The Capital flow is built on a robust digital backbone that enables model-based engineering (MBE) throughout product definition, design, production and maintenance (figure 1). This backbone, or digital thread, manages electrical and electronic (E/E) design data and models, and provides a platform for electrical design. As engineers progress through E/E development, the robust digital thread stores and maintains the various models that are created, such as architectural or network models, as well as other assets including libraries, design rules, manufacturing patterns and more. This digital thread can supply this information back to design applications when needed, and integrate with adjacent engineering disciplines and the supply chain to manage the end-to-end electrical flow. This ensures that engineers throughout development work from the same source of truth that is constantly updated.
The digital backbone that underscores the Capital flow enables MBE from product definition through design, manufacturing and maintenance.
The recent addition of comments, notes, checklists and notifications into Capital’s design environment further improves change management processes by providing structured and traceable communications between engineers. Rather than relying on emails, phone calls, spreadsheets and other ad hoc methods of communicating design changes, integrating comments, notes, checklists and notifications into the design environment ensures that important information is organized and easy to find, thus reducing feedback loops. Furthermore, integrated communications are captured in data, allowing automated checks for open comments or incomplete checklists before a design can be released.
In sum, these new collaboration features enhance the benefits of the automation and digital thread capabilities already present in modern electrical systems and wire harness engineering software. Frequent collaboration and communication among engineers will only become more important as complexity continues to grow in the vehicles of tomorrow. ADAS, electrification, autonomy and connectivity will all bring unique challenges to vehicle development. As engineers work to overcome these challenges, consistent and effective communication will be critical to their success.
