SRAM Uses PTC Product Lifecycle Management Solutions to Connect Business Processes, Technology and People

Global Bike Component Supplier Design Teams Collaborate for Global Product Development with PTC

NEEDHAM, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Multiple acquisitions coupled with strong corporate growth highlighted the need for SRAM to review the company’s long-standing approach to managing product data across its network of globally-located employees, suppliers and customers. PTC (Nasdaq:PMTC) today announced that SRAM is using the PTC Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Solution to optimize product strategy and planning across the organization.

“Global product development is not just about reducing costs, it’s about driving business growth in new, expanded markets”

SRAM is passionate about cycling, just as passionate as its customers that cycle to work, down mountains or in road races. The bike components SRAM provides to manufacturers must utilize the latest technology available in the market in order to deliver to consumers a bike that’s assembled for very specific requirements. SRAM has built a global company to address these requirements through a combination of strategic acquisitions and a next-generation product design strategy.

SRAM needed a PLM system that could represent the complete view of its products across its 16 locations in nine countries. Additionally, the company wanted a solution that would enable them to continuously improve the creation and management of SRAM product data in order to improve business processes that would speed time to market of new products.

“We will continue to seek and deploy design technology as we redefine and design bicycles and their components,” said Michael Johnson, global PLM manager, SRAM. “To help us with this goal, we are using the PTC PLM Solution in our enterprise-wide, cross-functional, business process initiative that impacts all of SRAM, our suppliers and any of our customers who use our product-related data. PTC solutions give us a single, integrated, digital environment for data that helps us identify and manage new product opportunities much more quickly than previously.”

The implemented PTC PLM solution defines parts (Product Specifications, Bill of Materials and Qualification requirements) and manages them via a closed loop change process. The PTC PLM solution is able to effectively manage complex, cross-functional processes and coordinate the efforts of distributed teams to consistently and efficiently to create the best possible products.

“Global product development is not just about reducing costs, it’s about driving business growth in new, expanded markets,” said Brian Shepherd, executive vice president, PLM, PTC. “To capture these market opportunities, companies need to share information and standardize processes. With one source of truth for all product-related information, manufacturers can take advantage of fast and secure collaboration among global sites and value chain partners to deliver new products to market faster. Manufacturers like SRAM understand the business value that PLM can deliver against these objectives.”

Additional Resources

• PTC’s Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Resource Center
• PTC’s Product Development Resource Page

About SRAM

SRAM is a global manufacturer of high-end bicycle components. They were founded in Chicago, Illinois in September of 1987 with the invention of Grip Shift® – a revolutionary twist shifter that enabled shifting gears with the twist of the wrist. Over the years following, Grip Shift became the favorite shifter amongst top mountain bike professionals. Through the early years and continuing through today, SRAM has focused on building its organic product development capability, but also has completed strategic acquisitions focused on amplifying this capability. In 1997 SRAM acquired Sachs Bicycle Components, in Schweinfurt, Germany and expanded its global reach throughout Europe. In 2002, they acquired RockShox®, adding suspension components to its ever-growing product offerings. In 2004 both Avid® and Truvativ® were acquired, adding disc brake technology and crankset proficiency to its line. In the fall of 2007, Zipp® was added to the mix bringing high-end carbon fiber wheelsets and accessories into the family. Early in 2011, the Power Measurement brand Quarq® joined the team. Today, SRAM is the 2nd largest manufacturer of bicycle components in the world. With 2500+employees, and offices and manufacturing in 15 countries, SRAM is truly a world-class leader in performance bike parts. For more information about SRAM, its products, and its brands – visit www.sram.com.

About PTC (http://www.ptc.com)

PTC (Nasdaq: PMTC) enables manufacturers to achieve sustained product and service advantage. The company’s technology solutions help customers transform the way they create and service products across the entire product lifecycle – from conception and design to sourcing and service. Founded in 1985, PTC employs over 6,000 professionals serving more than 27,000 businesses in rapidly-evolving, globally distributed manufacturing industries worldwide. Get more information at www.ptc.com.

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The announcement of a customer’s selection, implementation, deployment or adoption of PTC software is not necessarily indicative of the timing or amount of revenue from such engagement or of the Company’s overall revenue for any particular period.

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