There's a lot of skepticism around social networking functionality as it applies to product development. Nevertheless, a good number of tried-and-true CAD and PLM platforms, as well as newcomers, are pushing the envelope when it comes to tapping social capabilities to facilitate project collaboration.
One of the more vocal candidates in the social field is Vuuch, which bills itself as an enterprise social software provider. In 2010, we reported on its adding of a social networking layer to traditional CAD, PLM, and desktop tools like Microsoft Word and Excel. The idea was to give extended product development teams a way to share product-related materials and to communicate in a manner that felt on par with how they collaborate in consumer social networks like Facebook.
Vuuch V5 enhances activity threads via Facebook-like interaction, allowing users across functions to collaborate in a familiar environment. (Source: Vuuch)
The Vuuch 4.0 version released last year emphasized integration with other CAD, PLM, and office productivity platforms, including SpaceClaim and Microsoft's application suite. The newest version, Vuuch 5.0, zeros in on usability enhancements, giving the various constituents in the product development continuum the ability to view project data and manage tasks in a variety of ways. Specifically, the new release offers deliverable-specific dashboards and timelines, Facebook-like threaded discussions, and integration with Microsoft Project, which is still the leading tool used by development teams for coordinating program tasks.
One of the most common reasons engineers are hesitant to apply social networking conventions to serious development work is they perceive a lot of what goes on in networks like Facebook (like "Friending") as frivolous. Vuuch takes a different view of social relationships. It draws connections and keeps teams centered on discussions based on specific work deliverables, not person-to-person relationships.
Consumer social tools connect people based on relationships, sometimes called friending. First generation enterprise social software uses this inappropriate friending model for making connections. Vuuch is the only social @ work solution that connects people based on the work they are involved with. Deliverable centric connections allow a team to drive actionable outcome and channel the flow of information that leads to the conclusion of a project and the conversation around it.
Rob, I was going to ask the same thing. I was reviewing collaboration software for some clients a couple of years back. These tended to merge social media with project management. In one tool, which looked good, everything was a project. The last time I talked to the local rep for that company they were being redirected to a particular application area. I think the problem they ran into was with their project centered terminology they were lumped in with project collaboration and management products. Like Facebook, they were completely general purpose.
It looks like the vendors in the CAD space are going the same route. Make something "like" Facebook, but more specific. With this approach they can address security concerns while leveraging the social media idea.
Another answer to your question might be that the trend these days is for users to want their on-line experiences to be similar at work and at play. Considering the centrality of computers to our lives these days, that makes sense. How it gets implemented is another story.
Yes, I would imagine it feels foreign to most engineers, However, I have hunch that twenty-something engineers fresh out of college will get their hands on these tools and go, "Whoa, look what this can do!" Whatever vendor can wow the next generation of engineers may have a winner.
Rob, I think it's early on and way to soon to say these tools are gaining traction. I think with any kind of new technology, the software vendors are experimenting by pushing the envelope with capabilities that consumers are using in other aspects of their lives and seeing how they can make a difference with design tools. Some engineers will like the new way of working, others won't. But just like with any new technology, you've got to take some shots and see where it all lands. Years from now, I think social components will be a mainstay of every kind of software, but because it's new territory, it still feels pretty foreign to most engineers.
You have reported on quite a number of these product development social media tools, Beth. I find the development fascinating. Are these tools getting any traction, or is it too early to tell?
The 3D printing revolution seems to have a knack for quickly moving technology ahead by way of collaborative effort and even a little friendly competition -- all of course in the name of scientific advancement.
Laura Sapiens' Ego! Smartmouse offers users a unique interactive experience by providing 2D and 3D connectivity, hardware identity authentication, data storage, and more.
From Dell / Intel® New Paradigms in Design Work Scott Hamilton, vertical market strategist for Dell Precision workstations, 5/2/2013 3
Early in my career, I worked as a draftsman and remember the days of drawing on vellum with numbered pencils and Mylar with plastic lead. This was a fun experience in the sense that I ...
I've been using workstations for more than 10 years and love finding ways to get more performance from my system. With demanding professional applications that require more power each ...
A lasting memory from my first job as an engineer in an auto assembly plant is standing on hard concrete at six in the morning, vending-machine coffee clutched in hand, listening to ...
A quick look into the merger of two powerhouse 3D printing OEMs and the new leader in rapid prototyping solutions, Stratasys. The industrial revolution is now led by 3D printing and engineers are given the opportunity to fully maximize their design capabilities, reduce their time-to-market and functionally test prototypes cheaper, faster and easier. Bruce Bradshaw, Director of Marketing in North America, will explore the large product offering and variety of materials that will help CAD designers articulate their product design with actual, physical prototypes. This broadcast will dive deep into technical information including application specific stories from real world customers and their experiences with 3D printing. 3D Printing is
To save this item to your list of favorite Design News content so you can find it later in your Profile page, click the "Save It" button next to the item.
If you found this interesting or useful, please use the links to the services below to share it with other readers. You will need a free account with each service to share an item via that service.
Tweet This
0 
