Whether investments in a software pay off in the long term, does not only depend on its features. Reliable support from the manufacturer is also important.Dietmar Fillinger
Head of IT Organization and Applications
Stuttgarter Straßenbahnen AG
- Metal and hybrid structures for body-in-white and chassis
- Over 12,200 employees (2021)
- €2.115 billion in sales(2021)
With numerous applications, CIM Database has been the global PLM platform at KIRCHHOFF Automotive since 2012. In 2019, the family-owned company decided to introduce the CONTACT Elements module Product Costing. This enables KIRCHHOFF to supply the global quotation processes with all costing-relevant data from CIM Database.
Stuttgarter Straßenbahnen
Stuttgarter Straßenbahnen AG (SSB) was founded in 1889 and is today one of the largest and most modern public transport companies in Germany. Approximately 500 buses and trains as well as more than 3000 employees, including 1,200 drivers, are in daily operation.
CIM Database as a central integration platform
With 72 lines and a route network of over 850 kilometres, SSB AG ensures smooth, economical and safe local transport for 900,000 people in the transport area. Since 1995, SSB has been successfully relying on CIM Database as an overall IT solution for infrastructure management and the administration of all engineering data. As an integration platform for the entire company, the system reduces time-consuming activities and information deficiencies by providing enterprise-wide access to data and information as well as a continuous and redundancy-free flow of information across departments and systems. Convincing results include improved collaboration between all parties involved, reducing errors and avoiding costly risks.
Solution
CAD/CAE data management for AutoCAD Mechanical or ADT (vehicle workshops and properties), Bentley MicroStation (traffic planning and technical infrastructure) and Aucotec Ruplan (city railway vehicles, bus stops); SAP integration with reconciliation of parts master data and payment instructions; workflow-supported technical change management; data transfer from external partners (city of Stuttgart, construction/engineering offices), e. g. drawings, parts/assemblies with parts lists; connection to the geographic information system (GIS) GeoTrAMS from Intergraph; comprehensive document management including in- and outbound mail, image files and driving dynamics calculations as well as digital folders with all related documents structured by vehicles, buildings, infrastructure/routes and projects; central plot management.
Benefits
CIM database as an enterprise-wide information hub and digital archive; reduction of search, transfer and wait times; traceability of processes, also in accordance with legal requirements; standardization of data, products and processes; cost reduction (no multiple recording of data, increased reuse of parts, accelerated throughput times); increase in data and process quality through redundancy-free, consistent and up-to-date data stock; accelerated data and process quality. Accelerated circulation of technical changes; faster ROI due to reduction of administration intensive activities and minimization of misinformation and associated risks.
Specifics
CIM database as a DMS application with project and product reference in administrative areas: filing of financing models, contract management, property and real estate management, handling of damage claims and payment instructions, documentation of EBE cases (increased transport fee); project-related information management for infrastructure projects; creation of PDF documentation at the touch of a button - consisting of, among other things, construction drawings and parts lists, manufacturer information, maintenance instructions as well as correspondence and visual material with concrete information on specific parts.
