Arena PLM and QMS vs. TrackWise

Arena PLM is well suited for part number, BOM and file management. Processing changes (ECNs, ACOs, DCO's, etc.) in Arena is very easy to do and provides great visibility on the status of submitted requests. The ability to communicate with Suppliers and grant them access to files in Arena is extremely helpful. Arena does not appear to be the best suited system for managing software

Incentivized

We use Trackwise to record non-conformances that are reported by our clients and also the non-conformances that are found within the manufacturing floor during the manufacturing process. TrackWise is extremely easy to use and can be customized as per user needs. It is easy to create records and define child-parent relationships in the software. Users can pull customized reports and they can create dashboards as per the business demands to make sure they can track non-conformance resolution cycle time. We use TrackWise in integration with SAP which makes the system accessible to a wider user base. It is not only used to record the non-conformances, but also the part disposition details in cases where a part is supposed to be delivered from the client to us and in cases where the part is delivered to suppliers. We also use TrackWise to record the corrective actions and root cause for the reported issue. Trackwise is widely used to record Audits assessments in our organization. Trackwise is also used to report workmanship issues and to record the cycle time involved to resolve the issue and corrective actions taken to avoid the issue in the future.

• It provides easy, 'login-anywhere' internet cloud-based access to fundamental PLM functions.
• It provides secure access control for employees & vendors (but you pay per person for access licenses).
• Data is effectively 'always backed up' in the internet-cloud.
• There is an option to attach thumbnail graphics representative of each item and create a Bill of Materials view that also displays the graphics to help provide item recognition for BOM readers.

• Tracking System
• Search Function

Incentivized

• In my opinion, the Help Pages clearly do not realize that a picture is worth a 1,000 words; need illustrations and screenshots!
• I think the 'Save' button when editing Quality Processes needs to "float" on the active page, not lurking at the bottom.
• In my experience, the Arena PLM and QMS Training programs need to be revamped to include "real-world" examples and working through examples, not simply reading through a training manual.

Incentivized

• No suggestion for improvements

We have so much time and effort invested into Arena. The history of approvals, revisions, etc. are necessary for many of our customers. We also have entire device histories recorded. Having to re-create that on another platform would be a feat requiring years of effort. But mostly, Arena just works. It's transformed our business into a much more streamlined system, resulting in a massive cost and time savings.

Incentivized

The user experience is great and I would recommend other's to use trackwise for it's customization flexibility

Arena has improved their UI over the years that I've used it to make it more user friendly. Additionally, there is a lot of redundancy within Arena (multiple ways to achieve the same end), which makes it easier to learn.

Incentivized

It is easy to use. Easy navigation. Flexible to customize. Real-time analytics help to track the record cycle time. Can be used by multiple departments for various business processes.

Seems like when I need to access our workspace for an emergency situation, this is when maintenance is scheduled, just the luck of the draw, I guess, and I just wait until the maintenance is complete, and then can proceed

Incentivized

We use a few other software or systems (Silicon expert) and it is seamless to us, pages load quickly and efficiently.

Incentivized

Upon initial observation, Arena Solution appears to possess a rather intricate nature, yet this complexity was effectively navigated during the initial configuration phase with the invaluable assistance of an expert well-versed in Arena, a factor that greatly contributed to our comprehensive mastery and autonomous handling of Arena Solutions thereafter.

Incentivized

I did not interact with the support team.

Incentivized

The On line training was easy to understand and was very efficient for most of our users. We used the training tools to make sure we use all of the features to their fullest and correctly! After a few weeks mos of our users were very proficient with ARENA PLM and were able to work on their own and use mos of the sections and PLM capablilities.

Incentivized

Pretty straightforward, from OOB

Incentivized

Arena is much better than QAD in terms of BOMs and ECOs and Revision Control. We use Arena concurrently with SAP and they integrate very well together, which is nice. The integration team was really helpful in making sure that the SAP to Arena functionality runs smoothly, and when there are any issues, they are very responsive to help make changes to fix the problem that might be there.

Incentivized

Trackwise is better than Arena. You need sign-offs before moving to the next step. While in Arena, you can complete the whole task and request sign off later. Not sure which is better for everyone, but I prefer to sign off before moving to the next step.

Incentivized

Arena is easy to customize and therefore easy to scale. Different user groups with access restrictions can be easily created and new training plans can be created to support different user bases. Suppliers can also easily be added or items can be shared with them

Incentivized

• Decreased the company's time to market for release of its second generation flagship product.
• Decreased the turn around on non-conformance reports (NCRs), supplier corrective action reports (SCARs), and corrective and preventative actions (CAPAs).
• Better organized the company's process maps, DHF, and other regulatory related information so that major audits are completed faster and with fewer findings.

Incentivized

• Got rid of paper tracking.
• Saves time by easily searching data base.

Incentivized