There’s much talk about how Social Media is coming at the enterprise like a tidal wave that inevitably must be ridden. The intellectual protectionism of the past is being replaced with openness and exploration amongst peers and a wider team. This doesn’t mean, however, that intellectual property is up for grabs. It means that companies are mirroring the new social norm and capitalizing on it with project management systems that can ride with – instead of disrupt – the flow of product design.
The next generation of users is actively pursuing tools that can bring teams together to foster open discussion, share ideas, and contribute to the project. That’s not an engineering change – that’s a social shift.
As Al Dean of Develop 3D says, “The next generation has dramatically different expectations in terms of how they communicate with both their peers and seniors. It’s nothing to do engineering or design but all across the board.”
Today’s software is beginning to mimic our web-like thought process in creating a product. Tools like Microsoft Sharepoint, PTC Windchill, and IBM LotusNotes are software that benefit open collaboration and clarify ideas. The software resides firmly behind a firewall and closed to the outside world, so that ideas can flow freely and securely between all levels of business.
Previously, the Product Design Show looked at the advantages of open communication with vendors. Products like Creo View Express let engineers and vendors communicate in word and picture – sending 3D models that still protect intellectual property. Check out this episode of the Product Design Show to learn more about how social media and 3D collaboration tools work together.
