Digital Product Thread Readiness

Assessment and Implementation Guide

Arena PLM + QMS Integration Implementation Guide

Tailored Approaches by Readiness Level

This guide provides specific implementation strategies for integrating Arena PLM QMS with enterprise systems based on organizational readiness levels.

High Readiness (88-110 points): Strategic Approach for Arena Integration

Organizations at this level should pursue a comprehensive, business-process driven integration strategy connecting Arena to multiple enterprise systems.

Next Step Recommendations

1. Evaluate software vendors for their low-code / no-code capabilities and pre-built connectors
2. Develop integration strategy and roadmap
3. Establish business process ownership for integrations
4. Implement a phased integration approach with continuous improvement

Implementation Steps:

1. Evaluate Integration Options
   • Leverage Arena’s Marketplace pre-built connections, REST API, and low-code Integration Engine
   • Compare Arena Marketplace connectors vs. custom integration development based on requirements
2. Implement Hub-Based Integration Architecture
   • Create a central integration hub model with Arena as a core node
   • Establish canonical data models for product information
   • Implement master data management with Arena as system of record for appropriate domains
   • Use Arena account policies and API management layer for governance
3. Prioritize High-Value Integration Points
   • Engineering to Arena: Automate CAD file and BOM transfer from design systems
   • Arena to ERP: Synchronize released BOMs, AVL, and engineering change data
   • Arena to MES: Transfer approved manufacturing data and work instructions. Connect quality processes in MES to quality actions in Arena.
   • Service/Customer Support to Arena QMS to Service: Connect customer complaints and service issue processes to quality actions in Arena.
4. Leverage Arena’s Advanced Features
   • Implement Arena’s full-quality management capabilities in integrated workflows
   • Utilize Arena Automations for powerful, no-code workflow automations within Arena
   • Utilize Arena Analytics for Arena process analytics and Arena Data Extract to share Arena data to enterprise BI dashboards
5. Establish Comprehensive Governance
   • Establish monitoring and alerting for integration health and improvements as business needs change

Key Performance Indicator Suggestions:

• 95%+ BOM accuracy between systems
• 50%+ reduction in engineering change implementation time
• 100% compliance document traceability
• 90%+ reduction in manual data entry

Moderate Readiness (65-87 points): Focused Approach for Arena Integration

Organizations at this level should implement targeted Arena connections for highest-value processes while building capability.

Next Step Recommendations

1. Document integration requirements for priority systems
2. Build the business case for specific high-value integrations
3. Develop data governance and quality improvement plan
4. Pilot integration between two key systems

Implementation Steps:

1. Select Integration Methodology
• Prioritize Arena Marketplace connectors for standard connections
• Balance custom API development with pre-built solutions
2. Implement Phased Integration Plan (order to be determined by business priorities)
• Phase 1: CAD/design system to Arena connections
• Phase 2: Arena to ERP/MES for released product data
• Phase 3: MES to Arena for quality control issues to quality process
• Phase 4: Service/Customer Support to Arena QMS for case management quality process
  Use “crawl-walk-run” approach for each integration point.
3. Optimize Arena Configuration for Connections
• Implement standardized data attributes and conventions
• Configure Arena’s change management processes to align with connected systems
4. Start with Controlled Integration Scope
• Begin with specific product lines or divisions
• Focus on new product introduction process first
• Implement for non-regulated products before regulated ones
• Validate thoroughly before expanding scope
5. Build Internal Capabilities
• Document the data flow model and integration touchpoints
• Create Arena integration playbooks for future expansion

Key Performance Indicators Suggestions:

• 80%+ BOM accuracy between systems
• 35%+ reduction in change implementation time
• 90% compliance document traceability
• 75%+ reduction in manual data entry

Developing Readiness (44-64 points): Pilot Approach for Arena Integration

Organizations at this level should start with limited Arena integration pilots while addressing foundational gaps.

Next Step Recommendations

1. Focus on process standardization and documentation
2. Evaluate and improve data quality in core systems
3. Build executive support through small wins
4. Consider pre-built connectors from your software vendors

Implementation Steps:

1. Begin with Arena Marketplace Solutions
   • Prioritize Arena Marketplace pre-built connectors over custom development
   • Focus on connectors with minimal configuration requirements
2. Start with Unidirectional and/or Simple Data Flows
   • Implement one-way or less complicated syncs from design systems to Arena
   • Consider scheduled low-code exports/imports for simpler implementation using Arena Integration Engine
   • Validate data accuracy before implementing bidirectional flows
3. Focus on Process Standardization
   • Standardize product data management processes in Arena
   • Align change management workflows across systems
   • Create standard operating procedures for Arena usage
   • Document integration touchpoints in business processes
4. Address Data Quality
   • Clean and normalize existing data in systems
   • Implement data validation rules in Arena
   • Create data harmonization plan across systems
   • Establish data ownership and governance
5. Build Simple Integration Use Cases
   • Low-code mostly automated BOM import from design systems
   • Uni-directional part master synchronization with ERP
   • Quality action notification in Arena from Customer Support system
   • Document basic integration requirements for future expansion

Key Performance Indicator Suggestions:

• 70%+ BOM accuracy between systems
• 20%+ reduction in change implementation time
• 75% compliance document traceability
• 50%+ reduction in targeted manual processes

Early Preparation Stage (Below 44 points): Foundational Approach for Arena Integration

Organizations at this level should focus on Arena implementation fundamentals before significant integration.

Next Step Recommendations:

1. Improve process documentation and standardization
2. Establish data governance practices
3. Build integration business case showing ROI
4. Begin conversations with vendors to assess their low-code / no-code capabilities and level of effort

Implementation Steps:

1. Optimize Arena Implementation First
   • Ensure Arena configuration meets business requirements
   • Complete user adoption and training
   • Establish data governance within Arena
   • Document current-state processes
2. Explore Low-Risk and No-Cost Data Flow Options
   • Utilize Arena’s Import and Export Engines for low-code data shares
   • Consider Arena Reports and Arena Analytics for fast data shares to Excel
   • Document manual process pain points for future automation
3. Prepare for Future Connections
   • Document integration requirements for future projects
   • Clean and standardize data within any systems if needed
   • Create integration roadmap aligned with business priorities, needs, and resources
   • Identify key stakeholders for integration governance
4. Invest in Arena Expertise
   • Build integration use cases for future implementation
   • Monitor Arena Marketplace for relevant pre-built connectors

Key Performance Indicator Suggestions:

• 100% Arena user adoption
• 95% data completeness in Arena
• 90% process documentation completion
• Defined integration roadmap for next 24 months