It’s easy to customize but it’s not easy to maintain.
Each Customization adds to complexity and problems for upgrade and maintenance.
At PLM Nordic, we focus on the smart customization principle.
We try to use OOTB functionality with some configuration.
We suggest a cost-benefit or impact study for each change.
If unavoidable we make customizations as independent as the possible reducing the impact on core functions.
We evaluate different technologies and choose the right one.
We also offer a unique ©De-customization service to:
Reduce complexity
Improve performance
Reduce dependency on programming
Reduce maintenance cost
Reduce the cost of errors
Teamcenter Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) is an essential tool for organizations seeking to streamline their product development processes, improve collaboration, and enhance overall efficiency. However, every business is unique, and a one-size-fits-all Teamcenter solution might not address all your specific needs. This is where Teamcenter customization comes into play.
Differences between Teamcenter Customization & Configuration
Number | Criteria | Teamcenter Customization | Teamcenter Configuration |
1 | Definition | Modifying or extending the behavior of Teamcenter by writing custom codes / scripts on server or client side | Modifying system settings and parameters within the provided tools and interfaces without altering the code |
2 | Examples | · Custom reports for single or multi-level BOM report with custom columns and formats · Single click automation to check assembly or parts before release · Workflow handlers to trigger activities automatically or check things · Integration with legacy or custom (CAD / ERP / MES) software · Data Migration utilities for handling huge quantities of data | · Attribute Configuration: Adjusting the properties of existing objects (e.g., changing the display name of an attribute in BMIDE). · Workflow Configuration: Modifying workflows to match specific business processes. · Access Control Configuration: Defining user roles and permissions |
3 | Tools | Programming tools like SQL code, MS Visual studio, Eclipse, Mendix, etc. | Administrative tools and settings provided within the application |
4 | Advantages | · Provides the flexibility to meet highly specific and unique requirements. · Can address complex business processes that cannot be achieved through configuration alone. | · Generally faster and less complex than customization. · Tends to be more upgrade-friendly since configurations are less likely to conflict with future updates. |
5 | Disadvantages | · May require more effort to implement and maintain. · Upgrades might be more challenging as custom code may need to be reviewed and adjusted. | · Limited to the capabilities provided by the out-of-the-box tools. · Might not fully address highly specialized or unique requirements. |
Importance / Benefits of Teamcenter customization
Teamcenter customization is important for several reasons, as it allows organizations to tailor the Siemens Teamcenter PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) system to meet their specific needs and business processes. Here are the key reasons:
- Alignment with Unique Processes: Every organization has unique processes, and a Teamcenter system should support and enhance these processes rather than forcing them to change. Customization ensures that the Teamcenter system aligns with the way your organization operates.
- Improved User Adoption: A Teamcenter system that is customized to fit your organization’s processes is more likely to be adopted by users. Employees are more likely to use a system that aligns with their workflow and addresses their needs.
- Competitive Advantage: Customized Teamcenter solutions can give your organization a competitive edge by allowing you to innovate and bring products to market more efficiently. You can tailor the system to support product differentiation, cost reduction, and time-to-market optimization.
- Enhanced Efficiency: Customizing Teamcenter allows businesses to streamline their processes, reducing manual tasks and data entry errors. This leads to improved efficiency in product development, reducing time-to-market.
- Cost Reduction: By tailoring Teamcenter to specific needs, organizations can eliminate unnecessary features and focus resources on areas that matter most. This optimization can result in cost savings.
- Improved Product Quality & reusability: Customized Teamcenter systems can enforce quality control measures and standardize product data, ensuring higher product quality and compliance with industry standards.
- Flexibility: Businesses can adapt to changing market conditions and customer demands more easily with a customized Teamcenter It allows for agility and quick response to market changes.
Types of Teamcenter Customization
Server-Side customization
Teamcenter (Product Lifecycle Management) server-side customization involves making modifications to the server components of a Teamcenter system, such as Siemens Teamcenter, to extend or customize its functionality. This type of customization typically requires programming skills and involves working with server-side scripting languages, application programming interfaces (APIs), and backend processes. Here are some common aspects of Teamcenter server-side customization:
Custom Business Logic:
Implementing custom business logic on the server side to enforce specific rules, validations, or calculations. This ensures that data integrity and consistency are maintained within the Teamcenter PLM system.
Event Handlers:
Defining event handlers to respond to specific events or triggers that occur on the server. This can include events such as data changes, state transitions, or user actions.
Integration with Other Systems:
Customizing Teamcenter to seamlessly integrate with other enterprise software solutions, such as ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) and CAD (Computer-Aided Design) systems, to facilitate data sharing and eliminate data silos.
Web Services and APIs:
Leveraging web services and APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) to enable communication between Teamcenter and other systems. This allows for the development of custom applications that interact with the Teamcenter server.
Client-side customization
Teamcenter client-side customization involves making modifications to the user interface and behavior of the Teamcenter client applications, such as the Teamcenter Rich Client or Web Client, to tailor them to specific user needs or organizational requirements. Client-side customization is typically done using scripting languages, style sheets, and other techniques that influence the way the user interacts with the PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) system. Here are some common aspects of Teamcenter client-side customization:
JavaScript and Client-Side Scripting:Utilizing JavaScript and other client-side scripting languages to enhance and customize the behavior of the user interface. Teamcenter supports client-side scripting for both the Rich Client and Web Client.User Interface Modifications:Adjusting the layout, appearance, and behavior of the user interface elements in the Teamcenter client. This can include rearranging menus, adding custom buttons, or hiding/showing specific fields.Form Customization:Modifying the appearance and functionality of forms within Teamcenter. This may involve adding or removing fields, changing field properties, or creating custom tabs to organize information.Dynamic UI Updates:Implementing dynamic updates to the user interface based on user actions or changes in data. For example, showing/hiding certain sections of a form based on specific conditions.User Notifications:Creating custom notifications or alerts to inform users about specific events, status changes, or required actions.Data Validation and Formatting:Implementing client-side data validation to ensure that users enter data correctly. This can include formatting input fields, checking for valid values, and providing feedback to users.Personalization:Allowing users to personalize their own user interface by providing options to customize layout preferences, display settings, or saved views.Custom Reports and Dashboards:Designing and implementing custom reports or dashboards within the Teamcenter client to present specific information or key performance indicators (KPIs).Custom Menu Items and Toolbar Buttons:Adding custom menu items or toolbar buttons to the Teamcenter client interface for quick access to specific functionalities or custom scripts.Style Sheets and Theming:Modifying the visual style of the Teamcenter client by using custom style sheets or theming. This allows for branding and visual consistency with the organization’s standards.User Guidance and Help:Providing custom help content or guidance within the Teamcenter client interface to assist users in understanding specific features or processes.Client-side customization is often preferred for making user-specific adjustments without requiring changes to the server-side infrastructure. However, it’s important to note that client-side customizations may need to be reapplied after client software updates or when moving between different client environments. Careful testing and documentation are essential to ensure that client-side customizations do not introduce errors or conflicts with future updates.
SOA customization
Teamcenter PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) SOA (Service-Oriented Architecture) customization involves leveraging the principles of service-oriented architecture to extend, customize, and integrate systems. SOA is an architectural style that promotes the use of services as fundamental building blocks for creating software solutions. In the context of PLM, SOA allows organizations to modularize functionality, promote interoperability, and enable seamless integration with other enterprise systems.Service Definition:Define services that capture specific functionalities or business processes. These services can represent operations such as creating a new part, retrieving product data, or initiating a workflow.Web Services:Implement functionalities as web services using standards such as SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol) or REST (Representational State Transfer). Web services enable communication between different software applications over a network.Service Registry:Maintain a service registry that catalogs and organizes available PLM services. This registry provides a central location for discovering and understanding the available services within the system.Interoperability:Facilitate interoperability by allowing services to communicate with other services and systems within the enterprise architecture. This promotes seamless data exchange and collaboration between different software applications.Composite Applications:Develop composite applications by combining multiple services to create more complex and feature-rich functionalities. This allows organizations to build tailored solutions without extensive customization of the underlying PLM system.Orchestration and Choreography:Use service orchestration or choreography to coordinate the execution of multiple services to achieve a specific business process. Orchestration involves a central controller coordinating the flow, while choreography involves decentralized coordination among services.Event-Driven Architecture:Implement event-driven architecture to enable real-time communication and responsiveness. PLM services can publish events, and other services can subscribe to these events to trigger actions or updates.Custom Service Adapters:Develop custom service adapters to integrate services with other systems that may use different protocols or data formats. Adapters act as intermediaries that facilitate communication between diverse systems.Security and Authentication Services:Implement security services to manage authentication, authorization, and secure communication between services. This ensures that access to Teamcenter functionalities is controlled and protected.Service Monitoring and Management:Implement tools for monitoring and managing TC services. This includes tracking service performance, managing service lifecycles, and ensuring that services adhere to defined service level agreements (SLAs).Service Versioning:Plan for service versioning to accommodate changes and updates to Teamcenter services over time. This helps maintain compatibility with existing clients while introducing new features or improvements.Metadata and Service Contracts:Define clear metadata and service contracts for PLM services. This includes documenting the inputs, outputs, and behavior of each service, ensuring proper understanding and usage.Governance and Compliance:Establish governance processes to ensure compliance with organizational standards, policies, and regulatory requirements. This includes overseeing the development, deployment, and management of PLM services.Teamcenter PLM SOA customization provides a scalable and flexible approach to extending PLM functionality, enabling organizations to adapt to changing business requirements and integrate PLM into the broader enterprise ecosystem. It requires careful planning, adherence to standards, and collaboration between IT and business stakeholders to effectively leverage the benefits of service-oriented architecture.
Web or Thin Client Customization
Teamcenter offers a web-based client known as the Active Workspace. Customizing the Teamcenter web client, specifically Active Workspace, allows organizations to tailor the user interface and functionality to their specific needs. Here are key aspects of Teamcenter web client customization:Active Workspace Layout Customization:Adjust the layout of the Active Workspace interface to meet specific user preferences and workflows. This may involve rearranging panels, widgets, and tabs to improve the overall user experience.Dashboards and Workspaces:Customize dashboards and workspaces within Active Workspace. Users can create personalized dashboards with relevant widgets and arrange workspaces based on their specific tasks and responsibilities.Form Customization:Modify forms and data entry screens within Active Workspace to capture and present information in a way that aligns with the organization’s processes. This includes adding, removing, or rearranging fields.Workflow Integration:Integrate and customize workflows within Active Workspace. This involves configuring workflow views, actions, and notifications to ensure users can efficiently participate in and monitor workflow processes.Custom Actions and Buttons:Add custom actions, buttons, or menu items to the Active Workspace interface. This allows organizations to introduce specific functionalities or automate processes based on user interactions.Query and Search Customization:Customize search functionalities and queries within Active Workspace. This may involve creating custom filters, search forms, or advanced query options to streamline data retrieval.Role-Based Access Control:Define role-based access controls and permissions within Active Workspace. This ensures that users have appropriate access to data and functionalities based on their roles within the organization.Integration with External Content:Integrate Active Workspace with external content sources, such as external databases or document repositories. This can be achieved through custom integrations or plugins.Custom Reports and Analytics:Integrate custom reports and analytics tools into Active Workspace. This allows users to analyze and visualize Teamcenter data directly within the web client interface.User Notifications:Configure custom notifications and alerts within Active Workspace. Users can receive timely updates on changes, approvals, or other relevant events.External System Integration:Facilitate integration with other enterprise systems through Active Workspace. This could involve displaying data from external systems, launching external applications, or exchanging data seamlessly.Responsive Design:Ensure that Active Workspace is responsive and accessible across different devices and screen sizes. This involves customizing the interface to provide an optimal user experience on desktops, tablets, and mobile devices.Personalization and Preferences:Provide options for users to personalize their preferences and settings within Active Workspace. This includes adjusting display settings, language preferences, or default views.Appearance and Branding:Customize the appearance of Active Workspace to align with the organization’s branding and design standards. This may involve applying custom themes, logos, or color schemes.Security Enhancements:Implement additional security features or enhancements within Active Workspace, such as encryption, secure authentication methods, and secure communication protocols.Teamcenter web client customization allows organizations to create a user-friendly and efficient environment that caters to their unique needs. As with any customization effort, it’s crucial to carefully plan and document changes to ensure long-term maintainability and compatibility with future upgrades.
Best Practices for Teamcenter Customization
Thorough Requirements Analysis:
Start by conducting a thorough assessment of your organization’s existing processes where users are investing more time daily, & their pain points. Identify areas where customization can make the most significant impact.
One time job or recurring activity:
Identify whether we are developing customization for one-time work or whether it’s useful for in-future requirements as well. This will help us to estimate the amount of time & money anyone can invest in development.
Customization or Configuration:
Once the requirements are clear & agreed, check whether we can accomplish those requirements by using Teamcenter Customization or Configuration. As discussed before, configuration needs less time & is less costly & upgrade friendly.
Teamcenter Architecture:
We should also consider points like Teamcenter server components are installed on-cloud or on-premises systems, whether it’s a single-box, or multi-box installation & how to establish a server-client communication, how we are going to deploy binaries (i.e., DLL, LIB, JAR, EXE) on server & clients.
All this information will help us to develop the best possible solutions for our enterprise.
Decide customization approach:
Once it’s decided that we are customizing solution, then identify how we can generate the compact & simply deployable solution. As discussed earlier, there are different types of customizations available like server side, client side, SOA based, or web client based.
Involve Stakeholders: Engage key stakeholders, including product managers, engineers, and IT teams, in the customization process. Their insights are invaluable in shaping the customized Teamcenter solution.
Backup & Documentation:
Always take a backup of all source codes with proper documentation like source code document which explains how the code is built, Deployment document explains how to deploy or use the binary on Teamcenter environments, & most important test cases.
All this information helps the upgrade team in future, who are going to upgrade your Teamcenter environment.
Prioritize Features: Prioritize the customization features based on their importance and impact on your business. Focus on high-priority areas first.
Consider Future Growth: Ensure that your customized Teamcenter system is scalable and can accommodate future changes and expansion.
Testing: Rigorously test the customized Teamcenter system to identify and rectify any issues or compatibility problems.
User Training: Provide comprehensive training to your team to ensure they can effectively use the customized Teamcenter system.
Challenges of Teamcenter Customization
While Teamcenter customization offers numerous advantages, it also comes with some challenges:
Complexity and Learning Curve: Teamcenter is a sophisticated PLM system, and customizing it requires a good understanding of its architecture, data model, and customization tools. There may be a learning curve for individuals involved in the customization process.
Performance Concerns: Customizations may impact system performance. It’s essential to monitor and address any performance bottlenecks introduced by custom code, queries, or additional functionalities.
Security Risks: Incorrectly implemented customizations may introduce security vulnerabilities. It’s crucial to follow best practices for authentication, authorization, and data encryption to mitigate potential security risks.
Cost: Customization can be expensive, both in terms of initial development costs and ongoing maintenance.
Vendor Lock-In: Overly customized Teamcenter systems may become heavily reliant on a specific vendor, limiting future flexibility.
Upgrades: Frequent updates and upgrades to the Teamcenter software can disrupt customized features, requiring additional development work to maintain compatibility.
Code Maintenance: Over time, as the system evolves or business requirements change, the custom code may need updates and enhancements, which can be resource-intensive.
Testing Complexity: Comprehensive testing is crucial for customizations to ensure that they work as intended and do not negatively impact the stability of the PLM system.
Data Migration Challenges: If data models are customized, data migration tasks can become challenging, especially when transitioning to Teamcenter or consolidating data from different sources.
Dependency Management: Managing dependencies is crucial to avoid issues where changes in one area inadvertently affect other functionalities.
FAQ
What is PLM customization, and how does it differ from configuration?
PLM customization involves modifying the underlying code of a Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) system to create tailored functionalities that align with specific business processes. It differs from configuration, which utilizes built-in tools and settings to adapt the system without altering its code.
Can PLM customization be reversed or modified in the future?
In most cases, PLM customizations can be modified or reversed. However, this process requires careful planning and execution to avoid disruptions to ongoing processes. It’s essential to work with knowledgeable professionals for any modification or reversal of customizations.
What factors should be considered when deciding between PLM customization and configuration?
First, anyone should understand the basic differences between PLM customization & configuration.
PLM configuration involves adapting the PLM system to meet specific business requirements using built-in tools and settings without altering the underlying code.
And PLM customization involves modifying the PLM system’s underlying code to create tailored functionalities that align precisely with unique business processes.
So, based on the above definitions, factors include business requirements, long-term goals, user acceptance, and maintenance considerations. Organizations should assess whether their processes align with standard PLM functionalities or require unique, tailored solutions.
How does PLM customization impact user acceptance?
User acceptance may be influenced by the complexity of customizations. Extensive customizations may require additional training for users, whereas configurations are generally more user-friendly.
Are there any limitations to PLM customization?
One limitation is that extensive customizations may result in a solution that is less user-friendly, requiring additional training for end-users. Additionally, heavy reliance on customizations may limit the out-of-the-box features provided by the PLM software.
Can a customized PLM system be easily upgraded to newer versions of the software?
The upgradability of a customized PLM system depends on the nature of the customizations and the version-to-version changes in the software. Well-documented and modular customizations are more likely to be easily upgradable.