In the world of precision engineering and underwater filming equipment, efficiency and reliability are paramount. Gates Underwater Products, a leader in underwater housings for cameras, made a significant shift in its data management strategy by transitioning from Excel spreadsheets to OpenBOM.
This article describes the reasons behind this change and the benefits it has brought to their operations.
Why OpenBOM?
The decision to switch from Excel to OpenBOM was driven by several key factors. Firstly, the limitations of Excel were becoming increasingly apparent. Managing complex bills of materials (BOMs) and keeping track of changes in a dynamic production environment required a more robust solution. OpenBOM offered the functionality and flexibility that Excel lacked, enabling Gates Underwater Products to streamline its processes and improve accuracy.
The First Cloud Software Story for Gates Underwater
Being a SOLIDWORKS customer for years, Gates Underwater was focusing on desktop solutions and used shared drives. For Gates Underwater Products, the move to OpenBOM marked their first foray into cloud-based software. This transition was not taken lightly, given the critical nature of their work.
The cloud-based nature of OpenBOM provided several advantages, including real-time collaboration, access from anywhere, and enhanced data security. The ability to have a single source of truth for all their BOMs and related data was a game-changer for the company.
90% of Big Name Features for 10% of the Cost
One of the most compelling reasons for choosing OpenBOM was its cost-effectiveness. OpenBOM offered Gates 90% of the features found in more expensive, big-name PLM/ERP solutions but at a fraction of the cost. This affordability allowed Gates Underwater Products to implement a powerful data management system without breaking the bank. The significant cost savings have enabled them to allocate resources to other critical areas of their business.
SOLIDWORKS OpenBOM Integration
A crucial aspect of OpenBOM that stood out to Gates Underwater Products was its seamless integration with Solidworks, a widely-used CAD software in the engineering industry.
This integration facilitated a smooth transfer of data between the design and manufacturing stages, reducing errors and improving efficiency. Engineers could now easily generate BOMs directly from their Solidworks designs, ensuring consistency and accuracy throughout the production process.
Trusted Relationships
Beyond the technical features, the relationship built with the OpenBOM team played a vital role in the decision-making process. Gates Underwater Products found a trusted partner in OpenBOM, with a responsive and supportive team ready to assist whenever needed. This trust and reliability were essential for Gates Underwater Products, knowing that they had a partner committed to their success.
Video with John Ellerbrock, President of Gates Underwater Products
Watch the video and learn more about Gates Underwater Products story with OpenBOM.
Conclusion
The switch to OpenBOM has been a transformative step for Gates Underwater Products, enhancing their data management capabilities and streamlining their operations. By moving to a cloud-based solution, they have improved collaboration, reduced costs, and ensured greater accuracy in their BOMs. The seamless integration with Solidworks and the trusted relationship with the OpenBOM team have further solidified their decision. Gates Underwater Products continues to lead the way in underwater filming equipment, now with a more efficient and reliable data management system powering their operations.
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Best, Oleg
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