ALM expertise
ALM consulting and model-based systems engineering
Requirements, system architecture, embedded software, testing: our ALM consultants put end-to-end traceability in place, which is essential for complex and regulated products.
Why work with an ALM consulting firm?
ALM (Application Lifecycle Management) covers the lifecycle of requirements, models and software. Combined with model-based systems engineering (MBSE), it takes you from a customer need to a verified architecture, and then to a tested product.
For a technical director or a systems engineering manager, working with an ALM consultancy means structuring an approach that is often scattered across documents, modelling tools and test tools. CNEXT helps you choose the tools, define the processes and connect ALM and PLM.
The problems we solve
Situations we regularly encounter with our industrial clients.
Requirements in documents
Requirements live in Word or Excel files; how they evolve and how well tests cover them are hard to prove.
Incomplete traceability
During an audit or certification, reconstructing the requirement – design – test link ties up teams for weeks.
Disconnected tools
System modelling, software configuration management and PLM do not communicate; the gaps create inconsistencies.
MBSE adoption
The move to MBSE is under way, but the method, tooling and team upskilling still need to be consolidated.
Our ALM services
We support your engineering teams, from defining the approach to operating the tools.
- Scoping and audit of your existing ALM
- Solution selection and support with the vendor tendering process
- Business-side project assistance (AMOA): requirements definition, acceptance testing, integrator management
- Solution, software and infrastructure architecture
- Integration, configuration and custom development
- Migration and legacy data transfer
- Version upgrades
- Interfaces with other information system components
- Change management and training
- Third-party application maintenance
These services are part of our four offerings: strategy consulting, business consulting, integration and deployment and support, maintenance and training.
What you gain
Tangible benefits, which we measure with you throughout the project.
Controlled requirements
Every requirement has an owner, a status and a history.
Demonstrable traceability
The link between requirements, design and tests is available at any time, including for an audit.
Less late rework
Inconsistencies show up in the models, before prototypes are built.
Easier collaboration
Systems, software, electronics and mechanical teams work from a common foundation.
Our method
A step-by-step approach, tailored to the size of your project.
1
Understand
Workshops with business teams, analysis of processes and the existing landscape, identification of pain points and priorities.
2
Design
Target architecture, solution selection, phased roadmap and data migration plan.
3
Deliver
Configuration, development, interfaces and acceptance testing in iterations, with key users.
4
Embed
Training, go-live support, application maintenance and upgrades to make the solution last.
Keys to a successful ALM project
- Write verifiable requirements, using a shared vocabulary.
- Define the traceability model before configuring the tool.
- Introduce MBSE gradually, on a pilot subsystem.
- Connect ALM and PLM for a consistent product configuration.
- Train engineers in the method as much as in the tool.
Interfaces with other information system components
ALM complements PLM: mechanical and electronic definition on one side, requirements, models and software on the other. We design the links between the two for a consistent product configuration.
Technologies we master
ALM solutions on which consultants from our pool of 3,600 experts work.
- IBM DOORS
- IBM Rhapsody
- IBM Engineering Lifecycle Management
- CATIA Magic
- Dymola
- codebeamer
- PTC Integrity
- STIMULUS
- Visure
- CORE
- Vitech
- MathWorks MATLAB / Simulink
- Sparx Enterprise Architect
- MEGA HOPEX
- Bizagi
- Bonitasoft
- iterop
- HP ALM
Profiles deployed
Depending on your needs, we build a team or provide a targeted expert.
- ALM / MBSE project manager
- Solution architect
- Functional consultant / Business Analyst
- Software architect
- Tech Lead
- Developer
- Infrastructure consultant
Industries served
Our ALM consultants work in particular in these industries:
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between ALM and PLM?
PLM manages the definition of the physical product (parts, bills of materials, CAD). ALM manages requirements, system models, software and tests. Today’s products need both, linked together.
Which ALM and MBSE tools do you master?
IBM DOORS and Engineering Lifecycle Management, Rhapsody, CATIA Magic, codebeamer, PTC Integrity, Visure, MATLAB/Simulink, Sparx Enterprise Architect and the other tools listed above.
Can you help us prepare for certification?
We put in place the traceability and processes that make it easier to demonstrate compliance. Certification itself is still granted by the competent authority or body.
A PLM, ERP, MES or EAM project? Let’s talk.
Speak with an expert to scope your needs, with no obligation.
contact@cnext-consulting.fr
La Turbine, 32 boulevard du Port
CS20001, 95015 Cergy-Pontoise Cedex