When working in the engineering and manufacturing fields, it is common to encounter unfamiliar terms. In this glossary, we define important terms that describe processes and components in the engineering, manufacturing, service, and sustainability industries. General...
Computer Aided Design has replaced manual design drafting, but with the rise of vCAD will traditional CAD systems also be replaced? Traditional CAD systems work well for designing accurate design representations, but they require extremely powerful (and expensive)...
Manufacturing can be an intricate and time-consuming process. It is important to utilize the proper software for successful execution, especially when working with complex assemblies. Complex assemblies typically have a high part count of diverse components and...
It seems like every week there’s another article about “Network Installation Services” – even if we don’t realize it. I believe Apple really hit the nail on the head with their iPhone App Store, as evidenced by the copy-cat implementations in the WebOS App Catalog,...
As an IT engineering expert for SPK and associates, a California based IT services company, I write blog posts on topics such as Software Configuration Management and other Engineering Applications. This week I’d like to blog about my experiences in upgrading...
As an IT professional, one question I’ve heard more than once is: “Why do I need you – I can setup a computer, a web server, a database, etc”. My answer varies based on the audience but essentially comes down to: if you are entrusted with a company’s...
At SPK and Associates we are often asked for direction with respect to versioning control systems. The management of software and related artifacts is core to your development process and a key factor in determining the operational productivity of your...
Choosing and evaluating products for managing data is a daunting task. With the ease of access to broad, general information – which is often conflicting – getting your decision-makers and Very Important People using the same vocabulary is the first step to developing...
One of the most time-consuming tasks as an IT Administrator is setting up a new workstation for a new user. A workstation is typically a laptop these days, but could still be a traditional Windows desktop or possibly a Linux-based workstation. As part of SPK's...
The seemingly endless debate of Artificial Intelligence's benefits and drawbacks has permeated all technological media. Why is this such a hot topic? The public wants to understand what AI can do, the technologies it can benefit, and what the future holds for AI....
PLM solutions like PTC Windchill help organizations manage every facet of the product lifecycle. One of the best features for organizing these components is a Bill of Materials (BOM). Many PLM solutions integrate BOM management because it facilitates collaboration...
Learning from history is vital, yet product management often overlooks the lessons from past mistakes. Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) has evolved significantly since its inception alongside the development of computer-aided design and manufacturing. Today, PLM...