Project Background

Dianlian Technology Co., Ltd. was founded in 2006 in Shenzhen, China, and listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange in 2017. As of early 2022, the company has established 22 branches worldwide, including in Taiwan and Hong Kong (China), South Korea, Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, the United States, and other regions, employing over 8,000 people globally.

Dianlian Technology is a professional supplier specializing in the R&D and manufacturing of connectors, cables, antennas, and electromagnetic shielding products. The company also provides one-stop RF solutions for electronic devices. Its products are widely used in consumer electronics, smart IoT, telecommunications equipment and infrastructure, mobile terminals, automotive electronics, and related fields.

Dianlian Technology possesses robust capabilities in designing and delivering high-volume RF products—from components to system-level solutions. Its miniature RF connectors and automotive connectors hold leading market shares in China’s smartphone and automotive electronics markets, respectively, and occupy a significant position in the global market.

Project Objectives

This project aims to establish a comprehensive product management system through the implementation of a PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) system, ensuring continuous advancement in the management of the company’s product, project, and process data. The core objectives are as follows:

Standardize product development processes through PLM implementation, including standardized management of input/output documents and review records—ensuring all documentation is complete, systematically archived, and easily accessible. This guarantees that every stage of development is recorded and traceable.

Establish a unified material coding system within the PLM platform to provide robust BOM (Bill of Materials) data support for deeper integration and broader adoption across production systems.

Implement BOM-centric management of technical documentation (including drawings), with BOM data seamlessly transferred to the SAP system.

Ensure single-source data control: Maintain data uniqueness by interconnecting 3D models, 2D drawings, and PLM system data. Any change made to one data element will automatically propagate to all associated data, ensuring consistency through “single-point modification, synchronized updates.”

Leverage network efficiency and traceability to progressively implement electronic notification, approval, and review workflows—reducing human errors and oversights associated with manual processes and paving the way toward a paperless office environment.

Standardize document management: Enhance the unified and standardized control of product-related documents—including drawings, inspection standards, product specifications, technical documentation, and coding rules—and establish clear document management guidelines.

Enable knowledge sharing: Utilize the PLM system’s knowledge management platform to capture and accumulate design experience, gradually building a scientific and comprehensive knowledge repository to elevate R&D capabilities.

Through this project, Dianlian Technology aims to optimize its existing technical R&D processes, align the system with actual business needs, and establish an efficient, innovative process management and technical documentation framework tailored to the enterprise—effectively resolving data integration and continuity challenges.

Through on-site research and blueprint design, and by integrating Dianlian Technology’s actual business requirements with Sipu’s extensive consulting expertise, the Sipu implementation team has developed a precise product R&D management model tailored specifically for Dianlian Technology.

R&D Management Model

1. Product Management

Prior to the implementation of SIPM/PLM, product development roles and responsibilities were clearly defined; however, design output data was manually collected and stored in fixed system directories, lacking integrated, holistic management.

After implementing SIPM/PLM, product classification is standardized within the PLM system. Using the product as the root node, the BOM as the backbone, and individual parts/components as carriers, the system seamlessly links components, technical documents, drawings, and process routes into a cohesive, unified structure—greatly facilitating data management, retrieval, and utilization.

Furthermore, the PLM system enforces strict controls over the creation of new materials and the entry of their attributes, ensuring data consistency and quality.

BOM Management

2. Component Management

Before the implementation of SIPM/PLM, material management was handled in an older PLM system. After applying for a material number there, users had to initiate a separate workflow in the OA (Office Automation) system, where relevant departments manually filled in corresponding attributes and completed basic views. The data was then transferred to SAP for use. This process required manual handoffs across multiple systems, resulting in low efficiency and a high risk of errors.

After implementing SIPM/PLM, all components are now uniformly managed within the PLM system: material numbering is assigned directly in PLM, attributes are filled out, and submissions are made—all within a single platform. The data is then automatically transmitted to SAP via system interfaces. This streamlined approach significantly improves efficiency, reduces error rates, and eliminates issues such as duplicate codes for the same item.Component classification is now supported through both manual assignment and automated hierarchical categorization (by major, medium, and minor categories) within the PLM system, making management and retrieval more efficient. Additionally, all related documents are linked directly to their respective components, enabling structured and centralized document management within PLM.

3. Process Foundation Data Management

Prior to implementing SIPM/PLM, Dianlian Technology only used process flowcharts and work instructions in its manufacturing processes, with no systematic or structured management of process data. Additionally, the Manufacturing BOM (MBOM) used in production was manually created by process engineers directly in SAP.

After implementing the SIPM/PLM system, the following key capabilities for managing routing processes have been established:Management of foundational process information、Lifecycle management of process data、Clear definition of the relationship between Manufacturing BOM (MBOM) and Engineering BOM (EBOM)—independent yet interdependent、Centralized management of all process data around the MBOM、Flexible, configurable material quota calculations。

By maintaining a centralized process foundation database, the system links routing templates to manufacturing operations and process flowcharts. Furthermore, each manufacturing operation is associated with relevant equipment, sub-components, auxiliary materials, and work instructions.

When creating process routes for new products or components, users can rapidly generate them based on predefined routing templates, significantly improving efficiency. Through structured management of the process foundation database, the system enables organized, easily accessible data—enhancing usability and overall workflow productivity.

Process Foundation Data Management

4. Process Management

Before implementing SIPM/PLD, Dianlian Technology managed its manufacturing processes and product BOMs in isolation, lacking a systematic and structured data management approach. This made administration extremely inconvenient. Process-related data existed only as fragmented paper documents or unstructured electronic files, making information retrieval highly inefficient. Moreover, the current process flowcharts and work instructions were not linked to routing data for integrated management. These documents lacked electronic signatures and relied on offline, paper-based approval workflows, resulting in low efficiency. Additionally, process documentation was difficult to maintain and nearly impossible to trace effectively.

After implementing the SIPM/PLM system, a unified and integrated structure has been established—linking products, component BOMs, process routes, manufacturing operations, tooling/equipment, auxiliary materials, and in-process items into a cohesive whole. This enables structured data management within PLM. Furthermore, when publishing the Production BOM (PBOM), the system automatically combines it with the Engineering BOM (EBOM) to generate the PBOM, which is then seamlessly transferred to the ERP system—significantly improving operational efficiency.

Regarding change management for process routes, any modification triggers a formal check-out process, and all changes are automatically recorded in the system’s change history. This history is directly linked to the relevant process route, enabling quick and convenient traceability.

Product Process Management

5. Integration Management of 3D CAD Software Interfaces

Prior to implementing SIPM/PLM, Dianlian Technology followed a manual and fragmented workflow: engineers first created drawings in 3D CAD software, then manually compiled or exported the corresponding BOM based on those drawings. Additionally, the BOM structure had to be manually rebuilt in the ERP system. This multi-step process was inefficient, error-prone, and time-consuming. Furthermore, whenever a drawing was revised, the associated BOM and related documents required manual updates—there was no automated linkage from the drawing to drive these changes, resulting in redundant data entry.

After implementing the SIPM/PLM system, 3D CAD software has become the authoritative source of design data. Through standardized integration interfaces, the system automatically generates accurate BOMs directly from the 3D models, eliminating redundant manual input and significantly reducing errors. Moreover, the interface seamlessly integrates components, BOMs, and associated drawings into a unified, system-managed structure. When a drawing is modified, the change automatically triggers updates to the corresponding BOM, components, and engineering drawings—all within a single integrated workflow. This ensures consistency, avoids repetitive tasks, and minimizes the risk of errors.

6. ERP Integration Management

Before implementing SIPM/PLM, Dianlian Technology relied on a manual and error-prone process: material data was first transferred from the OA system to SAP, after which designated personnel had to manually maintain material information and manually build BOM structures within SAP. This approach posed significant risks to data accuracy, potentially affecting downstream operations. Additionally, since both SAP users and technical staff used material codes independently in their respective systems, inconsistencies frequently occurred, leading to errors and difficulties in data retrieval.

After implementing the SIPM/PLM system, the data flow between PLM and SAP has been fully integrated. Material codes, product codes, and BOMs are now standardized and managed centrally within PLM. Once design and process planning are complete, engineers can generate a Production BOM (PBOM) package with a single click, which is then automatically transmitted to SAP via a system interface. This end-to-end integration ensures data consistency, eliminates redundant manual work, and significantly enhances both efficiency and data quality—making the entire process faster, more reliable, and easier to manage.

PBOM Interface

7. Historical Document Management

Prior to implementing SIPM/PLM, Dianlian Technology stored historical drawings and documents in fixed storage directories after design changes. These files were merely archived without any systematic linkage or integrated management, requiring manual copying and entry by personnel. Creating corresponding records for historical documents was a cumbersome and complex process.

After implementing the SIPM/PLM system, all revisions of historical documents are centrally managed within the system. Electronic documents in the system always reflect the latest valid version. When historical documents are needed, users can simply download them directly from the system for immediate use or modification—making the process fast and convenient. To ensure data consistency, historical documents are categorized by product within the system, enabling efficient searching and quick access to required files.

8. Document and Drawing Management

Before implementing SIPM/PLM, Dianlian Technology centrally stored electronic files—including technical documents, 2D drawings, and 3D models—on a shared server. However, document approvals still relied on offline, paper-based sign-off processes. After drawing revisions, files on individual engineers’ computers often became inconsistent with the latest official electronic versions, and tracing historical versions of updated documents was difficult and inefficient.

After implementing the SIPM/PLM system, documents are now stored in the system according to defined object structures. Standardized templates have been established, enabling digital signing of PDF documents directly within the system. Since the PLM system went live, all document releases are governed by the system—ensuring that only the latest, approved version is always available. This achieves full alignment between paper and electronic records, and all historical versions are clearly retained and easily accessible. Furthermore, unified drawing and document templates support standardized, consistent, and professional enterprise-wide document management.

9. Ad Hoc Task Management

Prior to implementing SIPM/PLM, Dianlian Technology often assigned certain tasks verbally, leaving no formal record. Additionally, the absence of a centralized task board made it difficult to monitor task progress effectively.

After implementing the SIPM/PLM system, all tasks are now centrally managed through the PLM task management module. This unified approach not only simplifies task retrieval but also streamlines overall task administration. Real-time monitoring of tasks is now possible, with the ability to track progress by status, product, or organizational structure—enabling timely oversight, better control of project timelines, and enhanced management efficiency.

Task Management

10. Project Management Functionality Enables Controlled R&D Processes

Before implementing SIPM/PLM, Dianlian Technology relied on manual methods for project management. As a result, project-related documents and records were largely uncontrolled, file formats used across projects lacked standardized templates, and tracking task progress was extremely difficult.

After implementing the SIPM/PLM system, Dianlian Technology defined and streamlined its project management processes based on actual business needs. Key elements—including process activities, deliverables, document templates, and approval workflows for deliverable validation—have been standardized and formalized. These standardized processes are now embedded and enforced within the PLM system.Specifically, predefined project templates in PLM operationalize this structure: project phases represent process stages; project plans define activities; planned deliverables are linked to standardized document templates; and validation workflows ensure the correctness and completeness of outputs. By establishing clear associations among projects, plans, deliverables, templates, and workflows, the company has built an integrated, end-to-end project management system that ensures visibility, consistency, and control throughout the entire R&D lifecycle.

Project Dashboard

Project Deliverables Management

Project Execution Status Statistics

11. PDF Factory Management

Before implementing SIPM/PLM, Dianlian Technology required physical paper documents to be printed and manually signed—an inefficient process that hindered productivity. Document circulation was insecure, and true paperless document management was unattainable.

After implementing the SIPM/PLM system, documents are digitally signed according to predefined review and approval workflows, eliminating the need for manual signatures. The system automatically converts approved documents into PDF format. Both the PDF files and their source files are protected by permission-based controls for viewing, downloading, and editing—ensuring document security, integrity, and validity. This capability lays a solid foundation for the company’s future transition to fully paperless operations.

12. Change Management

Prior to implementing SIPM/PLM, Dianlian Technology managed all engineering changes entirely through offline, paper-based processes, which prevented effective linkage between change records and actual products. For routine documents, drawings, and process files, engineers’ local electronic copies could not be guaranteed to reflect the latest approved versions. The change history of drawings was difficult to trace, and the overall design change process lacked effective control.

After implementing the SIPM/PLM system, the change process has been structured into clearly defined stages: preliminary ECR (Engineering Change Request) submission, formal ECR application, ECN (Engineering Change Notice) numbering request, and ECN issuance. Changes can now be initiated promptly within the PLM system, with each step logically connected to the next. Affected products or components are automatically linked to the change record. This systematic approach makes it easy for engineers to search, track, and manage changes efficiently within the PLM environment.

System Change Module

13. Knowledge Management

Before implementing SIPM/PLM, Dianlian Technology lacked a systematic knowledge management framework. Knowledge was sporadically documented—often only in paper form—making it difficult for employees to access or utilize. As a result, knowledge sharing was highly inefficient.

After implementing the SIPM/PLM system, the company established a centralized knowledge repository comprising a general knowledge base, an engineering experience library, and a standard document library. A structured knowledge classification system was created based on different knowledge types, facilitating easy sharing, retrieval, and long-term knowledge transfer. Standardized design document templates were formalized and centrally managed within the system, enabling designers to consistently access and reuse approved templates—ensuring document standardization and compliance. Additionally, the system supports fast, attribute-based searches (e.g., by keywords), making knowledge discovery and utilization quick and convenient.

Knowledge Base Management

Document Templates

14. Workflow Management

Prior to implementing SIPM/PLM, Dianlian Technology conducted all document review and approval processes offline. For remote reviewers, signed documents had to be scanned and manually transmitted. After completion, dedicated personnel were required to distribute printed copies to other departments—an inefficient, time-consuming, and labor-intensive process.

After implementing the SIPM/PLM system, cross-departmental workflows are now driven by automated, system-based processes. Approval workflows are standardized, embedded within the PLM system, and directly linked to relevant data objects. When engineers receive a workflow task notification, they update and submit the corresponding data for review; once approved, the data is automatically archived. As each approval node in the business process is completed, end-to-end data consistency and integration are ensured.Moreover, workflow execution can be monitored and tracked in real time. Detailed records of all process activities are retained, providing valuable data for management analysis and continuous process improvement.

Review and Approval Information

Summary:

Through the successful implementation of this PLM project, Dianlian Technology has deeply integrated advanced design concepts and methodologies. Product data completeness is managed through project management; product data traceability is achieved via process management and change management; the knowledge management module has been enhanced to support the accumulation and transfer of institutional knowledge; product digitization is realized through structured processes; and design standardization is supported by process templates and document templates. Throughout the entire product design process, Dianlian Technology has enabled digital, networked collaborative design and manufacturing, comprehensively enhancing both the quality and efficiency of product development!