Ducati, a worldwide renowned motorcycle company, has learned the non-negotiable factor behind clear cross-departmental communication and the importance in transferring information between all members of its product development teams.  The company comprehends that any delay or mistake in the translation of information will result in longer cycle times and increased costs, and with Ducati delivering 40,000 road and racing bikes annually in more than 60 countries worldwide, this is not a viable option.

Of the 1,000 employees who work at Ducati, nearly 200 are involved in research and development and who have implemented Siemens PLM Software: NX, and Teamcenter.  Among some of the key attributes cited in using NX have been flexibility and the ease of use in designing an entire process with an integrated approach. “NX is the tool we use from the moment we start thinking about a new project up to its completion”, explains Piero Giusti, information technology manager for R&D at Ducati Motor Holding.  The company integrates tight information collaboration with its external suppliers as well, through the use of Teamcenter.  “We couldn’t imagine working without Teamcenter. From our previous process that required tons of paper, we have eliminated paper and filing cabinets.  Using Teamcenter we have implemented a digital information management system with traceable, role-based access, and a high degree of intrinsic security”, states Giusti.

Ducati has been able to reduce its design and development cycle from an average of 36 to 40 months to just 24 months.  This would have been unattainable without the implementation of Siemens PLM Software’s PLM suite which enabled the company to integrate all departments and operations: prototypes, production, warehouse, spare parts, and accessories.  Giusti enthusiastically states, “In the past, it used to take 6 to 12 months before accessories were marketed. Now they are ready together with the bike, generating significant sales synergies.”