Eurocopter Expands Use of PTC Technology Solutions to Accelerate Service Strategy

Jan. 8, 2013
The latest milestone is the completed deployment of a new Spares Configuration Data Management (SCDM) system that leverages PTC technology to efficiently manage spare parts across Eurocopter's global service network.

NEEDHAM, Mass. and MARIGNANE, France -- (BUSINESS WIRE) -- PTC (Nasdaq: PMTC) today announced that Eurocopter, an EADS subsidiary, is expanding its use of PTC technology solutions to enhance the contribution Eurocopter support services makes to the company’s overall business performance.

In 2008, EADS selected PTC technology solutions to serve as the backbone of its PHENIX Master Product Definition platform, an initiative to harmonize its product lifecycle management (PLM) environment across the entire company. The latest milestone in this long-standing relationship is the completed deployment of a new Spares Configuration Data Management (SCDM) system that leverages PTC technology to efficiently manage spare parts across Eurocopter’s global service network. This newest initiative marks an expansion of the relationship between the two companies into an emerging area called service lifecycle management (SLM), and directly assists Eurocopter in achieving the growth goals of its service business.

In today’s highly competitive global environment, discrete manufacturers are increasingly turning to their service organizations as a way to differentiate their market offerings, strengthen their relationships with customers and provide increased customer value. At a corporate level, EADS has outlined an aggressive vision for increasing its service revenue to 25% of total revenue by 2020. For Eurocopter, the successful execution of its customer service strategy is critical to achieving its overall growth and profitability goals.

“To contribute to this objective, Eurocopter will use SCDM to improve its spare parts data management processes by 50%, focusing on high-value services initially related to platforms, requiring and developing both customer centricity and product intimacy,” said Pascal Gaudry, vice president, Material and Logistics Service Center, Eurocopter.

While better managing its spare parts is just the first milestone in Eurocopter’s strategy to transform and optimize its overall service portfolio, such improved management is indicative of the kind of value directly achievable through SLM technology.

“To achieve the business transformation in spares and service information data management we strengthened our partnership with PTC to support our SLM strategy,” said Marc Durand, project sponsor at Eurocopter. “SCDM is a first step in helping us optimize our spare parts processes.” The next steps will enable Eurocopter to manage in-service helicopter configurations to offer tailored services to its customers.

Service Lifecycle Management enterprise applications enable manufacturers and their service network partners to optimize the system of processes they use to ensure that maximum value to their customers is sustained over the entire serviceable life of a product. True enterprise SLM solutions connect service planning, delivery and performance analysis into a complete and strategic view of service that helps drive increased service revenues and profitability.

“PTC has maintained a long-term relationship with EADS, and we are pleased that our technology solutions are now supporting the business goals of one of the world’s leading helicopter manufacturers,” said Jim Heppelmann, president and Chief Executive Officer, PTC. Our approach to Service Lifecycle Management enables companies to deliver and capture product knowledge at the point of service, driving higher customer value and transforming their service businesses into strategic growth centers. We look forward to continuing to work with Eurocopter to help them achieve true product and service advantage.” 

About Eurocopter

Established in 1992, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group is a division of EADS, a world leader in aerospace and defense-related services. The Eurocopter Group employs approximately 20,000 people. In 2011, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world’s number one helicopter manufacturer with a turnover of 5.4 billion Euros, orders for 457 new helicopters and a 43 percent market share in the civil and parapublic sectors. Overall, the Group’s helicopters account for 33 percent of the worldwide civil and parapublic fleet. Eurocopter’s strong international presence is ensured by its subsidiaries and participations in 21 countries. Eurocopter’s worldwide network of service centers, training facilities, distributors and certified agents supports some 2,900 customers. There are currently more than 11,300 Eurocopter helicopters in service in 149 countries. Eurocopter offers the most comprehensive civil and military helicopter range in the world and is fully committed to safety as the most important aspect of its business.

About EADS

EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defense and related services. In 2011, the Group – comprising Airbus, Astrium, Cassidian and Eurocopter – generated revenues of € 49.1 billion and employed a workforce of over 133,000.

About PTC

PTC (Nasdaq: PMTC) enables manufacturers to achieve sustained product and service advantage. The company's technology solutions transform the way products are created and serviced 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.