Table of Contents
Overview
SMS Solutions, a leading manufacturer of solar mounting structures, was facing significant challenges in product development. As their operations scaled, inefficiencies in design management, collaboration, and compliance slowed down their ability to bring products to market efficiently. Recognizing the need for a structured and efficient approach, SMS Solutions partnered with Neelsmartec for a comprehensive PLM Process Consulting engagement.
This study serves as a benchmark roadmap for SMS Solutions, outlining key gaps in their current workflows and providing a structured approach to Product Lifecycle Management implementation. The result? A clear path to streamlining processes, enhancing collaboration, and ensuring compliance, driving sustainability, laying the foundation for a successful digital transformation.
Leadership Perspective
“At SMS Solutions, innovation and efficiency drive our business. As we expand, we need a structured approach to manage our product data, designs, and compliance requirements. This PLM roadmap, developed with Neelsmartec, provides us with a clear strategy to optimize our processes and stay ahead in the industry.” – Mr. Ganesh N, COO, SMS Solutions
About SMS Solutions
SMS Solutions, headquartered in Chennai under the leadership of COO Mr. Ganesh, specializes in advanced solar mounting solutions. Their diverse product portfolio includes Rooftop Mounting Systems for concrete and metal structures, Carport Solutions with 5-degree configurations, and Safety & Access Systems such as handrails and walkways. Backed by a state-of-the-art 50,000 sq. ft. production facility, the company boasts a manufacturing capacity of solar mounting structures for up to 90 MW per month. Committed to excellence, SMS Solutions adheres to industry standards, including IS 8147:1976, IS 875.3:2015, and BS 8118:1:1991, ensuring high-quality and reliable solutions for the solar industry.
Challenges Faced
SMS Solutions did not have a PDM system, which led to inefficiencies in New Product Development and New Product Introduction processes. During the consulting engagement, a key question emerged:
“We have in-house data stored in the shared server, and we are still confused to understand the difference between PDM and PLM and how it is going to help our NPD/NPI process?”
Interestingly, many of our partners who have implemented PDM systems also face inefficiencies in their NPD/NPI workflows. This highlights a broader challenge: while PDM manages CAD files and engineering data, it does not provide the cross-functional collaboration, workflow automation, and lifecycle visibility that PLM enables.
Neelsmartec’s Role: Strategic PLM Consulting
Neelsmartec engaged with SMS Solutions’ NPD team to uncover the root causes of these inefficiencies.
Our Approach:
- Process Audit: Conducted a detailed analysis of existing workflows, data management practices, and collaboration gaps.
- Gap Identification: Highlighted pain points in version control, design reuse, and approval workflows.
- Strategic Roadmap: Developed a step-by-step PLM implementation strategy, aligning technology with business needs.
- Future-Proofing: Provided recommendations for seamless data integration, compliance management, and workflow automation.
Key Outcomes & Business Impact
While SMS Solutions has not yet fully implemented PLM, they now have a clear roadmap for achieving digital transformation. The impact of Neelsmartec’s consulting engagement includes:
- Defined PLM Strategy – A structured approach to standardize product development.
- Improved Collaboration – Seamless data exchange between engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain.
- Enhanced Compliance – A roadmap ensuring alignment with industry regulations.
- Sustainability Integration – Recommendations to reduce material waste, improve design efficiency, and track eco-friendly materials.
- Faster Time-to-Market – Recommendations for automated workflows and efficient approvals.
- Scalability & Growth – SMS Solutions is now equipped to transition into a PLM-driven organization.
Customer Testimonial
“Neelsmartec provided us with a structured roadmap for PLM implementation. This study has given us clarity on how to optimize our processes, enhance collaboration, and improve compliance. We now have a clear direction for our digital transformation journey, and this will be instrumental in scaling our operations efficiently.” Ganesh N – COO, SMS Solutions
Conclusion: A Roadmap for the Future
By working with Neelsmartec, SMS Solutions has taken the first critical step toward PLM adoption. This benchmark study provides them with a structured approach to optimize efficiency, collaboration, compliance, and sustainability. . As they move forward, their digital transformation journey is set to drive operational excellence, positioning them as a leader in sustainable solar mounting solutions.
Is your company facing similar challenges in product development?
Neelsmartec specializes in PLM Process consulting to help businesses streamline processes, improve collaboration, and drive efficiency while integrating sustainability into their operations. Let’s discuss how we can help your organization build a future-ready, eco-conscious product development strategy!
Get in touch with us today!
