So what is it about Aras Innovator
that keeps enterprises and users coming back for more? For starters, Aras is unlike any other PLM product in the marketplace. When you compare Aras Innovator with other enterprise software applications and platforms it stands out as uniquely flexible, open and easy to use. But what does that mean?
I went on the hunt to find out. Rob McAveney, Aras Chief Architect, was extremely helpful in answering my questions. Here's what Rob had to say:
Aras is Flexible and Extensible: With Aras Innovator, extensibility was key from the beginning. We [the architects] had all been in the PLM market in a variety of roles and knew that we had to have a flexible data-modeling tool with a slew of built-in behaviors, and a solid API with a rich-event model to make real change in the market. You can use Aras out of the box or create as many custom solutions as you want.
Aras is User Friendly: It all starts with a familiar Microsoft look and feel. Then, our easily configurable forms make it easy to transform Aras into whatever it is your users are already comfortable with. Want to replicate that paper based form? Go for it. And consistency is leveraged throughout the application: the same UI edits a BOM, writes a work instruction and attaches deliverables to a project. That is something truly unique to Aras.
Aras is Dynamic: Changes you make to Aras Innovator are immediately reflected in the application. No recompiling. No restarting services. Nothing of the sort. Talk about making the life of every user and developer easier. With Aras, downtime is never a factor when planning a change. The Aras platform detects changes, adjusts accordingly and keeps on going.
Aras is Self-Describing (and then some): Ok, so this one is definitely for the more technical folks. There are a number of self-describing systems out there. Typically these systems allow you to inspect the definition of an object / entity without having to dig into code. For example, you can find out that "Part" objects have a "Part Number" attribute or that "Purchase Order" entities may be in "Pending" or "Approved" states.
Aras takes this concept further. With Aras, you learn about behaviors, like whether revisions are tracked or what workflows are enabled, and the real details behind them. Revision schemes, workflow steps, the details behind the details, and so on. In fact, you can get all the way down to the root class and inspect that if you wish. Better yet, Aras allows you to accomplish this through its standard browser-based UI, through the API, or using a simple SOAP message.
Aras is Open and Standards-Based: Aras is an open platform by design. The entire application, including the data model and business logic, is exposed through a web service using open standards such as HTTP, XML and SOAP. There are no proprietary macro languages or protocols - the only things to learn are a simple XML dialect and a well-documented API. Even at the application level, packaged solutions are based on industry standards, such as PMI, CMII and APQP.
Aras Is Addictive: After using Aras Innovator for a while, building solutions with it becomes second nature. And addictive. The possibilities are so endless that sometimes deciding what not to do is harder than deciding what to do. Get a few small solutions under your belt, and you'll find yourself looking for new challenges to take on. Don't believe me? Only one way to find out…
After hearing from Rob, why not take Aras for test drive?
New to Aras? Download the application and get going.
Already been using the Aras Innovator PLM suite for a while and want to try an add-on? Jump over here and search some of the possibilities already published by our rich community.
Finally, let me know what add-on you would like to build.