer from legacy systems, procedure changes, user training, independent data verification, and proof test documentation.
The PDM implementation team included members who understood our CMII process. The detailed implementation plan was clearly understood and supported by every one who was affected.
Implementation progress was reviewed every morning, corrections were made and tasks were modified as needed. Problems were addressed in impromptu "brainstorming" sessions as they arose.
We came within one day of our goal to have the first production program up and running in our new PDM system in three weeks. It took three weeks and one day!
• We were already using a proven CMII process
• Our team knew what the PDM process had to do
• Our team was committed to making it happen!100% Accuracy and Record Time
In our business, data must be 100% correct (99.9% is not good enough). This level of accuracy requires independent checks at each step. While more time consuming at the front end, this approach pays for itself in the corrective action that is avoided.
Credit for Another CMII Success
Our management was so impressed with the effort that they had us present an award to Vince Guess. What's Next?
Now that everyone can see the benefits of our PDM system, its expanded applications are being driven by the user community and by management.
Institute of Configuration Management Scottsdale, AZ 85261-5656 Tel: (480) 998-8600 Fax: (480) 998-8923 Email: info@icmhq.com