Reference BMW Group - Optimization of the Approval Process Chain
Optimization of the “approval process chain” in automobile development
Initial Situation and Project Goals
At the end of 2006 the BMW Group came to the decision to further optimize the approval process chain in the company. The “approval process chain” is defined in this instance as ranging from the decision to launch a project, through initial configuration and the preparation of engineering data for the parts list documentation, to implementing the project in the designated factories. The goal of the project is always to ensure perfect approval quality through the use of a process standardized across all product lines.
Tasks of UNITY
At the beginning of the project UNITY helped draw up the decision memo and project submission. At the same time as implementing short-term measures, such as setting up a system to make configuration change information available, the focal points most effective over the long term were identified. On the basis of the crosssectoral process analysis, UNITY worked with the customer to define new roles and responsibilities and to develop interface agreements between all parties involved in the process, from the engineering division to the factory floor. This was carried out to ensure improved linkage of the electrics/electronics world into the approval process and better end-to-end management of changes and deadlines. The IT requirements for the PDM backbone that became apparent during the design of the process were specified and their implementation managed. Alongside the inspection and analysis of the internal process, which was supported by UNITY, the contractual cooperation with external partners was improved and a recommendation for the respective specialist divisions was made.
Benefits for the Client
The continual and cross-departmental coordination of solutions will in future make possible the end-to-end, transparent management of the entire “approval process chain.” At the same time, process- and IT complexity will be reduced. Overall, a significant improvement in approval quality can be expected. This will in turn reduce the amount of refinishing work required of the factories.
BMW Group
With its three brands BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce, the BMW Group is represented in all the currently relevant premium segments on the international automobile markets. Alongside its automotive business, the BMW Group’s activities comprise the development, production and marketing of motorcycles, as well as financial services. Its philosophy of “focus on the premium”, which lies behind the success of the BMW Group, runs through the entire company in all its fields of business: The company’s uncompromising adherence to this philosophy finds clear expression in its sales figures for 2006: 1,373,970 cars sold, 100,064 motorcycles sold and around 2.3 million financial services contracts. In 2006 the company achieved sales of around € 49 bn with the support of its 106,575 employees.
