Adobe Success Story

Improving communication of and collaboration on complex 3D design models using Adobe Acrobat 3D and Adobe LiveCycle ES

Secure exchange of CAD data with Adobe PDF
When Ralf Schmidt presented the new collaboration platform IQweb, which is based on the platform- and application-independent Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF), to his co-workers at Allgaier, he was met with a bit of skepticism. Something new again? However, after only two weeks of hands-on experience, the skeptics became increasingly enthusiastic about the software implementation.

Ralf Schmidt is manager of tool design and construction at Allgaier in Uhingen. The company designs and manufactures molding tools primarily for the automobile industry—an industry in which every improvement in design and manufacturing processes has a clear impact. Data exchange has always been a constant topic, especially because Allgaier exchanges 3D models daily with its customers and suppliers.

Benefits

• Streamlined sharing of and collaboration on 3D models
• Simplified rights management associated with shared documents
• Achieved faster completion of development projects
• Increased efficiency and productivity with limited investment and training

Project Details

Fast, simple and secure
During the search for a fast, simple, and secure communication solution, Schmidt came across Adobe PDF, which can be used to exchange 3D data in files that are independent of the CAD system in which they were created. Based on Adobe Acrobat 3D software, IPEQ in Munich and one of Adobe’s partners developed an Internet platform for distributed, industrial product development to support collaboration between departments and business partners. Allgaier became a beta user; with critical input to the actual development of the platform.

Since late summer of 2007, Allgaier began using a solution based on Adobe LiveCycle Rights Management ES server to simplify user rights and role management when sharing documents. The new platform helps deliver on some long-promised capabilities of Internet and web technologies: evolving communication from push to pull technology. No longer are e-mails sent with large attachments; instead, data can be made available from a central location, enabling recipients to access data when the need arises and be notified automatically when new data is available. The sender of the data is also notified when data is downloaded.

Collect and upload
Data from different, independent systems is collected and made available via download in a digital folder within the portal. In addition to CAD data, the portal can contain documentation, presentations, spreadsheets, photos, or videos—all available to the recipient through the portal. The upload to the server only takes about five minutes for 1.5GB of data.

Adobe Acrobat 3D software enables the teams to send 3D models in Adobe PDF for collaboration, providing external development partners with the insight they need to continue their work, and addressing requirements for a mutually agreed upon format. The original CAD data can also be converted to PDF and uploaded to the portal, either through the design application or by dragging and dropping the file. The conversion to PDF provides several benefits, including that exported 3D models can be opened across platforms using free client software; and all Adobe PDF files can be saved with additional security features.

In addition, it is possible to define a time frame in which a 3D model can be opened by the recipient. Such a requirement may be part of the agreement when a contract is awarded. The sender can later revoke access to a file if critical changes are made to the initial CAD drawing, rendering the original no longer accessible. Rights can also be defined to enable or restrict features like open, print, copy, or download based on topic, project, or partner.

Transforming collaboration across teams
The IQweb Review platform provides a new way of communication and has an immediate, positive impact on the production process. “Coordinating development projects is much faster. This is true for the 100 partners, suppliers, and other external resources, as well as for our 80 employees,” says Schmidt. “Most internal and external resources in a project are already using a significant amount of the workflow capability in the portal.”

Typically customers, OEMs, and suppliers have difficulties with new technologies. However, 80% of the data exchange and external communication takes place between Allgaier and subcontractors. For them the concept is simple. No costs, no new software installations, easy to use, and most important, easy collaboration with the customer.

Whether design engineers, CAD engineers, production control, or project management—during important production steps, IQweb Review is now the central means of collaboration. “Instead of moving from point A to point B to attend a meeting during the construction phase of a semi-completed tool, it is now enough to access the portal,” explains Schmidt.

The use of the portal is just the beginning. The goal is to make the platform a standard tool for all 450 PC users at Allgaier. Based on Adobe Acrobat 3D, forms are developed to streamline the procurement workflow. The request to the supplier will be made available for download in the portal. The supplier uploads a response with delivery and cost estimates.

“The portal is so flexible and usable for so many different purposes.” says Schmidt. “Small investments like this keep us moving forward and make our process better and more effective. All with very little end-user training.”

---

Do you have a story you would like to share? Join the Adobe Customer Reference Program.