Challenge

Address security risks in the current PLM system while maintaining business process support. Deliver a stable, high-performing platform for end-users without requiring extra training.

Solution

Upgrade the PLM system to the latest available version using TECHNIA’s assessment tools and comprehensive project management capabilities. 

Results

The upgrade was delivered successfully – within budget, ahead of schedule, and with minimal downtime. 

Julius Blum GmbH, a renowned global leader in manufacturing innovative furniture fittings, has been synonymous with quality and design since its founding in 1952. Specializing in high-quality hinges, lift systems, and drawer systems, Blum continually strives to enhance the functionality and aesthetics of the furniture. When faced with the need to upgrade its PLM (product lifecycle management) platform, Blum partnered with TECHNIA to ensure a seamless transition that exemplified collaboration, professionalism, and success.

Balancing customization with operational continuity

Blum’s PLM platform was customized to address unique business needs, creating challenges for compatibility during the upgrade. Legacy systems compounded the complexity, necessitating meticulous data integration and secure handling to ensure operational continuity. The unsupported software release has caused security threats demanding an immediate solution.

The project’s success required addressing these challenges while maintaining the high standards of quality and security Blum is known for.

A unified team and innovative tools

Blum and TECHNIA joined forces to form a cohesive team, blending expertise from Blum’s IT and Digital Engineering departments with TECHNIA’s global services team. This unified approach fostered effective communication, shared ownership, and proactive problem-solving throughout the project lifecycle.

Blum is a long-term customer of TECHNIA’s Value Components, used to optimize solutions and simplify the challenges of custom implementations. To tackle the complexities of the CAD data management solution, BLUM adopted Integration Framework, a robust and stable system integration solution. This tool offered a robust and stable integration between SmarTeam and ENOVIA, which proved invaluable in ensuring the data integrity, minimizing the overall effort and costs. Advanced assessment tools were also employed to evaluate customizations and anticipate potential challenges, enabling precise and informed decision-making.

A comprehensive project plan was developed, emphasizing systematic risk management and intensive testing. This approach ensured minimal downtime, maintained data integrity, and provided a high-quality rollout experience for users.

A perfectly executed upgrade project

The PLM upgrade project was completed within budget and went live a full month ahead of schedule. Small challenges encountered along the way were swiftly resolved, a testament to the effective collaboration and agile project management between Blum and TECHNIA.