Using the Dassault Systèmes 3DEXPERIENCE Platform (PLM) and the Microsoft Dynamics AX platform (ERP), customers can now implement an end-to-end management system that runs from product ideation to product shipment and service, and beyond.
 
This partnership will also bring integrated support to organisations using both of the PLM and ERP platforms. Customers will have access to the development teams of both Design Rule and Columbus, ensuring any problem or query is solved immediately. 

 
"Within industry, there's a noticeable move towards the offering of products as a service," explains Bob Hillier, Managing Director of Design Rule. "Increasingly, manufacturers are looking for product and process management software that runs through the full product lifecycle. The manufacturer's responsibility for the product no longer ends when it is shipped to the customer; so we believe a combination of ERP and PLM software is the only effective approach to deliver an end-to-end, integrated, product development, production and service process."
 
Columbus is a business that has been helping manufacturers make the transition to a service-based offering for the last few years. As a keen sponsor and driver of the UK’s Manufacturing Servitization Thought Leadership Network, the business works alongside manufacturing organisations to help them discover new ways to leverage ERP solutions in order to deliver even greater value to customers.
 
"Increasingly, our customers have requested a PLM software package to complement the existing ERP solutions we provide,” comments Simon Charlton, Commercial Director of Columbus. "As a longstanding partner of Dassault Systèmes, Design Rule has excellent knowledge of the ENOVIA application which is powered by Dassault Systèmes' 3DEXPERIENCE Platform. ENOVIA runs seamlessly with Microsoft Dynamics AX, meaning there is no need to change existing equipment to achieve compatibility.
 
"Both Columbus and Design Rule place customer service at the very heart of what they do. We strive to go the extra mile for every customer and, with an additional development team in place, our partnership with Design Rule further increases the support we can offer."
 
Dassault Systèmes, the 3DEXPERIENCE company, world leader in 3D design software, 3D digital mock up and product lifecycle management (PLM) solutions, is a longstanding partner of both companies and brought Design Rule and Columbus together. Design Rule offers a range of Dassault Systèmes' software applications like CATIA, DELMIA, ENOVIA and EXALEAD which are all powered by the 3DEXPERIENCE Platform.
 
“Design Rule and Columbus have the skills to enrich software and add value to enhance the user experience. The combined PLM and ERP solution these companies offer can be tailored to each condition, fulfilling specific needs at every stage of product development and production, ensuring maximum value discovery and realisation," explains Stephen Chadwick, Managing Director EURONORTH at Dassault Systèmes.
 
“This is the first Value Solutions Alliance Partnership for Dassault Systèmes in the UK, and we are extremely excited to work with the senior leadership teams of Design Rule and Columbus to make this a great success. We believe it will inspire a Dassault Systèmes Alliance Eco-System for the sustained future growth of the 3DEXPERIENCE Platform.”