The Research and development module is a modern PDM (Physical Data Model) system, which offers all functions, necessary for the logistics of construction processes. Furthermore, it enables financial control of the current project and high-quality construction process and business analysis.

L’MIS is superior to other commercially available PDM systems. It offers a significantly broader array of functions, which are linked to other modules. Apart from the classic PDM system’s functions, it provides quality control in construction processes and connectivity with the Finances and Human resources modules. Because of these extended features, L’MIS can perform exact input analyses (man-hours, expenses, supplies, …) and significantly enhances the productivity of the construction process.

Research and development module overview:

• A modern PDM system, which offers all functions, necessary for the logistics of construction processes
• Simple preparation of new projects or constructions, supports the incorporation of existing subsections and elements, database searching, catalog browsing, …
• Element classification based on: acquisition method, function, priority, …
• Supports direct integration of CAD programs or autonomous work with CAD programs and subsequent synchronization with the information system
• Crates parts lists and sorts, filters or groups elements
• Supports direct ordering and supply monitoring
• Document management
• Comprehensive quality control

The Research and development module supports two construction methods:

• Top-down means, that planning starts in the Research and development module. First, the basic document structure (construction) is prepared. A document folder is defined and major subcomponents are created. Vital elements and elements with long delivery periods can be ordered in advance.

• Bottom-up is a method, where planning starts in a CAD program. The project’s structure (construction) is later imported to the Research and development module. During the preparation process, the program enables the user to browse through the catalogs or to search for elements, which were developed and fabricated as parts of previous projects. Selected elements and subsections can be imported to new projects and adjusted if necessary.

Regardless of the selected construction method, the project realization can be monitored and the necessary elements can be ordered. The module includes all the functions, necessary for classifying the elements and searching for them in the database and re-using them in different projects. Indirectly, this ensures knowledge management.

A lot of people can be directly (design engineers, project managers, …) and indirectly (technicians, economists, warehouse workers, managers, …) included in a construction process. L’MIS ensures simple, quick and direct communications between the involved parties. This maximizes the efficiency and speeds up the project realization. Consecutively, if all participants are involved and willing, errors and discrepancies can be reduced to a minimum. Inconsistencies in information have been eliminated, since data from the central database is used in all process stages.

All listed measures prevent errors, reduce the cost of project implementation and enable updated, comprehensive and detailed monitoring of finances and quality. Apart from the classic functions of PDM systems, the Research and development module also includes functions of ERP systems. It enables users to work even, if the connection to the database / PDM system is interrupted (work from home, e.g.). During the next connection to the database, the data is synchronized. The module is highly adaptable to fit even the most specific business systems. The entire system is based on a SQL Server database, although the system can also work with other relational databases. The Research and development module’s operation is inseparably linked to the modules Human resources and Marketing (it is essentially an upgrade of these models and cannot work without them). For a complete support of business operations, the modules Finance (especially the submodule Fixed assets and Equipment) and Warehouse management are required.

To sum up, L’MIS with the Research and Development module exceeds the conditions to support business systems with concurrent engineering.