A Czech automotive supplier has chosen PLM software to foster innovative collaboration with global automotive OEMs and achieve higher quality, faster time-to-market and costs savings.

IBM and Dassault Systemes (DS), have announced that Kovovyroba Hoffmann, a leading automotive supplier based in the Czech Republic, has chosen their PLM solutions to foster innovative collaboration with global automotive OEMs and achieve higher quality, faster time-to-market and overall costs savings. Kovovyroba Hoffmann is leading the way by leveraging the collaborative power of PLM in a global industry where more than 65% of a vehicle's value is created in the supply chain and by automotive suppliers that are true 'innovation engines'. In IBM's latest survey, CEOs across several industries worldwide confirmed that most of their company's new ideas and innovations are being sourced from external partners.

In the study, the ability to collaborate with external partners, regardless of their location, has shown a large correlation with improving a company's financial results.

Marek Hoffmann, CEO of Kovovyroba Hoffmann explained, 'Thanks to these PLM solutions we can improve our collaboration with our customers and increase the profitability of our accounts.

We also are able to engage in a greater number of business opportunities and be an even more innovative partner to our clients.' Kovovyroba Hoffmann, a key supplier to global OEMs is a Czech company which produces and supplies prototype mold and die tools, automotive parts, data-control models and subassembly prototypes.

One of Kovovyroba Hoffmann's strategic objectives is to extend its design and production capacity, in order to improve its competitiveness in the prototype production of small series, and to achieve a competitive advantage in foreign markets.

Kovovyroba Hoffmann chose to optimize key company processes by implementing PLM supply chain collaboration solutions from IBM, including ENOVIA SmarTeam for collaboration management and CATIA V5 for 3D product design.

Herve Rolland, vice-president PLM solutions, IBM Europe, explained: 'The automotive industry is highly competitive, with suppliers focused on becoming innovation partners to OEMs not only by offering high quality execution but also by demonstrating seamless and controlled processes aligned with the processes and toolsets of their customers and prospects.

Our PLM solutions deliver a key competitive advantage to automotive suppliers.' Denis Senpere, general manager PLM North Europe for Dassault Systemes added, 'Kovovyroba Hoffmann's decision reflects the business benefits derived from our integrated PLM solutions, which are proven enablers for more innovation, more quality and flexibility.

As well, it perfectly illustrates how new ways of collaboration can bring benefits to the whole automotive industry.'