Collaboration features have streamlined bom management and have simplified cross‑team reviews
What is our primary use case?
My main use case for Siemens PLM TeamCenter is for the engineering bill of material, design bill of material, manufacturing bill of material, and service bill of material. I am quite familiar with and have implemented the end-to-end new product development life cycle from the beginning through post go-live, sales, and support.
To manage the design BOM effectively, we have created a process where we integrate multiple CAD applications such as Creo and CATIA with Siemens PLM TeamCenter. The designer designs something and then directly pushes the data to Siemens PLM TeamCenter where the bill of material is directly linked or aligned with the design BOM they created. We manage a neutral product structure and create an engineering bill of material directly in Siemens PLM TeamCenter.
There are many use cases beyond managing an engineering bill of material. Creating a directly neutral product structure allows designers to avoid manual processes. An automatic bill of material integrates in real time with CAD, enabling the engineering bill of material to be created directly in Siemens PLM TeamCenter, and then we place it into a release cycle to create a manufacturing bill of material through the M-BOM to E-BOM alignment process.
What is most valuable?
The best feature Siemens PLM TeamCenter offers, which stands out to me most, is the collaboration feature present in the latest version. This feature allows multiple users from various design or manufacturing streams to review designs or any artifacts directly in Siemens PLM TeamCenter through a collaboration platform.
This collaboration feature has changed my workflow by making my review process less formal. Instead of adhering to a formal review process, this informal review allows people from multiple streams to come together on a single platform to discuss any artifact or design, give comments, and those comments convert directly into action items assigned to users. This effectively transforms my informal reviews into a structured system rather than relying solely on formal reviews.
The collaboration feature and Active Workspace in Siemens PLM TeamCenter are quite useful, and my process review streamlining has changed particularly regarding design release process streamlining. This change has greatly benefited my users.
Siemens PLM TeamCenter has positively impacted my organization by streamlining my design cycle or MPD cycle. All my data is housed on a single platform, making Siemens PLM TeamCenter my single source of truth where users can find any item and trace back to designs. It has streamlined my new product development process significantly, as manual work can make tracking or reviewing anything quite challenging.
What needs improvement?
The complexity of the data model frustrates me the most regarding how Siemens PLM TeamCenter could be improved. It should be more flexible to meet current business needs, especially considering the dynamic business environment and the introduction of AI solutions. The platform must accommodate last-minute business changes easily since rigidity in the data model makes it difficult to implement needed adjustments.
The service bill of material currently requires specific customization, which is an area needing improvement. The module for managing the service bill of material, such as MRO, maintenance, repair, and overhaul, needs better optimization without extensive configuration. If future iterations can deliver this functionality out-of-the-box, it would be greatly appreciated.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been working in my current field for six months, and before that I was part of JSW group for six months. Prior to that, I worked with Hero MotoCorp, L&T Technology Services, and TATA Technologies. Overall, I have nineteen to twenty years of experience on Siemens PLM TeamCenter.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Siemens PLM TeamCenter is stable and remains stable as a base product.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
Siemens PLM TeamCenter is scalable; however, if my user and data growth is moderate year-on-year, it is essential to consider other factors such as server performance and network bandwidth. These factors impact scalability alongside Siemens PLM TeamCenter's capabilities. If they align with Siemens PLM TeamCenter's metrics, it can be a good solution.
How are customer service and support?
My experience with Siemens PLM TeamCenter's customer support is responsive and helpful, although there is room for improvement. The current support style means that if I raise a ticket, I may wait up to forty-eight hours for a response. If this could be expedited, it would greatly benefit customers.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
I have not used a different solution because I have worked with Siemens PLM TeamCenter from the beginning of my career, so I am fully committed to it.
How was the initial setup?
The setup and licensing process for me is straightforward, and I am happy with the services I received during this stage. There is no confusion involved.
What was our ROI?
We do not have any metrics available for return on investment at this moment because we are a greenfield setup just beginning our PLM implementation. However, I can say that time can be saved since my designers are able to utilize the platform for multiple streams and products. Process optimizations can also lead to reduced development time, although exact metrics will require initial projections or requirements.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
My experience with pricing indicates that the cost is a bit high compared to other PLM platforms available in the market. It would be beneficial if the price could be reduced to match what competitors offer.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
Before choosing Siemens PLM TeamCenter, we evaluated other options such as 3DEXPERIENCE from Dassault,
PTC Windchill, and Aras, and then reached the conclusion to select Siemens PLM TeamCenter.
What other advice do I have?
For others looking to use Siemens PLM TeamCenter, I recommend evaluating it based on your business requirements, your organization's vision for the next five to ten years, and aligning the product modules, licenses, and Siemens PLM TeamCenter costs accordingly before making a decision.
I stress the importance of flexibility in adapting to last-minute business changes in the current technology landscape. If the product can accommodate rapid changes, it will be immensely helpful for users.
I found this interview quite good as it covered all aspects of Siemens PLM TeamCenter, showcasing clarity in the queries and questions asked for the customer. My overall rating for Siemens PLM TeamCenter is eight out of ten.
Secure, Intuitive Document Management with Seamless Word, Excel, NX Integration
What do you like best about the product?
Teamceneter has been beneficial us because, with strong security and the option to restrict access when needed. Document management is straightforward and its easy to keep everything organied across the organization. The integration is especially helpful with Word, Excel and powerpoint and being able to update and save directly supports pur daily Implementation felt fast and it was easy for us to adapt. The workflows and integration I use have been useful as well. When I needed customer support, the team and we can integrate. The system shows different levels and we can integrate componets with NX, which I use frequently. Having all the crcucial data in one place makes decision making simpler. It feels inutive and it also helps leep parts and assemblies orgainzed and stored properly ao details stay connected and teams work smoothly together.
What do you dislike about the product?
For smaller teams, the pricing may feel a bit high. I’ve also noticed that cache changes seem to happen in the background, but aside from that, the workflow is smooth and easy to use. My biggest concern is saving data, since some of my work keeps getting lost.
What problems is the product solving and how is that benefiting you?
Teamcenter has made it easier for us to collaborate and resolve issues faster. Updates that used to be handled manually are now centralized and we can view project information in real time. The Microsoft integration is useful and customer support has been responsive and supportive whenever we need assistance . It also supports CAD and bills of materials, which simpllifiea the overall process and it helps us stay compliant through notifications and access controla. It brings everything together and keepa our operations in one place.
Teamcenter Streamlines Document Management with Seamless Office Integration
What do you like best about the product?
Teamcenter helps me manage documents easily and keep everything in one place. The integration with office is especially useful because it saves updates from Exc and PowerPoint and makes it simpler to track changes. It also allows me to store different manuals with fast, convenient access which stramlines daily work and supports real time collaboration. It has improved the way I managed and organize files by keeping everything saved, consistent and available when I need it. There are still some limitations, particularly when creating a catlog and handling bills. Even so, the setup is customizable and generally straightforward for a PLM tool. It offers solid features and management fuctiona and the tools are good.
What do you dislike about the product?
Sometimes the workflow in this CRM feels like it requires too much effort for too little return. On the ERP side, it promises maximum productivity along with information security and real world data flow ypu need especially through the workflow module.
What problems is the product solving and how is that benefiting you?
Teamcenter helps end users manage roles and responsibilities across global locations while keeping everything updated in real time. It supports releasing competitive services and meeting business needs, although l’ve had some difficulty getting fast access and effectively controlling member involvement. It enables product lifecycle management and collaboration and it helps keep responsibilities clear, consistent and well defined.
Powerful PLM and Change Control, but a Steep Learning Curve and Heavy Implementation
What do you like best about the product?
My favorite feature of Teamcenter would have to be its capacity to integrate all of your product data and lifecycle management in one single solution. This makes life much easier for all teams that work on the project and provides them with one point of reference, eliminating any potential issues that may arise from using different software or working with old data.
The second reason why I like it is its powerful change management and version control. It makes managing updates and new versions much easier, and the whole process becomes more systematic and controlled.
Finally, I really appreciate how it integrates with various CAD and enterprise systems, allowing for seamless communication between departments.
What do you dislike about the product?
One of the most difficult things about Teamcenter is its complexity and difficulty in learning how to use it. Teamcenter is very comprehensive software, but a user may have to undergo a lot of training before he becomes familiar with the software.
The implementation process for using Teamcenter is quite challenging, since it will take up a lot of time and energy for users who would like to customize the program to suit their specific needs.
Furthermore, performance issues may arise because the software runs slowly if a large amount of data is involved.
What problems is the product solving and how is that benefiting you?
Teamcenter resolves the issues arising from the fragmentation of product information and workflow disconnection by creating a comprehensive platform that integrates the entire product life cycle into one place. In a sophisticated engineering and manufacturing setting, product information is often distributed across several platforms, thus complicating collaborations and increasing the likelihood of error or outdated information. Teamcenter consolidates all the information into one platform for efficient and effective collaboration across departments.
We have benefitted from the software because it enhances collaboration among the engineering, manufacturing, and operations teams. At the same time, it facilitates efficient revision and approval control and streamlines product structure management processes.
Centralized data control has improved BOM visibility and secured collaborative engineering workflows
What is our primary use case?
My main use case for
Siemens PLM TeamCenter is for data management. For data management, that tool is the best, but there are many modules and functionalities Siemens provides with it. You can control your organization and access within the tool itself, create a BOM, generate reports, and compare your engineering BOM and manufacturing BOM. Additionally, there is a module called TCRA for reporting and analytics, which allows you to generate reports based on your created database. Furthermore, there is a module called Structure Manager for creating your engineering BOM. In Lifecycle Visualization, which is lightweight 3D, you can visualize how your model looks on your screen. It is very useful software for the mechanical industry, with maximum automobile industries utilizing Siemens PLM software for data management.
In my daily workflow, I use the reporting and Structure Manager modules primarily to manage data created by the engineering team, not necessarily to manage projects. For example, if there is a fastener and I want to see where this fastener is used in a model or assembly, I can use the TCRA report, which helps identify all details regarding where that part is used in assembly and production data. In TCRA, I can also compare my E-BOM and M-BOM. TCRA is a user interface that pulls data from the database that users are creating or maintaining. Structure Manager, as I mentioned, is used to create your BOM, organizing it from the top-level assembly, such as a car, down to the chassis, engine, and other components. Day-to-day operations involve using Structure Manager to create assemblies with subcomponents.
In Siemens PLM TeamCenter, there is a workflow module used in our day-to-day activities, specifically for approvals. We create workflows to define who is going to approve changes. For instance, when I initiate a change management workflow, I can select or predefine within the system who will approve this change. This type of workflow is integral to our daily activities in Siemens PLM TeamCenter.
In Siemens PLM TeamCenter, there are numerous features, but the best ones include organization and ACL, which is the access control list. As an administrator, I can define ACLs for the entire organization, determining who can see, modify, or restrict access to my data; this is a notable feature. Another significant feature is workflow, where I can specify who has the authority to approve changes or designs. Using a data management tool such as Siemens PLM TeamCenter provides a systematic approach to data history, including who created and changed data and when. Key features I mention are ACL, TCRA, Structure Manager, and Workflow Designer.
What is most valuable?
In day-to-day operations, the ACL feature has a practical impact, especially in environments where multiple teams such as business, IT, and vendors work together in Siemens PLM TeamCenter. From a security standpoint, ACL serves as a first line of defense, ensuring that only authorized individuals can access sensitive data, including BOM, design data, and compliance documents. ACL also allows for action restriction; for example, users may view data but cannot modify or delete it. This control is crucial in regulated environments with export control data, ensuring data integrity and auditability. Additionally, ACL reduces reliance on manual security controls, promoting systematic enforcement rather than reliance on individuals. For collaboration, ACL facilitates smoother workflows, allowing different teams to work on the same platform and see only relevant information. For external partners, tools such as supplier connect allow vendors to access specific controls without exposing core intellectual property. Moreover, temporary access during projects can be easily granted and revoked, which is beneficial as a bridge between business and technical teams.
Siemens PLM TeamCenter offers seamless integration with various CAD platforms such as Solid Edge, Creo, SolidWorks, CATIA, and NX.
What needs improvement?
In daily operations, while Siemens PLM TeamCenter is an extremely powerful tool, challenges regarding user experience arise, especially in large, complex programs involving multiple vendors. The user interface can feel heavy and complex for non-PLM expert business users, with too many clicks required for simple tasks, increasing the reliance on training. The system's complex data model and configuration require a deep understanding of dependencies; hence modifications can lead to confusion and frequent access issues, contributing to time lost in troubleshooting rather than productive delivery. Performance issues may arise in large environments, particularly with substantial BOMs or data sets that slow down load times. Integration is also possible but not always seamless; it necessitates specific configurations, leading to data synchronization discrepancies between M-BOM and E-BOM. Migration complexity further complicates the process, as transitioning data between systems often proves challenging. Lastly, while ECR and ECO processes are robust, they may become rigid, leading business teams to bypass the system due to the risks of data inconsistency and the added complexities of customization, which negatively impacts upgrade costs and performance. Improvements in modernizing the user experience, offering more intuitive role-based UIs, enhancing configuration flexibility, and providing plug-and-play integration can greatly enhance usability, thus minimizing operational overhead in larger-scale programs.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been working in my current field for 16 to 17 years.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
Siemens PLM TeamCenter's scalability is very high, capable of supporting hundreds or even thousands of users globally and proven to handle 10,000 concurrent users in large, complex organizations. Its architecture is multi-layered and SOA-based, allowing for independent scalability of client, application, and database layers. Siemens now offers TeamCenter X, which is cloud-ready and can dynamically scale infrastructure on the cloud. Overall, Siemens PLM TeamCenter is designed for global enterprise deployment and can accommodate large data volumes and multi-site operations, though effective scalability relies on architecture design and infrastructure governance.
How are customer service and support?
Customer support for Siemens PLM TeamCenter is excellent, with a dedicated department called G-TAC, the Global Technical Access Center, available from 9:00 to 5:00. Additionally, premium support is available, which offers engineers on weekends for deployments or upgrades. Recently, there is a concept called Priority Plus, where a dedicated support engineer is assigned to manage all issues from the organization and escalate unresolved issues to the product development team, which enhances support quality.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
Before choosing Siemens PLM TeamCenter, I evaluated ENOVIA and 3DEXPERIENCE.
What was our ROI?
While I cannot disclose specific metrics due to confidentiality, I can share that our implementation of Siemens PLM TeamCenter has engendered significant returns, particularly in time savings. Engineering productivity has notably increased due to faster access to accurate BOM and design data, leading to a 20 to 30 percent reduction in time spent on data retrieval. Change management efficiency has also improved, as automated workflows replacing manual tracking streamline processes and reduce missed communications. Consequently, I witness a 30 to 50 percent faster change cycle with fewer delays in approvals and releases. By using Siemens PLM TeamCenter to manage data, we establish a single source of truth, minimizing the chances of duplicate or outdated data and preventing BOM discrepancies. Overall, the business impact is considerable, as the system avoids costly production or compliance mistakes and secures indirect yet significant cost savings.
What other advice do I have?
For those considering Siemens PLM TeamCenter, I advise focusing on business outcomes rather than just features. Keep your data model as simple as possible and avoid complicating object types or relationships. A simpler model offers easier maintenance, faster upgrades, and better performance. Minimize customizations and lean towards configuration; use out-of-the-box capabilities. Customization should only be pursued when it provides real business value, as over-customization can increase costs and complicate upgrades and scalability. Essentially, keep it simple, align with business goals, minimize customization, and invest in governance and user adoption, which are key success factors for Siemens PLM TeamCenter.
I would recommend Siemens PLM as a company, as their products, including Siemens PLM TeamCenter, NX, and Solid Edge, are exceptional. I have given this review a rating of eight out of ten.
Centralized workflows have streamlined tool design data and supported fast shop floor changes
What is our primary use case?
My main use case for Siemens PLM TeamCenter is maintaining a user base on the shop floor who work with drawings and all related data. We have one business unit that creates tools, known as the Rich tool. All designs for the shop floor from E-BOM to M-BOM are managed in Siemens PLM TeamCenter. For example, we have a great screwdriver where, when designers have an idea on how to create it, all this data is available. Designers follow the workflow process, and after maintaining all the data, it goes to the shop floor where manufacturing is done. After that, if we have a change request, we can handle the modification. I connect with different POCs as per requests about my main use case.
What is most valuable?
The best feature of Siemens PLM TeamCenter is that we have both a Rich Client, which we can install as an application, and we also have an AWC client, which is the Active Workspace client. We can log in using that, and it has its own CAD tools, so we do not need to integrate with different tools.
For the CAD tools, we have TeamCenter NX, which comes with Siemens PLM TeamCenter installation kit. When we install Siemens PLM TeamCenter, its integration is directly done with that. In NX, we can design our tools, design the layouts, and create 3D models of that design. AWC is essentially a web link, so if we do not want to install the application on our server, we can use that link and access Siemens PLM TeamCenter from anywhere, which helps my day-to-day work.
Siemens PLM TeamCenter has positively impacted my organization as it has saved a lot of time. It has a very quick response, its environment is very stable, and its support is very good. We have both software as a service and on-premises setup. Overall, compared to the availability of different PLM tools, Siemens PLM TeamCenter is very stable and very good to work with, and it is very user-friendly.
What needs improvement?
For improvement of Siemens PLM TeamCenter, we can add something. For example, there are patches that come, and we have raised some enhancement requests. Sometimes they take time to enhance, so they could improve in that area.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Siemens PLM TeamCenter for 5.4 years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Siemens PLM TeamCenter is very much stable.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
Siemens PLM TeamCenter is very much scalable.
How are customer service and support?
The customer support of Siemens PLM TeamCenter is very good. I would rate the customer support a 10 because they have 24/7 support available.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
I have not previously used a different solution because I have been with Siemens PLM TeamCenter from the starting, so I don't know any other.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup and implementation of Siemens PLM TeamCenter for my team was a little bit problematic in the beginning because we moved from Windchill to Siemens PLM TeamCenter. However, we can do the customization, which makes it easy to implement.
What about the implementation team?
I need to customize Siemens PLM TeamCenter very rarely because most things are out-of-the-box, so we can use that. We barely use customizations.
What was our ROI?
I don't have any idea about seeing a return on investment because we have a separate team that works on that, which is at the upper level of the organization.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
My experience with pricing, setup costs, and licensing is that we have different kinds of licenses as per our usage. We have consumer and author licenses, so depending on the usage, we can choose the license bundle accordingly.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
I don't have any idea if my organization evaluated other options before choosing Siemens PLM TeamCenter because this was all done at a high level.
What other advice do I have?
My advice to others looking into using Siemens PLM TeamCenter is that they can use it. I would rate this review a 9.
Teamcenter CAD Transformed Our Workflow with Smooth, Fast Collaboration
What do you like best about the product?
Teamcenter CAD has genuinely transformed my workflow. Its made it much easiet to magnage BOMs, track development and handle price validation and when I need help, the support feels well connected and easy to reach. Timelines are clearer now, and the reporting features are ueful for staying on top of progress. The tools functionally covers what I need and the initial setup went smoothly without any major issues. Collaboration also feels well connected, since everyone can particaipate in decisions and approvals directly through the workflow. Teamcenter feels smooth, reaponsive and fast to use.
What do you dislike about the product?
Some the speed feels a slow, and tracking development isn’t always smooth but aside from that, I haven’t run into any major issues. It easy to manage and test everything in one connected, transformed setup and real time support is available when need.
What problems is the product solving and how is that benefiting you?
Teamcenter is transforming our workflow and lifecycle management. It has especially helpful for documenting work and tracking execution time and it makes it easiet to spot issues while ensuring all data remains connected and updated in real time. It also streamlines collaboration across teams, particularly when importing 3D assemblies and working through the desgin process.
Smooth, Consistent ECO Workflows and Approval Routing with Teamcenter
What do you like best about the product?
We rely heavily on ECO workflows and approval routing and once everything is configured it runs smoothly with tools like Tecnomatix and NX especially for manufacturing planning, and how the data stays consistent across systems, which cuts down on back-and-forth. With Teamcenter, we can coordinate easily with management and our core team, keeping product development organized and moving forward without any hassle.
What do you dislike about the product?
Even small workflow changes can sometimes require help from an admin or IT, which can slow things down. The UI can also feel a bit heavy when I’m working with large assemblies. That said, I really appreciate the high level of storage and the secure server maintenance.
What problems is the product solving and how is that benefiting you?
Teamcenter replaced our manual change tracking in spreadsheets. Now every change is logged approved and Fully traceable which helps a lot during audits and production planning. It's also cut down on the need to send data arround to everyone in different formats and file types, since the information is centralized and easier to access.
Reliable Revision Tracking and an Easy-to-Follow BOM View in Teamcenter
What do you like best about the product?
I use Teamcenter with NX daily, and the check in/check out process and revision tracking have been reliable. The BOM view is easy to follow and I no longer lose track of assemblies. It helps us centralize our workflow and stay better connected across different areas of the organization.
What do you dislike about the product?
It also provides advamced data analytics that feel unmatched in the market and they’re especially helpful for data mapping and conversion across Siemens software as well.
What problems is the product solving and how is that benefiting you?
Teamceneter has helped us prevent duplicate files and avoid incorrect versions during desgin. Now everyone is working from the same up to date, which has made collaboration much smoother. We’ve seen the same benefit with Tecnomatix Process and NX as well, with more consistent version control across the tools.
Teamcenter Streamlines Collaboration, Centralizes Files, and Speeds Up Onboarding
What do you like best about the product?
Teamcenter makes it easier for our team to share files and keep everything centralized in one place with its integration options straightforward interface we can update information quickly and collaborate with any confusion it has also helped us automate routine tasks work together in real time and connect smoothly with Autodesk with other tools we use. Overall it speeds up onboarding by making it much easier for new employees to understand our product and get started.
What do you dislike about the product?
There’s really nothing to dislike. All the features work well with our CAD software the only drawback is that processing large volumes of data can take quite a bit of time, which can sometimes slow things down.
What problems is the product solving and how is that benefiting you?
Teamcenter works as a central hub where our engineering teams can store and share CAD files with other departments such as purchasing it keeps product information in one place which makes it easier for us to manage changes consistently across the team by replacing a lot of our manual work with smarter with real time digital tools. Teamcenter also helps to keep our inventory data accurate mostly I like that it allows us to import 3D assemblies and drawings for design works.
