Recently, we talked with Aras President, Peter Schroer about how Aras just wrapped up its 5th consecutive year of record growth and a shift in the PLM market toward replacing legacy systems.Today, we'll found out how Aras plans to deliver.
JM: You said that manufacturers want systems that are more flexible and collaborative, and take advantage of new technologies. How will Aras deliver on this need?
Peter Schroer: I'll start by saying that we've evolved the way we think about PLM to better align our approach with the real-world requirements of our PLM community. In our view, PLM is an integrated framework of Web services on which sit a wide range of applications.
JM: What are PLM services and what are PLM applications?
PS: PLM Services reside in the underlying framework platform and include workflow, security, lifecycle management, federation, etc. Applications sit on top of the framework and encompass a wide range of capabilities, including document and CAD file management, BOM management, variants & options, projects, FMEA, quality and so on.
JM: So Aras is creating more applications?
PS: Exactly. We already have the most advanced platform in the industry. We doubled our development team over the past 12 months and they are aggressively working on new applications that will sit on the Aras framework.
JM: What new applications can we look forward to?
PS: As I said, we're changing the definition of PLM. The apps we'll be bringing to market would not be considered part of PLM based on the 10 year old definition that many still use today. We're moving further into the supply chain, further out onto the shop floor, and getting more involved in CRM, customer acquisition and customer collaboration. These will be apps that all plug in to the same integrated framework. The idea is that there is one secure log on and you have all the apps you are authorized to use, available to you all of the time. In-house, on the road, on your mobile device.
JM: Sounds like we'll be seeing more mobile out of Aras?
PS: The way we see it, PLM is no longer a desktop application. PLM shows up everywhere as a set of services, data and security. Therefore, Microsoft Office becomes a full-function PLM client, Outlook becomes a client, as does your smartphone, your tablet, your favorite browser and your CAD applications. The full set of Aras PLM services is simply embedded in these user interfaces.
JM: Finally, what advice would you give someone about to evaluate, or re-evaluate, PLM?
PS: Well, of course I recommend everyone try the Aras approach to PLM. The software simply works and thanks to our business model you can download it, try it, and prove to yourself that works in your environment, all without having to endure legions of sales teams and costly evaluations. Aras aside, the most important advice I can give anyone looking at PLM is not to make decisions solely on the basis of a carefully prepared demonstration or video. Install the PLM software in your environment and use it before making any decisions.
JM: Thanks Peter. Promise you'll comeback and give us an update on those new apps?
PS: Promise.