Mastering Revisions
A Smart Workflow for ETO SuccessÂ
When talking to prospective customers in Engineer-to-Order (ETO) manufacturing, one question often comes up: How does Agni Link handle revisions?
In these companies, a robust revision workflow is critical for several reasons due to the custom, complex, and highly variable nature of the products being produced. In ETO manufacturing, a well-defined revision workflow is not just an operational necessity—it is a strategic asset. It enhances quality, efficiency, and customer satisfaction while reducing risks and costs associated with mismanaged changes.
Definitions and differences between revisions and versions
Most organizations use Version Control and Revision Control to manage and ensure compliance of their documents. Both terms are interchangeable depending on different applications. However, in general, a version refers to any iteration of a document, while a revision refers specifically to a final approved change or update to a document.
File version
File version allows users to manage changes made to documents over time and allows users to revert to previous versions if necessary.
File revision
Revisions are more business-process related and have to do with the release states of a file. Revisions usually come from PDM/PLM systems such as Autodesk Vault, SolidWorks PDM, Siemens Teamcenter or PTC Windchill.
Agni Link general workflows to manage revisions
During the synchronization process, Agni Link validates the data and the revisions associated with the currently synchronized files. The source for the current revision is always the CAD/PDM/PLM application. The end-user triggers the synchronization process on Assembly1 Revision A from the CAD/PDM/PLM application. Agni Link checks the ERP system such as Oracle NetSuite, Microsoft Dynamics, IFS, and SAP and will use the following rules for the process.
a. If the revision already exists in the ERP system, Agni Link will update this existing
revision.
b. If the revision exists and has been certified, the end-user will receive a message
during the synchronization that the revision is certified in the ERP and needs to
create a new revision to synchronize correctly.
c. If the revision does not exist in the ERP system, it is not a problem, Agni Link will
create this new revision at the end of the integration process.
User-controlled approval workflow
Agni Link supports user-defined approval workflows, allowing organizations to set rules for how revisions are reviewed and approved. For example, a revision might require approval from multiple stakeholders, such as design engineers, project managers, and quality assurance teams, before it is implemented. This ensures that changes are vetted thoroughly to avoid errors or conflicts downstream
Customizable Rules and Parameters
Organizations can customize the revision workflow in Agni Link to match their specific processes and requirements. This flexibility allows the system to adapt to diverse operational needs across industries.
Benefits of Agni Link’s Revision Workflow
By automating and integrating the revision workflow, Agni Link reduces manual data entry and the associated risk of errors. It enhances collaboration among teams by providing a single source of truth for product data. Additionally, it improves compliance by maintaining a comprehensive record of changes and approvals. Overall, Agni Link’s approach to managing revisions streamlines operations, increases efficiency, and ensures that products move through the development cycle with greater accuracy and speed.
Matthew Bui is the Partner Success Manager at Elmo Solutions, a world class leader in CAD/PDM/PLM – ERP data integration. He is a quality-oriented business executive with a proven track record in international business, global partnerships and customer service. To contact Matthew email .
Elmo Solutions Inc.
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Quebec (Quebec) G2J 0B5