UGS Automotive Steering Group Update
The UGS Automotive Steering Group's (ASG) executive meeting was recently held in Del Mar, California. The ASG is a group of premier global automotive OEMs, formed more than 4 years ago to share enterprise PLM direction between members so that they can provide strategic direction to UGS on industry needs and priorities. The ASG forum is an example of UGS' continual efforts to strengthen collaborative partnerships with customers.
General Motors was the overall host and Chair of the Del Mar ASG meeting with support from the Chrysler Group. This meeting is a significant achievement since it was one of the largest gatherings of its kind with representation by senior level executives from 15 leading global automotive OEMs. This ASG meeting included executive participants from GM, Ford, DCX, Renault, Toyota, Mazda, PSA, Hyundai, Fiat, Isuzu, Volkswagen, Honda, Audi, Porsche, and Nissan. As a special guest, NASA/JPL (Jet Propulsion Labs) also participated, delivering an insightful presentation.
The evening before the event, UGS entertained all the participants with a special dinner cruise along San Diego harbor providing an ideal opportunity for everyone to network.
Meeting Highlights
The event began with introductory remarks on UGS and its marketing plans from Tony Affuso, president, CEO and chairman of UGS and Dave Shirk, EVP of Global Marketing. This was followed by a keynote address from Mr. Tom Soderstrom, IT CTO, Office of the CIO Jet Propulsion Laboratory, NASA, who spoke about "Cars on Mars" and "PLM innovation in far away space."
These key presentations set a positive tone for the remainder of the day as UGS and the ASG members launched discussions on a range of strategic issues.
- The first topic was the momentum of the JT™ format - its adoption, progress and success. An update on the JT Open Program and its value was provided with discussions around publishing the JT format, partners leveraging the JT format, and UGS' recent acquisition of Geolus® SHAPE (now renamed Geolus Search).
- The JT momentum discussion led into the second topic of Supplier Integration. This UGS-initiated discussion was in response to one of the biggest challenges of OEMs. This interactive session included discussions around the generation, transmission, distribution, and use of engineering data through the supply chain with a focus on JT-based collaboration throughout the Value Chain.
- The next discussion topic addressed simulation management with a review of recent ASG workshops dedicated to this issue. An update on UGS' strategy & vision for simulation lifecycle management was provided along with a brief demonstration of products as proof of UGS' commitment to continuously deliver and build on its vision. Some next steps with the ASG on simulation lifecycle management were also discussed.
- The topic of Mechatronics, presented by UGS, included UGS' vision for Mechatronics along with an update on the substantial progress made with the recent Teamcenter 2005 release. This Teamcenter release and continued plans provided the basis for a discussion on UGS' aggressive positioning in this area and delivery against identified OEM requirements, as well as for the automotive industry.
- As the final topic, a report was provided on a newly introduced subject of Knowledge Automation. The basis of the presentation was the outcome of a workshop conducted in Atsugi, Japan, hosted by Nissan. This topic was included to help facilitate discussions around the impact of knowledge driven vehicle development. The topic received very good endorsement and support from the OEMs and UGS will continue to facilitate discussion on this new and emerging area of interest.
Honda and Mazda will host the next executive meeting in Mar/April 2007 in Japan. In the interim, additional workshops will be held on specific topics with appropriate subject matter experts.
UGS is gratified by the interest and support of this important team of customers and their continued willingness to help develop, adopt and implement key PLM strategies. This is a strong endorsement from some of the most powerful and elite manufacturing companies in the world. UGS appreciates the time and feedback provided by the ASG members.
