The ALM solution Polarion is used to manage requirements tasks, tests and release versions in software development. As Mirko Theiß, OpenPDM product manager, explains, this information must be combined with product data from mechanical and E/E (electrical/electronic) development to create an end-to-end digital thread that ensures traceability across system and domain boundaries. "That's why the integration of ALM with other enterprise applications such as PLM or ERP plays an important role, especially for the manufacturers of mechatronic and smart products."
In order to meet customer requirements, PROSTEP is expanding the world's leading PLM integration platform OpenPDM in the direction of ALM. The new Polarion connector makes it possible to synchronize or link information from Polarion with other ALM systems as well as PLM and ERP systems. The integration platform supports different scenarios in this context, depending on the use case involved. Thanks to the OpenPDM OSLC provider, the new Polarion connector, like all the other connectors, makes it possible to link data across different systems.
Kautex, an automotive supplier belonging to the Textron Group, will the first to use the new connector. With over 6,000 employees at more than 30 locations in 14 countries, it is one of the 100 largest automotive suppliers in the world. Kautex develops and manufactures innovative fuel tank systems, battery systems, camera and sensor cleaning systems, and camshafts for all the major carmakers. The company also manufactures a wide range of standard and customized plastic packaging solutions.
Kautex intends to use the new OpenPDM connector to synchronize information about issues between two Polarion instances. One of the instances is located at Kautex, while the other is used by development partners. In conjunction with OpenPDM's process engine, the new connector ensures the bidirectional synchronization of information.
