The CLCS project is deploying a PDM system (Autotrol’s Centra-2000) to meet many of its configuration management requirements. In particular, CLCS is using Centra-2000 to perform the following functions:

• Electronic Data Management (EDM)
• Parts and assembly management
• Product structuring
• Documentation control (including drawings)
• Change Management (including Engineering Support Requests [ESR’s])
• Workflow (automated process management)

CLCS documents and drawings are maintained and controlled on-line. The EDM function of Centra-2000 keeps a full history of documents and drawings. Each revision is saved and associated with the change request. The documents are maintained using change management functions of Centra-2000.

Parts and their corresponding specifications and/or drawings are described and represented in Centra-2000. Parts are then linked to each other in a hierarchical relationship to represent assemblies. Assemblies are also linked together to form products. In addition, parts can be linked together to represent substitute and/or alternate part relationships. Parts are also linked to their corresponding drawings, specifications, and associated change request. There is a two-way relationship between the parts, drawings, specifications, and change requests. This allows a user to know the complete pedigree of any part. Attributes are defined for parts, documents, and drawings and are used to track key pieces of information, such as vendor name, part number, alternate part, file type, and release status.

Changes to items in Centra-2000 are tracked using a custom change request form. The changes are classified as levels 3, 4, and 5, with level 3 indicating the highest level of control. Level 3 changes affect items that are operational and require project management approval. Level 4 changes affect items that are not operational but are in the formal test cycle. Department or panel heads approve level 4 changes. Level 5 changes affect items in development and may be approved by the responsible project member.

An additional feature of Centra-2000 is the capability to implement a workflow. A workflow can be thought of as automated process management. It is a pictorial and functional representation of a process complete with decision blocks, approval stages, reading lists, electronic notification, parallel paths, and alternate paths. Workflows may be used to enforce existing processes such as document reviews, ESR reviews and approvals, and changes to controlled items such as parts and assemblies. ISO processes may be represented and tracked by Centra-2000.

CLCS is also using Centra-2000 to provide structure to unstructured data. Centra-2000 facilitates the storage and retrieval of unstructured data. Some examples of unstructured data are overhead presentations, briefs, white papers, schedules, project directives, assessments, and position papers. This data is often shared among the project members in meetings and is typically stored on a file server without revision control. Centra-2000 provides both revision control and a hierarchical structure to this data. Change control can also be applied to this data if necessary.

Key accomplishments:

• November 2001 – Completed Generation 0 – Hardware/software procurement of Centra-2000 PDM system, initial configuration, team training, pilot setup of hardware parts, assemblies, product structuring, and documents.
• April 2002 – Completion of Generation 1 – HMF parts, assemblies, product structuring, documents, drawings; all CLCS KDPs; full version control.

Key milestones:

• September 2002 – Partial completion of Generation 2 – ESR tracking and basic change management for parts, assemblies, documents.

Contact: M.J. Bolger (Michael Bolger-1@ksc.nasa.gov), YA-E1-P, (321) 861-2286
Participating Organizations: YA-E1-P1 (P.B. West), Lockheed (R.L. Bartcher, N.J. Cummins, S.C. Drack, H.V. Hydrick, and C.A. Spencer), Dynacs Inc. (A.A. Menendez and Y.H. Choi), Boeing (D.J. Ross, J.A. Dutton, S.H. Floyd, and J.S. Hart), and United Space Alliance (E.A. Foley)