Mastering Automotive Data Exchange: OEM-Supplier Collaboration
Amid the rise of electrification, connected vehicles, and increasingly complex global supply chains, getting data exchange right isn't just beneficial; it's a commercial imperative. Efficient data exchange is crucial to product development, minimising costly delays, reducing time-to-market, and maintaining strong, productive partnerships.
Easily said. But how can suppliers navigate this intricate landscape effectively? In our recent webinar, we invited industry experts Paul Card (Contechs) and Martin Sandmann (Yanfeng) to join our Senior Data Consultant, Matt Bloxham, in unpacking key strategies for success. Check out the full webinar here: Mastering Automotive OEM Demands: Getting Supplier Data Exchange Right
Find more in-depth discussions on trends in digital engineering in our upcoming webinars
The cornerstone: a deeper understanding of OEM needs
As we emphasised during our panel discussion, the foundation of any successful data exchange strategy lies in developing a deep understanding of the unique needs and operational methods of each OEM customer you work with – and that means building a cooperative and communicative relationship.
Specific options for collaboration will vary between OEMs, from offering direct access to their PDM/PLM systems to specific secure transfer protocols like OFTP or ENX. What’s key is proactive, upfront discussion of the available options to clarify what data formats, system requirements, quality standards, or communication pathways are most effective before work commences.
This is crucial in avoiding assumptions and misunderstandings (which introduce significant risk) and ensures alignment from the beginning of the project or relationship. Ultimately, a tailored approach, accepting that different OEM partnerships may require different processes or methodologies, is far more effective than attempting a one-size-fits-all strategy.
Prioritising data integrity: native formats and direct communication
The starting point here is that data integrity is non-negotiable. Any loss or corruption of information during transfer can have serious consequences – in terms of costs, delays, rework or reputational damage.
A key strategy – highlighted by Martin Sandmann during our discussion – is to work directly within the OEM's native CAD environment whenever possible. Although managing multiple native environments presents IT and resource challenges, it significantly reduces data translation errors. Yanfeng, for example, supports a total of 62 CATIA V5 and 11 NX environments, and as Martin explains, “The only reason we do it is to mitigate the risk… of translations still failing to have the right data communicated”
Of course, this approach may not be feasible for all suppliers. If sufficient in-house resources or expertise aren’t available to support all OEM environments, the next best approach is to focus on direct communication links between supplier and OEM PLM systems using protocols like OFTP/ENX. This ensures that data exchange is secure and auditable, helping to maintain a 'single source of truth'.
Building robust processes and a quality mindset
Technology and partnerships are vital, but they must be underpinned by strong internal processes and a culture focused on quality. Implementing structured, repeatable, and meticulously audited data management workflows is essential. Equally important, as Paul Card from Contex highlighted, is establishing clear Statements of Work (SOW) upfront, explicitly defining data deliverables, formats, timelines, and responsibilities.
Fostering a quality-first mindset across the team, acknowledging that human factors are always present, and ensuring adherence to best practices are critical. It’s about treating each project as a learning opportunity, building an internal knowledge base from past experiences, and making time and space to continuously refine processes based on past experience.
Efficiency gains through specialisation and partnership
Suppliers don't have to master every single OEM system or process internally. Taking a realistic view of commercial and practical limitations and strategically leveraging external expertise can be a powerful efficiency driver. This allows suppliers to continue using their preferred, efficient internal systems while ensuring the data delivered meets OEM specifications.
In many cases, engaging a third party such as Majenta, who deeply understands a specific customer's requirements, is the best path forward. Matt Bloxham touched on this in the webinar, describing how intermediaries can act as a “centre of excellence,” effectively bridging the gap between disparate supplier and OEM systems and formats. This approach can deliver significant cost and time savings – removing the need to invest in niche software licenses, specialised training, and additional administrative overhead. This is particularly beneficial for shorter-term projects, which might not justify hefty upfront expenditure.
Automotive data exchange, the easy way
Achieving seamless, efficient data exchange in the complex automotive supply chain is a multifaceted challenge, but it's entirely achievable with the right partnerships in place. If you’re facing cost, time-to-market or productivity challenges caused by data exchange bottlenecks or quality issues, Majenta can help. Get in touch with one of our expert team using the link below.
