Ottobock Selects Aras Platform for PLM

ANDOVER, MA, June 15, 2022 – Aras, which provides the most powerful low-code platform with applications to design, build, and operate complex products, announced that Ottobock, specialist for prostheses, orthoses, exoskeletons and wheelchairs, has reached the next level in the digitalization of its research and development (R&D) activities after a successful implementation of the Aras platform. The PLM capabilities of the Aras platform now provide the medical technology company in Lower Saxony, Germany, with greater innovative power, transparency, speed and – especially critical for medical products –greater safety.

“With Aras, we have found a solution for our R&D activities that perfectly aligns with the high demands of the medical device industry”, says Erik Albrecht-Laatsch, director of engineering at Ottobock. “Not only does the system architecture and the upgradeability of the platform meet our needs, but we have a strong relationship with the Aras team who led us through the entire project without delay.”

PLM project becomes the benchmark for future development processes

In addition to the PLM functionalities developed specifically for medical technology companies, following an agile approach was critical. “If I want to use a PLM system to develop prosthetic legs or hands, then my platform has to measure up to the quality and safety standards required by the industry,” says Andreas Mueller, Senior Vice President – Global Alliances at Aras. “With this agile approach, Ottobock could fulfill the requirement that a completely validated (PLM) solution was available at every project milestone.”

Erik Albrecht-Laatsch from Ottobock goes one step further: “The PLM project was set up like a medical product development and is therefore also a good example for other development projects. This positive experience will definitely be incorporated into our future development and approval processes.”

Learning in detail from previous products and production processes

The Aras platform is now in full operation at Ottobock. “The new possibilities – from document management and information distribution to the traceability of changes – offer significant added value for our development projects”, says Ottobock’s Director Albrecht-Laatsch. “The topic of traceability in particular means that we can learn in much greater detail from previous products and production processes when it comes to new developments. All of the company’s expertise will soon be available to us in a very efficient digital workflow.”

About Ottobock

Ottobock has been developing innovative fitting solutions for people with limited mobility for over 100 years. As a “Human Empowerment Company”, Ottobock strengthens freedom of movement, quality of life and independence. More than 8,000 employees are behind this. With innovative strength, outstanding technical solutions and services from the fields of prosthetics, orthotics, NeuroMobility and Patient Care, they empower people in more than 130 countries to live their lives the way they want to. As the global market leader in wearable human bionics, the company, founded in 1919, continues to set new standards and drive the digitalization of the industry – together with its partners, medical supply stores, and international research institutions. Ottobock has been transferring its expertise in biomechanics to exoskeletons for ergonomic workstations since 2018. The company’s international activities are coordinated from its headquarters in Duderstadt (Lower Saxony, Germany). Ottobock has been supporting the Paralympic Games with its technical expertise since 1988.

About Aras

Aras provides the most powerful low-code platform with applications to design, build, and operate complex products. Its technology enables the rapid delivery of flexible, upgradeable solutions that build business resilience. Aras’ platform and product lifecycle management applications connect users in all disciplines and functions to critical product data and processes across the lifecycle and throughout the extended supply chain. Airbus, Audi, DENSO, Honda, Kawasaki, Microsoft, Mitsubishi, and Nissan are using the platform to manage complex change and traceability.

For more information, visit www.aras.com.