Automotive Engineering Data Integration Platform

Project Context

Industry: Automotive Engineering
Client: Global Automotive OEM
Engagement Model: Independent subcontracted work packages under framework agreement
Period: Since 2007 (ongoing project-based collaboration)
Scope: Self-contained software modules and consulting deliverables

The Integration Challenge

In the early 2000s, a major automotive manufacturer initiated an enterprise-wide transformation to unify two critical data worlds:

Geometry Data World:

  • CAD systems (CATIA V4/5)
  • CAE simulation environments
  • Digital twin representations
  • Engineering prototyping tools
  • Supplier engineering departments
  • Production tooling and planning

Administrative Data World:

  • Product Data Management (PDM)
  • SAP ERP and supply chain systems
  • Purchasing and procurement
  • Production execution systems

The Challenge: Dozens of companies participated in building this integration ecosystem. The effort required specialized software modules, integration adapters, and consulting expertise to bridge these complex, mission-critical systems without disrupting ongoing operations.

Working Model and Contributions

HSEC has been engaged since 2007 to deliver clearly scoped, self-contained work packages as an independent subcontractor. Each engagement operates under a framework agreement (Rahmenvertrag) with full responsibility for:

  • IT Architecture Consulting - System design and integration strategy
  • Software Development - Building production-ready modules
  • Integration Engineering - Connecting heterogeneous systems
  • Testing & Validation - Ensuring quality and reliability
  • Documentation - Comprehensive technical specifications

Independence Model: We operate as autonomous specialists, receiving well-defined problems and delivering complete solutions. Each work package has clear objectives, deliverables, and acceptance criteria—we maintain full control over technical approaches and implementation methods.

Selected Work Packages

Over nearly two decades, we’ve delivered numerous modules and consulting engagements. Representative examples include:

1. PLM Web Client Context Update Module

Technology: J2EE
Deliverable: Server-side module for the PLMServices work structure web client
Scope: Design, implementation, testing, and integration of context synchronization logic

2. Engineering Metadata ODATA Service

Technology: ODATA, REST APIs
Deliverable: Web service layer for accessing engineering metadata
Scope: API design, implementation, security integration, performance optimization

3. SAP-to-Digital Twin Integration Server

Technology: SAP JCo, J2EE
Deliverable: JCo server receiving vehicle configurations from SAP to generate digital twin CAD structures for CAE simulation and visualization
Scope: Complete system design, development, and deployment

4. Secure B2B Engineering Data Exchange

Technology: J2EE, encryption protocols
Deliverable: System for securely exchanging engineering data with offshore business partners
Scope: Security architecture, implementation, testing, compliance validation

5. Kafka Streaming Pipeline Design

Technology: Apache Kafka
Deliverable: IT architecture for real-time engineering data streaming
Scope: Consulting, architecture documentation, technology evaluation

6. Cloud-Native PLMXML Extraction Redesign

Technology: Cloud-native architectures, microservices
Deliverable: Redesigned software components for PLMXML data extraction
Scope: Architecture modernization, implementation, migration strategy

7. STEP File Import Web Service

Technology: J2EE, STEP format processing
Deliverable: Web service for importing STEP format files with join-data
Scope: Parser development, integration, testing

8. PLM System Evaluation (Enovia & Teamcenter)

Technology: Enovia, Siemens Teamcenter
Deliverable: Consulting report on engineering data integration capabilities
Scope: Technology assessment, vendor comparison, recommendations

9. XML Structure Editor (Desktop Client)

Technology: Java Swing
Deliverable: Standalone desktop application for editing PLMServices XML structures locally when CATIA is not available
Scope: Full application development, user interface design, testing

10. Model Context Protocol (MCP) Server

Technology: MCP, engineering data APIs
Deliverable: MCP server for unified engineering data access
Scope: Protocol implementation, integration, documentation

11. Outlier Detection Concept for Vehicle Structures

Technology: Data analytics, quality assurance methodologies
Deliverable: Consulting concept for error prevention through anomaly detection
Scope: Requirements analysis, algorithm design, feasibility study

12. BoM Integrity Analytics Architecture

Technology: Apache Kafka, Neo4j graph database
Deliverable: Consulting for building analytics capabilities for Bill of Materials integrity checks
Scope: Architecture design, technology selection, implementation roadmap

Additional Modules

  • Real-time data synchronization adapters
  • Custom validation frameworks
  • Migration tools for legacy data
  • Performance monitoring systems
  • …and many more specialized components

Engagement Model & Work Methodology

Framework Agreement Structure

Our collaboration operates under a framework agreement that establishes:

  • General terms and conditions
  • Quality standards and acceptance criteria
  • Intellectual property and confidentiality
  • Independent contractor status

Work Package Execution

Each deliverable follows an independent project lifecycle:

  1. Scoping: Client defines problem, requirements, and acceptance criteria
  2. Proposal: We submit technical approach, timeline, and pricing
  3. Agreement: Work package contract signed with clear deliverables
  4. Execution: Independent development with full technical autonomy
  5. Delivery: Complete, tested, documented solution
  6. Acceptance: Client validates against acceptance criteria
  7. Closure: Final documentation and handover

Golden Rules

  • ✅ We determine technical approaches and methodologies
  • ✅ We control our own schedules and work organization
  • ✅ Deliverable-focused engagements
  • ✅ Complete responsibility for results
  • ✅ Use our own tools, infrastructure, and processes

Technical Excellence & Quality Standards

Technologies & Expertise

  • Java Enterprise Edition (J2EE) - Enterprise application framework
  • Spring Framework & Spring Integration - Modern integration patterns
  • CATIA, Enovia, Teamcenter - PLM and CAD system integration
  • SAP JCo - SAP connectivity and integration
  • Apache Kafka - Event streaming architectures
  • ODATA & REST APIs - Web service standards
  • Neo4j Graph Database - Relationship analytics
  • Cloud-Native Architectures - Microservices, containerization
  • Java Swing - Desktop application development
  • STEP & PLMXML - Engineering data format expertise

Quality Deliverables

Each work package includes:

  • ✅ Production-ready code with comprehensive testing
  • ✅ Technical architecture documentation
  • ✅ API specifications and integration guides
  • ✅ Deployment procedures and runbooks
  • ✅ Source code with clear documentation
  • ✅ Acceptance test results and validation reports

Client Testimonial

Original (German)

“Der Consultant hat massgeblich an der Entwicklung des Systems PEP PDM LS3 AS mitgewirkt. Aufgrund seiner Erfahrung und seiner raschen Auffassungsgabe arbeitete der Consultant sich schnell und sicher in neue Aufgabenbereiche ein und verband ein sehr gutes Urteils- und Denkvermögen mit praxisnahen operativen Lösungen. Der Consultant führte seine Aufgaben selbstständig, effizient und systematisch aus. Die von ihm entwickelten Applikationen liefen stets zur vollsten Zufriedenheit aller Beteiligten. Neben dem hohen Maß an fachlicher und sozialer Kompetenz ist das Engagement und die Belastbarkeit des Consultant hervorzuheben. Sein Verhalten gegenüber Kunden, Vorgesetzten und Kollegen war stets einwandfrei. Er trug maßgeblich zu einer sehr hohen Kundenzufriedenheit bei. Wir würden den Consultant jederzeit wieder mit einer vergleichbaren Aufgabe betreuen.”

— Project Manager, Automotive OEM Project

Translation

“The consultant played a significant role in developing the PEP PDM LS3 AS system. Due to his experience and quick comprehension, the consultant rapidly and confidently adapted to new task areas, combining excellent judgment and analytical thinking with practical, operational solutions. The consultant executed his tasks independently, efficiently, and systematically. The applications he developed consistently ran to the complete satisfaction of all stakeholders. Beyond his high level of technical and social competence, the consultant’s commitment and resilience deserve special mention. His behavior toward clients and colleagues was always exemplary. He contributed significantly to very high client satisfaction. We would engage the consultant again at any time for comparable tasks.”

Long-Term Value & Track Record

This engagement represents nearly two decades of successful project-based collaboration, demonstrating:

  • Sustained Technical Excellence: Consistent delivery of high-quality software modules
  • Domain Expertise: Deep understanding of automotive engineering data integration
  • Reliable Delivery: Proven track record of meeting commitments on complex work packages
  • Technology Evolution: Successfully adapted to new technologies (J2EE → Spring → Kafka → Cloud-Native → MCP)
  • Trusted Advisor: Consulted on strategic IT architecture decisions
  • Knowledge Transfer: Comprehensive documentation enabling client’s internal teams

The success of our independent work package deliveries has led to continued engagement across multiple technology generations and system evolution phases, spanning geometry data integration, real-time streaming, cloud modernization, and emerging technologies like MCP and AI-driven analytics.