In the past, the automotive industry has attempted cost optimization mainly in production and logistics. Examples:

• Automation technology in production
• Reduction of warehousing capacities by just-in-time logistics
• Reduction of vertical range of manufacture by outsourcing

But in the area of development, more weight is being placed on local optimizations than on across-the-board, integrating measures. Typical examples:

• Improved authoring systems (e.g., migration from CATIA V4 to CATIA V5)
• Local data management systems (e.g., for mechanical, electrotechnical or software-technical development)
• Point-to-point interfaces (between authoring systems or local data management solutions)
• Improved integration of suppliers and development partners (processes, data and IT systems)

A holistic view

Local data management systems offer considerable improvement potential. Product development and process development must be viewed and optimized as a whole. Local optima can be counterproductive here.

Synchronizing development of products and processes

The most important challenge for the future is synchronized development and security of product components (mechanics, electronics and software) of both production processes and means of production (work plans, NC/RC programs, tools, machines/plants, factory).

Against a background of ever more complex product configurations and more densely networked supplier structures and constantly high time pressure, companies have to meet these challenges both on the part of workflow management and on the part of the IT. Ideally, all departments work hand in hand with the IT.

Challenges facing the management of complex projects

The management must continuously accompany, promote, and control a project. The aim must be a clearly structured approach, which must on the one hand be designed to be farsighted due to the numerous company departments involved and, on the other hand, must include sufficient synchronization points and milestones. In this way, the project can learn to benefit from constant new knowledge and thus optimize project work.