_Data Migration from a Traditional PLM System to Windchill PLM Software as the Beginning of Digital Transformation at Airbus Helicopters GmbH

Summary

Airbus Helicopters Technik GmbH is the largest aerospace company in Europe, specializing in designing, manufacturing, and providing aviation services and solutions to customers worldwide. With approximately 134,000 employees, the company operates in Europe, the Americas, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.

In a demanding and time-sensitive project, we successfully supported Airbus Helicopters Technik GmbH – along with other companies – in replacing the existing PLM system with the PTC Windchill system. In addition to transferring processes, we executed a data extraction project, thereby removing them from the corporate environment.

Business Challenges

• Limited time for system change due to the company’s withdrawal from the Group.
• High requirements for audit and EASA-approved processes that the new system must replicate.
• Supporting the company’s transformation and organizational changes with appropriate systems.
• Creating a foundation for a future digital strategy that enables integration with other systems.

Solution

• Integration of Change and Action Management: All relevant data is managed in an integrated process of changes and actions.
• Direct CAD (Creo) Connection with Windchill: Developers can link CAD models directly with Windchill to ensure efficient collaboration and control over changes.
• Standardized Database: All departments have access to a unified database containing design data and related documents.
• Foundation for ERP and MES Integration: Implementing Windchill provides the basis for future integration with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Manufacturing Execution System (MES).

Key Results and Benefits

• Established the foundation for digital, cross-departmental change management to optimize enterprise processes.
• Agile transfer of CAD projects to the PLM system is facilitated through direct CAD integration.
• Increased transparency through standardized templates for materials and documents, CAD projects, and their linking in the PLM system.
• The introduction of Windchill created the basis for ERP and MES integration, enabling seamless process integration.