Manufacturing in the modern era is far from straightforward. With global supply chains and complex, multi-layered projects, collaboration is both a necessity and a challenge. Traditionally, one might think of collaboration as a simple query-response interaction between two entities. However, this simplistic view barely scratches the surface. Let’s delve deeper into the primary types of collaborations in the manufacturing industry and explore the challenges and solutions in this domain.
The challenge of scale
At first glance, communicating with a single partner might seem manageable. However, most manufacturers aren’t just dealing with one or two partners. They could have hundreds or even thousands of partners with whom they need to maintain ongoing conversations. These interactions aren’t just simple question-and-answer sessions; they’re complex dialogues that evolve over time and within the context of specific projects. Therefore, managing these conversations becomes a herculean task, especially given the volume and the ever-changing nature of the information exchanged.
Three main types of collaborations
Manufacturers typically engage in three main types of collaborations:
1. Black box scenario (System purchase)
In this model, the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) buys a product—often referred to as a “black box”—from a supplier. The supplier not only provides the physical product but also essential information like installation guides, material data, and how the product interacts with other systems.
2. White box scenario (Build to print)
Here, the OEM owns all the Intellectual Property (IP) and essentially hires another company to build the product based on their specifications. The flow of information is mainly from the OEM to the supplier, but even in this scenario, two-way communication is essential. Suppliers often need to send back project plans, quality protocols, and delivery dates.
3. Co-engineering
This is a hybrid model where both parties have some ownership of the IP. One party initiates the project and seeks assistance from another company to co-develop a component or system. In this collaboration, dialogues and information flow are mutual, and the end product is a result of collective effort.
Why not just share a file?
One might wonder why collaboration needs to be this complex. Why not just share the required files as you would in an email? The answer lies in the complexity of today’s products. A product is no longer just a piece of machinery. It’s an intricate system requiring multiple types of data—mechanical designs, electrical layouts, software, material certifications, legal requirements, and more. Consequently, supply chain collaboration cannot be efficiently managed through a shared folder or, even worse, emails.
A proven solution: ShareAspace
Modern challenges require modern solutions. Platforms like ShareAspace and its out-of-the-box solution, ShareAspace Design to Manufacturing aim to facilitate these intricate collaborations by providing an organized, secure, and efficient way to manage conversations and data sharing. These platforms are designed to accommodate the fluid, complex nature of today’s manufacturing collaborations, allowing companies to maintain control over their data while effectively communicating with multiple partners.
Summary
The realm of manufacturing collaboration is laden with complexities, often magnified by the scale and nature of modern supply chains. Understanding the types of collaborations and their challenges is the first step in navigating this intricate landscape. Tailored software solutions like ShareAspace Design to Manufacturing offer an effective way to manage these challenges, enabling seamless, secure, and efficient collaborations.
