Rhiannon Gallagher, Chief Social Scientist at Action Engineering presented on Leveraging Inventor MBD for Success at Autodesk University 2019 in Las Vegas. Approximately 40 new and aspiring MBD practitioners from the engineering, manufacturing, procurement, and quality sectors gained insights into MBD adoption from our Social Scientist’s perspective.
We started with a hand-poll around this question:
Where Are You with MBD/PMI?
1. I’ve heard of it, but that’s about it
2. We’re talking but not walking
3. We’ve tried it in a pilot
4. We’re in progress
5. We’re stuck
6. We’re totally done, it’s perfect, we’re just showing off now
Responses were varied. As you may have guessed, no one raised their hand when we got to #6.
Let’s start with the official definition of MBD: Model-Based Definition is an annotated model and its associated data elements that define the product in a manner that can be used effectively without a drawing graphic sheet.
Citation: ASME Y14.47-2019
Here’s Action Engineering’s Definition of PMI: Product Manufacturing Information includes 3D annotations (dimensions and tolerances), metadata, notes, and model attributes needed to define the product beyond the 3D geometry.
We like to share this conceptual definition of MBD, it can be the whole tree:
… followed up by the practical definition as told by Action Engineering CEO, Jennifer Herron:
What is the value of MBD/PMI for Engineering?
It delivers one source for all the information everyone (both silicon and carbon-based) needs in a consistent version and revision. MBD is the foundation of the Single Source of Truth across the Product Lifecycle.
What’s the value of MBD beyond engineering? In other words, how do we make people in other areas of operations want to do this … to fully embrace and adopt MBD?
Hint: It’s important to acknowledge that these reasons do not resonate with team members outside of the engineering sector:
1) because it’s better for engineering, or
2) because engineering said so.
To truly succeed, we have to deliver solid reasons for MBD adoption throughout the workforce enterprise. The truth is, everyone has problems with 2D drawing process, just as much as our engineers.
What reasons do support the MBD adoption conversation? In our experience, these reasons intrigue, excite, and convince the collective enterprise to adopt MBD:
Requirements Capture:
Model is connected to requirements throughout the process
Revisioning
Everyone sees the latest version
3D Navigation
Production and quality can locate parts in an assembly and surfaces on a part
Traceability
Updates, comments, and approvals are accessible
Commenting
Relevant notes and data stay with the part of the model to communicate during a handoff
Quality Traceability
Maintaining digital traceability from the design source model through production makes production more accurate and efficient during first run and in later runs
Document Integration
Related documentation can be integrated with the model throughout the process
Parts List
The parts list is integrated and clickable, for easier assembly and quality checking
Manufacturing Work Instructions
Documentation specific to production teams is represented in the model
CAD Re-Use
By using a single model as the basis for part families and variations, engineering time is more efficient, and gets a better return on the CAD investment
Conclusion:
MBD isn’t a technology shift, it’s a culture shift . . . and a complicated one at that. We must use all of our tools, including Inventor, with our people in mind. We must communicate clearly because our people already have ideas about the MBD transformation in their minds.
What do people think the MBD Transformation looks like you might ask?
Rhiannon Gallagher heads the team of social scientists that focuses on the people of the MBE transformation. Our social scientists conduct the analysis, create the plans, and design the communication strategies that help people make the transition to a model-based enterprise.
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Action Engineering helps organizations large and small achieve their Model-Based Definition/Enterprise (MBD/MBE) goals by motivating stakeholders, delivering training, and providing business planning and implementation consulting services.