Applus+ IMA support BMW Group with a centralized material data management system

How does BMW’s Material Data Management System work?

The system operates as a single, unified platform that captures and manages critical material information throughout the BMW Group’s product lifecycle. While traditional Product Data Management (PDM) tools often fall short in handling complex, physical characteristic values, especially crucial in the automotive industry, this new system bridges that gap. 

By integrating with diverse internal tools for simulation, calculation, laboratory data management, and product data, it ensures that all relevant stakeholders have access to up-to-date, comprehensive material data. This is accomplished through: 

• A universal data model with versioning 
• Robust roles-rights workflows 
• Flexible data ownership structures 

These features guarantee that only authorized personnel can modify or approve materials, safeguarding data integrity and compliance with internal security standards. 

What are the advantages of a centralized approach?

A centralized material data management system offers several key benefits for the BMW Group:

1. Streamlined Processes: By consolidating all material characteristics into one platform, duplicate data entry is eliminated and workflows become more efficient.
2. Data Accuracy and Security: Compliance with BMW Group’s stringent security requirements ensures that sensitive material data is protected at all times.
3. Seamless Interconnection: The system easily integrates with existing platforms—such as simulation, calculation, and laboratory information systems—allowing for end-to-end data consistency.
4. Detailed Approval Workflows: Complex roles-rights structures enable precise control over who can access, edit, and approve material data, ensuring traceability and quality.
5. Future-Ready Scalability: The universal data model accommodates continuous updates to keep pace with evolving industry standards and BMW Group’s product development needs.

Collaboration with GPI Consulting GmbH and Applus+ IMA

To successfully implement this ambitious project, the BMW Group, alongside GPI Consulting GmbH, conducted an in-depth analysis of the specific requirements across inter-divisional teams. This thorough preparation helped in defining how the data management system should handle complex material properties and unique automotive industry standards.

Applus+ IMA then presented Materials Portal, a solution that convincingly addressed BMW Group’s needs. Its flexible design, secure data handling, and multi-level approval workflows made it an ideal choice.

Driving results with on-time delivery and ongoing enhancements

Thanks to intensive specification workshops, close collaboration with the BMW IT department, and a rigorous project management approach, the system was delivered on time and has been running in productive operation for roughly two years. During this period, an enhancement of the system has been successfully introduced for the design department, reflecting the scalability and adaptability of the platform. 

New requirements are already in the pipeline, ensuring that the system continues to evolve with the rapidly changing demands of the automotive industry. As BMW Group refines its innovation roadmap, the centralized material data management system will continue to play a pivotal role in improving product quality and sustainability.

Paving the way for future automotive material innovation

The BMW Group’s centralized material data management system showcases how a collaborative approach—involving industry experts like GPI Consulting GmbH and Applus+ IMA—can produce innovative and robust solutions. By ensuring easy data access, comprehensive version control, and high security, the system represents a significant leap towards sustainable, efficient, and high-quality material usage in automotive engineering.

Sources

N. Papenfuß, M. Lieb, T. Ehrig, M. Just, L. van den Aarssen, M. Young (2016): Planung, Entwicklung und Umsetzung eines unternehmensweiten Werkstoff-Datenmanagementsystems 

SIMVEC 2016, 18. Kongress SIMVEC Simulation und Erprobung in der Fahrzeugentwicklung, Berechnung, Prüfstands- und Straßenversuch.- Baden-Baden, VDI-Bericht 2279: 151-160, Düsseldorf (VDI Verlag)