keytech, recognized as one of the leading providers of product lifecycle management systems, today announces it has renewed its membership in the Microsoft Partner Program as a Gold Certified Partner.
Partners at the Gold Certified Partner level have the highest degree of expertise in working with Microsoft technologies, have the opportunity to build the closest working relationships with Microsoft, and receive the program’s top resources.
"Being a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner enables us to take advantage of new technologies from Microsoft, even before they’re released. We’re able to support our customers earlier and stay ahead of the curve," says Reiner Heimsoth, CEO at keytech Software GmbH. "We are well-trained, well-informed, and committed to exploring the advantages of using new Microsoft technologies within keytech PLM."
To celebrate the opening of keytech PLM, Inc. in North America, we are pleased to offer 15% off the keytech PLM “SolidWorks Suite”. As one of SolidWorks’ oldest Gold Certified Partners, keytech PLM offers secure data management software with full integration into most ERP systems. keytech PLM provides complete BOM management, CAD integration, document creation and management, concurrent engineering framework, multi-language support and unrivaled customer service capabilities. Our “SolidWorks Suite” consists of a keytech PLM Base license and includes our SolidWorks interface, Toolbox, BOM and Folder modules and provides our customers:
- BASE
m:n relationship between item data and document data
Change management and release management
Microsoft-Office integration
- BOM
geometric and non geometric components
Bi-directional interface (SolidWorks – keytech PLM)
Splitting bill of materials position
- Folder
Management of items and documents in line with projects
Bi-directional integration of Microsoft-Project
Automatically creation of an electronic folder structure
- SolidWorks interface
Loading and storing of 3D models, assemblies and drawings
Visualization of referenced 3D model structures in keytech PLM
Visualization of the relation between 3D model and 2D drawing
Visualization of model references (i.e. external references, basic parts, mirrored parts)
Full support of SolidWorks configuration/variants functionality (incl. graphical browsing)
To learn more, email info@keytechplm.com
Offer valid through: November 30, 2009.
Recklinghausen, August 2009: keytech Software GmbH, a leading provider of product lifecycle management software and services, announces that Flowserve Essen GmbH is in production with keytech PLM.
When it came to selecting a product for their PLM solution, Flowserve Essen GmbH considered a number of wide-ranging requirements which the new PLM system had to satisfy. The existing WorkManager installation for ME10 needed to be replaced because it was unable to meet Flowserve’s requirements in terms of performance and function. A solution had to be implemented which equally satisfied the demands of two CAD systems, SolidWorks and ME10. In addition, to speed up the production and purchasing processes, bidirectional integration with SAP, the ERP solution used at Flowserve was required.
The decision to use keytech PLM was taken because keytech was able to offer the deepest level of integration with SolidWorks. SolidWorks is the strategic CAD application used in-house at Flowserve. No other PLM solutions evaluated had as SolidWorks integration that was as complete as keytech PLM.
An equally important factor in the decision to opt for keytech PLM were the integrated modules for classification characteristics and the workflow and project management components which provide optimal support for the specific operational methods employed at a highly unique producer such as Flowserve.
Another key evaluation criteria was the scalability of the PLM solution, a factor which keytech PLM exceeded. The modular approach that keytech employs in the product delivers a continuous information and documentation solution for all parties involved in the process. Allowing for the expansion of the scope project scope and the modularity that Flowserve required.
keytech’s experience with the transfer of data from the legacy data management system for ME10 drawings and the import and management of the SolidWorks models and drawings was convincingly demonstrated.
“A key to successful PDM system replacement is the way that all relevant CAD systems are implemented, the experience of the partner and software which has been tried and tested in the market. We were relieved to have found with keytech a solution provider which satisfied more than just our technical requirements. We were also very pleased with the high level of expertise displayed by the keytech team, especially our project manager Mr Riedel, and the quick response times in dealing with our specific requirements,” says Andreas Nagel, head of design.
The methodology of rapid implementation, philosophy of “Think Big, Start Small“, the MultiCAD capability, the support structure of keytech Software GmbH and the rapid response of the keytech development team to the specific requirements gave Flowserve the peace of mind of knowing that with keytech PLM, it will be able to meet not just current requirements but also their requirements for the future.
About Flowserve Essen GmbH:
Flowserve Essen GmbH was established in 1966 under the name “Kämmer Ventile GmbH“. The 1970s saw the company move to Essen and the development of the first high-pressure valves with BASF.
In the 1980s, further sites were established in Pittsburg and Switzerland and the plant in Essen was expanded because production was doubled. In 1997, the Duriron Group, which now owned the Essen site, merged with BW/IP and this resulted in the creation of the Flowserve Corporation. Flowserve celebrated its 10th anniversary as a company in 2007.
Flowserve is the world’s leading provider of industrial flow management services. The company produces specially designed pumps, precision seals, manual and automatic rotary valves, control valves and actuators, and it also offers a comprehensive range of additional flow management services, primarily for the process industry.
In Essen the product range is developed and manufactured under the brand name Kämmer Valves. Flowserve Kämmer Valves are used in a wide range of different industries, applications and sectors. From the production of industrial gases, very low temperature applications, special fittings for the chemical and petro-chemical industries right through to solutions in the food and aseptic sectors, control valves made in Essen are utilised.
Microsoft Corporation has certified that keytech R12.net meets or exceeds all of the requirements for Windows 7 Certification in advance of the official release of Windows 7.
This is just another example of how keytech continues its tradition of ensuring the compatibility of keytech PLM software with the latest technologies. This coveted certification establishes keytech as one of the first PLM products certified worldwide and well ahead of the official release of the new Microsoft operating system.
Certified Quality from keytech
With this certification keytech demonstrates its commitment to keeping our software up to date with the latest Microsoft advances and ensures that all of the certification requirements regarding installation and de-installation, security, compatibility and reliability of keytech’s PLM software have been convincingly proven.
Innovation at keytech is not limited to new features and improvements. By supporting the latest technologies, keytech continues to invest in the future of our software and ensures the long-term success of our customers.
keytech Software GmbH is pleased to announce the creation of ketyech PLM, Inc. a new business established in the United States to address the PLM needs of customers in North America. keytech PLM, Inc. will be led by Mark Driscoll, keytech PLM's Vice President of North America.
Driscoll brings more than 20 years of experience to keytech PLM, Inc. He has spent the last ten years at DS SolidWorks Corporation where he was the Global OEM Business Development Manager. In this role, Driscoll managed partnerships with value-added distributors to promote the use of SolidWorks in new markets. Prior to this position, Driscoll was the Worldwide Certification Manager at SolidWorks.
Previous to SolidWorks, he has held positions as a Mechanical Design Engineer and a CAD Instructor, teaching students how to use CAD, 3D modeling, and engineering. Driscoll also worked as the director of the Charles River Public Internet Center. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Wentworth Institute of Technology.
keytech’s Release 11 now completely supports CATIA Version V5 R18. With this step forward keytech has implemented lots of features that are now available for both versions, R17 and R18.
Concurrent Engineering on R17 and R18 Projects
The integration of CATIA in keytech PLM considers the fact, that the version of CATIA Software, that has to be used is usually defined on a project or customers base. Of course with keytech PLM you can work on R17 and R18 Projects at the same time. keytech PLM guarantees that no model files can be overwritten by accident with a wrong CATIA Software Version.
Handling of external referenced file formats
The handling of external referenced file formats like CGR or native CATIA V4 files is completely integrated in the store dialog of keytech PLM. These files are now managed exactly in the same way than all other CATIA file formats. Revise and Release CGR’s and V4’s work the same than with every other keytech document.
Support of virtual Components
Virtual components, like packaging or grease, placed in a CATIA product are now fully controllable by keytech PLM.
The transfer of virtual components to keytech’s bill of material is done automatically during check in.
Virtual components can also be used just as organizational structure elements, maybe for a more efficient handling of CATIA models. In this case virtual components are gathered for the bill of material view. The bill of material is conform to the ERP bill of material at every time.
Automated Import
CATIA is often used at subcontractors. Customer’s data transmittals have to be imported into the companies PLM Solution as quick as possible. All CATIA properties are analyzed and can be used to create items, BOM’s and document structures. Changes and revisions of customers parts must be traceable in the same way than own models. “keytech import” for CATIA meets all these requirements.
keytech Image now also available for CATIA
Neutral files formats like PDF and TIF are usually used for long term archiving, but above all to provide and distribute current and valid documents. keytech image, a fully automated process to generate these file formats, is now also available for CATIA.
What’s coming up.....
An automated Export of files and structures is already on the list of the keytech R&D team.
For many customers, especially for those working as subcontractors is it important to be able to export a Product structure that meets the requirements renaming files to given rules without loosing any relations.
August 30 2008, Recklinghausen: keytech Software GmbH, the leading provider of Product Lifecycle Management systems, announces that the new keytech PLM Release 11 is now also available for existing customers.
“Even with the increasing complex demands concerning the integration ability of data management systems we never forget that it is the company’s employees who need tools with intuitive interfaces to master the challenge of increasing productivity and globalization. keytech Release 11 proves once again, in a proficient manner, that extended functionality is not contradictory to usability.“, Andreas Grothus, Business Development Manager of keytech Software GmbH.
keytech Release 11 provides fundamental improvements in the central areas of project management, communication, workflow and administration.
- Project management, communication and work organization
keytech PLM Release 11 offers functional modules, which help to increase your productivity and optimize your workflows. The internal communication in keytech ensure users are informed about important matters like the start of a new project, the locking of a drawing or open tasks. The incorporation of external e-mails, a standard facility of this functional module, ensures that all necessary associated data is retained in one source eradicating the need to ‘copy to everyone’. Tasks allow for classification and monitoring of project structures and inter-connected process tasks.
- Optimized 3D CAD Integration
Because of the consistent usage of new technologies, the performance for many processes has noticeably increased. New CAD system working techniques, for example, the selective loading and working with virtual parts in SolidWorks, are fully supported by Release 11.
- Enhanced and simplified administrative facilities
The latest technology is utilized to simplify and accelerate the required administration tasks in all areas. Particularly noteworthy is the provision of the graphical ‘Layout Designer’ for creating user interfaces and a drag and drop graphical tool for the definition of procedural workflows.
- Intuitive user interface
The use of graphical controls in the new design, like the graphical workflow user presentation method, provides a much larger and easier to use range of functions and information content presentation.
“To enable us to work efficiently, but most of all to protect our customers’ investment, new and future-proof technologies, like the Microsoft .NET, are being utilized and will be crucial for our mutual success. It is essential, as a systems supplier, to always be looking to improve the offering available to our customers.” , Thomas Rudolph, Manager Development.
Recklinghausen, August 13th 2008: keytech Software GmbH, a leading provider of Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) software and services, today announced that Electroimpact Inc., Mukilteo WA, USA have invested in their PLM solution keytech PLM.
Electroimpact’s mission is to be the premier supplier of automated equipment to the worldwide aircraft industry. To enable this, they hire the best specialists and remove all barriers which could prevent them from doing the best job possible. In their pursuit of this goal they embarked on an extensive PLM software evaluation project. They had some major requirements: Replacing the existing Solution, PDMWorks Workgroup for SolidWorks, which was no longer sufficient for their requirements. Incorporating their extensive mixed engineering environment, mainly SolidWorks and CATIA, had to be implemented into one central Product Lifecycle Solution. Setting up a bidirectional link to Vantage ERP, the Electroimpact ERP System, to control and speed up the manufacturing and purchase processes was also part of story.
Following this intensive investigation and after a first pilot phase into acquiring the best PLM solution for their needs, the company decided to move to the production phase with keytech PLM.
“After just five days, incorporating a workshop and training session, we reached a status of our implementation that allowed us to start a first intensive pilot phase. This was a status that we never reached with other evaluated system even after months.” said Scott Hogan Project Engineer and responsible for Data Management SolidWorks.
keytech PLM was selected because it provided the highest level of integration to both CATIA and SolidWorks. Also the CAD companies were not able to deliver anything comparable to the keytech Solutions.
keytech PLM handles multiple CATIA versions on a project basis, it provides import and export facilities, incorporating file and reference renaming, revision control and release procedures that were essential in meeting the stringent requirements of customers such as Boeing and Airbus.
The solutions fast implementation methodology (“Think Big, Start Small”) and its multi-CAD capability were crucial to the current and future requirements of Electroimpact.
keytech’s responsive support structure ensured, where functional additions were required, e.g. the support for referenced CATIA V4 and CGR files, that this was generated and added to the keytech standard within a few days.
“We were relieved to find a vendor willing to support all versions of our CATIA and SolidWorks software. We have also been very pleased with the high level of technical competence exhibited by those setting up our system and by their quick responses to our requests for changes. This is the first system we have looked at that appears to have the power we need without being bloated, hard to use and hard to change.” , said Rob Flynn, Project Engineer, Responsible for PLM Evaluation.
About Electroimpact
Electroimpact was founded in June of 1986 by Peter Zieve, PHD . The company is a highly experienced provider of factory automation and tooling solutions. Electroimpact’s forte is the integration of automation and tooling into a single synergistic production solution. Due to their excellence in this area, they have grown to be the largest integrator of aircraft assembly lines in the world. Electroimpact’s customer base includes Airbus, Boeing, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Fuji Heavy Industries, Spirit Aerospace, Vought, Northrup-Grumman, Israeli Aircraft Industries, and Xi’an Aircraft of China. Electroimpact is also well-versed in smaller product solutions as they are in some of the largest tooling jobs in the world.
Electroimpact is an engineer-driven company. We are able to maintain continuity throughout the project process because the same engineer is involved in every stage of the project, from initial planning and development, to final assembly, tooling setting and buyoff. The engineer that designs the tool or machine is also responsible for detailed drawings, coordinating manufacturing, assembly, and any tooling setting or machine alignment. This minimizes the disconnects that happen in some companies where responsibility is shared between the engineer, a drafter, a manufacturer, and an assembler.
About Keytech PLM
Based on more than 15 years of product and project experience in the area of technical data management, the company of keytech was founded in 1993 and is today recognized as one of the leading providers of Product Lifecycle Management systems.
The key for a successful introduction of product lifecycle management technology is based on the implementation methodology used, your partners' experience and an industry proven solution. We are an international company, with customers worldwide, that can look back on more than 25 years of experience in developing and implementation of product data management and product lifecycle management systems. We know how to link engineering and enterprise processes and have over 800 successful implementations.
"Think Big, Start Small".
Modularity and scalability of our products, complemented with the expertise of our keytech team ensures that we always take the right step at the right time to fully realize the benefits of product lifecycle management for our customers.
Construction of the fourth Zeppelin NT airship having recently been completed, the ship was handed over to the flight test department to begin the testing phase. The hangar doors opened and the airship left the 360 foot long hangar for the first time since the start of airframe assembly in March 2007.
With that No. 4 is the first project that was completely PLM or better is still managed by keytech. Of course after the first flight, keytech’s job continues. Further test flights will follow, Improvements will flow into the product. Additional licensing procedures will be necessary before the first passengers circle over the Golden Gate Bridge.
With the workflow in keytech PLM all these procedures are safe and processes were heavily accelerated. Every department is able to access all current data, documents and status information’s. Based on that, everyone can influence the process immediately. Of course, only if it is allowed by keytech PLM.
keytech PLM meet all these high claims of quality, not only internally, but also those of the responsible Authorities (i.e. “Luftfahrtbundesamt LBA” in Germany)
Robert Gritzbach, Zeppelin VP of engineering, commented: “After the prototype being the third ship in our series production, we were able to incorporate a number of design improvements – reducing weight while increasing lift and achieving a near doubling of airframe lifetime – that make this our finest ship to date!” A proud and long awaited moment for all involved, it is a special moment when a new airship exits the hangar for the first time.
In May of this year, Airship Ventures had announced successful completion of an $8 million Series Preferred Stock financing, which has allowed the company to finalize preparations for commencement of operations in the US this fall.
Additional optimizations line up also in keytech PLM. For example, the spare parts catalogue of No. 4 will be provided almost automatically based on data, documents and structures of keytech PLM. And it is not the smallest structure to handle. No.4 will have round about 44.000 Single parts structured in more than 4000 Assemblies.
ABOUT ZEPPELIN LUFTSCHIFFTECHNIK GMBH & CO. KG
Zeppelin Luftschifftechnik GmbH & Co. KG, headquartered in historic
Friedrichshafen, Germany, develops, manufactures and markets the Zeppelin NT, a modern lighter than air multi-purpose airship. Zeppelin NT airships are currently operating in Japan and Germany. In partnership with Deutsche Zeppelin-Reederei GmbH, a wholly owned subsidiary of Zeppelin Luftschifftechnik, a Zeppelin NT 07 has flown commercial air tours, advertising, and scientific missions throughout Europe since 1997.
ABOUT AIRSHIP VENTURES, INC.
Airship Ventures Inc., founded 2007 in California, is a privately owned corporation formed with the objective of bringing Zeppelin NT airships to the USA for “flightseeing” tours, media and science mission operations. Initially based with one ship in California, the company intends to eventually have a number of airships operating throughout the USA.
ABOUT KEYTECH SOFTWARE GMBH
Based on more than 15 years of product and project experience in the area of technical data management, the company of keytech was founded in 1993 and is today recognized as one of the leading providers of product lifecycle management systems.
keytech is glad to announce for our keytech PLM image a special option „powered by SolidWorks®“
With keytech image powered by SolidWorks®* there is the possibility to integrate perfectly a standard process in the customer specific environment which creates automatically neutral file formats like TIF or PDF. Now the customer is able to work focussed on the engineering process and create the neutral files in a background server process.
For more, detailed information contact any keytech Sales manager.
* Note: keytech image powered by SolidWorks® doesn’t include eDrawings Professional. To create automatically an eDrawings there is the need for an additional eDrawings Professional.
keytech Release 10 is now available. The first feedback of our pre-release customers included the following comment: "The improvements are significant; we look forward to the new Release!"
One word which focuses the achievements attained with release 10 is: "Usability."
The usability has improved through considerably restructuring and expanding the functionality of the application once again. The effectiveness of the release is also increased by the direct addition of PDF and edrawing files preview and generation capability.
The heart of the application is its integration and the new storage dialogue clearly offers more ease of use due to the assembly structure overview prior to storing new or changed documents.
The new administration user interface provides a simpler and quicker method of controlling the administration functions.
In the base application, many changes allowing more efficient working with design data, exploration of the data relationships and links are included.
Through the innovations employed in the new release keytech PLM is well prepared for the future requests of the industry.
The keytech PDM Suite passed the Certified for Windows Vista Logo tests.
Microsoft has been working with software partners industry-wide to improve the overall quality of software running on Windows. All software that carries the Certified for Windows Vista logo is required to pass third-party testing to verify that the software runs more reliably with fewer crashes and hangs, integrates with Windows Vista security features, and delivers a more reliable and predictable installation experience.
The Certified for Windows Vista logo also indicates a long-term commitment between Microsoft and its software partners to address product issues and improve software quality on an ongoing basis.
"Microsoft is pleased that keytech has earned the Certified for Windows Vista software logo for their keytech PDM Suite," said Brad Goldberg, General Manager for Windows Vista Product Management at Microsoft Corp. "By certifying their applications, keytech is letting their customers know that their PLM Solution has met explicit standards of reliability and quality, and has been tested and proven to deliver a superior experience with a PC running Windows Vista."
As the first global PLM Solutions Provider keytech is listed at the Windows Vista Solutions Directory.
In 2009 keytech added two new apprentices as “IT Specialists” in software development after they successfully completed their education. Keytech has a long history of helping to develop young professionals and thus hires on average six apprentices at a time.
The “IT specialist” is an accredited educational accomplishment according to the law of vocational education (BBiG).