A Day in the Life of a Data Coordinator
Automotive design and manufacturing rely on complex data flowing seamlessly between OEMs and their network of suppliers: design specifications, engineering changes, and manufacturing instructions, all of which must be perfectly aligned to bring new vehicles to market on time and within budget.
But how is this process managed effectively, ensuring everyone is in lockstep? The answer often lies with a skilled and dedicated data coordinator. In a recent webinar, we invited our own Data Coordinator, Callum Watson, to talk us through the day-to-day responsibilities and challenges of the role. You can see the full recording here: A Day in the Life of a Data Coordinator: Getting CAD Data Exchange Right
For more in-depth discussion on challenges in automotive data management, browse our schedule of upcoming webinars
Adapting to differing needs and practices
Data coordinators play a pivotal role, acting as liaisons between the OEMs and suppliers and balancing competing demands, deadlines and operational limitations. This goes a lot further than simply passing files back and forth; it’s a strategic role that requires understanding and effectively translating needs.
To perform the role successfully, data coordinators have to develop an in-depth understanding of the unique requirements of the different OEMs and suppliers they work with. For example, "make-to-print" suppliers, who manufacture based on OEM designs, need data in a consistent, usable format.
In contrast, "full-service" or "design responsible" suppliers, who author their own design data (often in their native CAD systems), need to bring that data into the OEM's system in a fully compliant manner. It’s the responsibility of the data coordinator to ensure this complex exchange is as smooth and error-free as possible for all stakeholders.
Ensuring data integrity and compliance
One of the most critical functions of a Data Coordinator is ensuring that CAD data is meticulously checked, crucial metadata such as weights and dimensions is verified, and materials are correctly applied. Inaccuracies can have significant consequences if they pass through to the manufacturing and assembly stages, so attention to detail is vital for the role.
Upholding ever-evolving OEM standards and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) system requirements is another key responsibility. Data coordinators are on the frontline, ensuring that all data exchanged adheres to these specific protocols and carrying out cross-platform consistency checks, as well as maintaining a fully auditable paper trail for all data transactions, providing transparency and traceability.
In the webinar, Callum illustrated the subtle inconsistencies that it might fall to him to identify, “For example, a drawing not quite looking the same as it did in v5 once it’s been imported into v6”. A data coordinator not only has to spot these types of issues but also follow through, investigating why they occurred and how to remedy them for future exchanges, to ensure consistency and reliability.
Driving efficiency and reducing delays
The impact of an expert data coordinator on project timelines and overall efficiency can be significant, overseeing and optimising data workflows within PLM systems, identifying bottlenecks and implementing smoother processes.
A significant part of the role involves efficient CAD conversion. Suppliers or OEMs may request data in various formats – perhaps converting native NX files to Catia, or Catia to a neutral format like STEP. Data coordinators are adept at managing these conversions efficiently and accurately. The result? Data is processed more quickly, data reviews are faster, and there's a significant reduction in overall CAD exchange time, preventing costly project delays.
Proactive problem-solving and future-proofing
The sector is constantly evolving, and data coordinators have to be adaptable to succeed in their role. As Callum pointed out, it’s about consistently learning new ways to streamline methods and adapt to changing needs. That means staying abreast of updates to PLM systems and understanding how these changes might affect existing workflows.
This ever-evolving expertise allows professionals like Callum to provide up-to-the-minute advice to suppliers regarding changes in OEM standards or policy, directly contributing to cost savings and improved compliance. In addition, effective data coordination improves team collaboration and strengthens the vital relationships between OEMs and suppliers. When suppliers consistently provide high-quality, compliant data, they become preferred partners, fostering a more collaborative and productive ecosystem.
If you’d like to learn more about optimising your data workflows and get expert support to improve data coordination in your organisation and wider supply chain, Majenta can help. Get in touch with one of our team using the link below.
