PROSTEP automates the creation of digital data packages

A DDP is a PDF/A-3 or ZIP container that can be sent, versioned and archived like a normal document. It contains a folder structure with files in the domain-specific neutral formats, supplementary documents and a machine-readable data model that describes how the data is linked so that it can be imported into the recipient's systems automatically. A kind of "package slip" in PDF or HTML5 format that has been derived from this data model provides an overview of the links between the data in a human-readable format. A DDP includes not only CAD data, structures, PMI, etc. but also requirements and data for verification and validation, i.e. it is present throughout the entire product development process along the V-model.

Standardization of the DDP is now well advanced and has aroused the interest of large companies, in particular companies in the automotive and aerospace industries, that are participating in the project group. PROSTEP has been involved in designing the standard from the very beginning and, in collaboration with a leading carmaker, has now developed a first demonstrator that shows how the creation, transmission and processing of DDPs can be automated. The demonstrator is based on our digital thread platform with its time-tested solution modules for data linking, PLM integration and data exchange.

The ability to handle DDPs is therefore a logical expansion of the range of solutions that we offer. The established capabilities of our time-tested solutions OpenPDM, OpenCLM and OpenDXM create the process chain required for the seamless and easy use of DDP in your company. The relevant information is extracted from the source systems, linked and made available as a data package, which you can provide to your partner at the click of a button.

The DDP generator use case initially links the data from the different domains that is relevant for change management or traceability to OpenCLM. At the same time, the cross-domain information model also provides the basis for visualizing and modifying the DDP using a web application. Building on this information model, the data exchange package can then be compiled with the help of OpenDXM GlobalX and made available to partners in encrypted form in a secure workspace. Our PLM integration solution OpenPDM ensures that the metadata and documents are extracted from the respective backend systems in a controlled manner. Data exchange can also be initiated directly from the PDM environment thanks to corresponding PDM integrations from OpenDXM GlobalX.

Most companies are not currently using IT systems that make it possible for them to create a cross-domain digital thread and share the linked information. For the first time, DDPs offer them the option of creating a machine-readable network of relationships using the neutral formats.

It makes it possible for the data to be transferred to a standardized data exchange package in a reliable and traceable manner, which greatly simplifies and speeds up cross-domain data exchange in heterogeneous development environments involving different partners. The machine-readable format allows partners to automatically import the data into their systems.

We have developed first prototypes for selected backend systems and data formats in order to demonstrate these possible applications to interested parties in practice. The aim is to use concrete industrial use cases to test and validate our solutions at an early stage in order to drive forward industrialization of the DDP. Thanks to the preparatory work carried out so far, we are able to respond quickly to customer requests and build a DDP generator for their particular combination of systems.

Please contact us if you would like to find out more.