Introduction
A well-managed project based on clearly defined processes and procedures is key to success. The volume of data, number of systems, variables, development stages, interdependencies, as well as large and geographically distributed project teams, pose significant challenges in the automotive industry. Each project is a complex, multi-layered structure in which effective management and clearly defined processes play a crucial role.
Clearly defined frameworks ensure that the entire team moves in the same direction, while mutual understanding and communication remain at a high level. An example of such an approach is VOBES – a process applied within the VW Group. It can be rightly stated that every project is different; however, although certain aspects must always be adapted to the specific needs of a given project, the fundamental principles form a foundation that ensures quality and precision.
As part of a wiring harness project covering door, cockpit and ABS areas for a passenger vehicle developed for an OEM, our team – consisting of managers and team leaders, 2D designers and 3D designers – demonstrated its ability to perform effectively in a highly complex, multi-phase project. Operating within defined processes ensured that each team member clearly understood their responsibilities and required data.
The fact that individual vehicle areas (not only those under VOITAS responsibility) were developed by distributed, international teams did not pose an obstacle. Particular attention should also be paid to a well-coordinated, project-tailored change management system, in which the team quickly became proficient and operated efficiently. This made it possible to maintain a high project pace while preserving product quality, as well as good organization and a healthy working culture.
The VOITAS team was fully responsible for the above-mentioned areas within the scope of electrical schematics, 3D routing, data integration in the ELENA environment, preparation of assembly drawings, and execution of the change management process.
Within the change management process, change packages were prepared and, once approved, implemented through:
- implementation in assembly drawings as Rotpause updates, including export of implemented changes in PDF format
- implementation in electrical schematic and routing designs
- documentation in a dedicated system created for ongoing Wire and BOM management
All documentation was developed in accordance with process-defined standards and subjected to verification. It is worth noting that the documentation was appropriately prepared by our team to support the verification process.
Work scope
The scope of our work included:
- updating input data (SYS-KAB updates)
- analysis of changes in system schematics (SYS AEM)
- analysis of other required changes not resulting directly from system schematics
- initiation of changes and management of the change process in accordance with established procedures
- preparation of change documentation in Excel format
- obtaining approvals for changes
- parallel implementation of changes:
- in the system for ongoing Wire and BOM management
- in LDorado as Rotpause updates with documentation exports
- in electrical schematics
- in routing designs
- execution of checks
- data export from EBCA and CATIA
- data merging in the ELENA environment
- preparation of assembly drawings based on ELENA data
- preparation of data for verification (so-called Projektburo) and export to KVS
Results
As a result of the performed work, the team delivered:
- complete, process-compliant wiring harness design documentation for the door, cockpit and ABS areas
- full documentation of all implemented changes
- documentation verifying data correctness and compliance with the process
The prepared documentation enabled a smooth transition to subsequent project development stages in accordance with process requirements.
Summary
Our team operates based on clearly defined processes, allowing it to integrate seamlessly as part of larger, multidisciplinary project environments. This project also demonstrated our ability to take full responsibility for assigned areas, which directly translates into the comprehensive nature of the services we provide.
The scope included, among others, the development of electrical schematics, harness routing, assembly drawings and change management, as well as full documentation preparation in both 2D and 3D environments.
It is important to emphasize that process knowledge for us is not merely the ability to adapt to established frameworks, but above all the ability to work in a systematic and structured manner. This also involves consciously avoiding chaos and identifying areas where optimization is possible. Thanks to this approach, we also perform effectively in non-standard projects, where we willingly transfer proven practices from other industries and implement our own well-considered solutions.