Introduction
We provide different ways for OEMs to collaborate with suppliers on the 3DEXPEREINCE Platform.
The two main collaboration models are:
- Integrated Collaboration
- Distributed Collaboration
Integrated Collaboration
In an integrated collaboration model, trusted suppliers are invited directly into the OEM environment using a dedicated security context. Suppliers can access only the data and projects relevant to their scope while collaborating directly within the OEM 3DEXPEREINCE platform.
This approach enables deeper collaboration, real-time visibility, and tighter integration between OEM and supplier teams.
Distributed Collaboration
In a distributed collaboration model, the OEM initiates collaboration by sending structured requests to suppliers. Suppliers access these requests through a dedicated supplier portal, where they can review the required information and submit their feedback, deliverables, or quotations.
This approach enables secure and controlled collaboration without granting external parties a direct access to the OEM internal environment. At the same time, it provides a cost-effective model for suppliers, as they can participate as guest users at no additional cost.
In this blog, we will focus on distributed collaboration and explore the different types of collaboration requests supported by ENOVIA.
Establishing the Communication Channel
Before collaboration requests can be exchanged, suppliers must be connected through the supplier portal. The portal provides a secure communication channel between OEMs and suppliers, enabling suppliers to receive requests, submit responses, and exchange deliverables.
For a detailed explanation of supplier onboarding, portal access, and communication setup, refer to the following blog:
Establishing Communication Channel with Suppliers
Collaboration Requests Lifecycle
While each collaboration request type may have its own specific lifecycle and business logic, the overall collaboration principle remains similar across all requests. In general, the interaction between OEMs and suppliers follows a structured flow of request preparation, supplier response, evaluation, and closure or iteration.
Key Collaboration Request Types
ENOVIA supports multiple request types that standardize how OEMs interact with suppliers. Each request type is designed to support a specific business need, ranging from sourcing needs to technical collaboration and sustainability compliance declaration.
Sourcing Requests:
Sourcing requests are created and managed by sourcing managers using the ENOVIA RFx Manager (RFX-OC) role. These requests support supplier evaluation, quotation collection and proposal management throughout the sourcing process.
The solution supports three main sourcing request types:
RFQ (Request for Quotation):
Used to collect pricing, lead times and commercial quotations from suppliers for specific products. RFQs typically contain line items representing the requested products and quantities.
RFI (Request for Information):
Used to collect supplier capabilities, qualifications, and preliminary information before initiating sourcing decision. RFIs typically contain questionnaires that suppliers are requested to complete.RFP (Request for Proposal):
Used to collect detailed commercial and technical proposals from suppliers. RFPs may include questionnaires, attachments, specifications, and line items to support a comprehensive supplier response.
The Sourcing requests are available under the Sourcing section in the supplier connect portal:
Technical Requests:
Technical requests are typically created and managed by design engineers using the ENOVIA Supplier Request Manager (SRQ-OC) role. These requests support engineering collaboration between OEMs and suppliers throughout the product development lifecycle, enabling the controlled exchange of technical data, specifications, design deliverables, and engineering feedback.
The solution supports three categories of technical requests:
Prototype Request: Used to request prototype parts, samples, or early manufacturing builds for validation and testing activities.
Design Request: Used to collaborate with suppliers on product design and development activities, including the exchange of technical specifications, drawings, and engineering deliverables.
Design Change: Used to communicate and manage modifications to existing designs, specifications, or engineering definitions in a controlled and traceable manner.
The Technical requests are listed under the Engineering section in the supplier connect portal:
Sustainability Requests
Sustainability requests are typically created and managed by material compliance engineers using the ENOVIA Supplier Request Manager (SRQ-OC) role. These requests support the collection and validation of sustainability-related data and declarations, that certify the compliance status of Manufacturer Equivalent Items (MEI).
The solution supports two categories of requests:
Materials Compliance: used to collect suppliers sustainability declarations on materials regulations.
Creating and managing these requests requires the Material Compliance Engineer (MCV-OC) role.Weight and Balance: used to collect suppliers sustainability declarations on weight metrics.
Creating and managing these requests requires the Weight and Balance Manager (KPW-OC) role.
The Sustainability requests are listed under the Sustainability section in the supplier connect portal:
The table below summarizes the different request types along with the ENOVIA roles required to create and manage them:
| Category | Request Type | Purpose | Required Role | Video |
| Sourcing | RFQ (Request for Quotation) | Request pricing and commercial quotations from suppliers | RFx Manager (RFX-OC) | |
| RFI (Request for Information) | Collect high-level supplier information and capabilities before initiating sourcing activities | |||
| RFP (Request for Proposal) | Request detailed supplier proposals including technical and commercial responses | |||
| Technical | Prototype Request | Collaborate with suppliers on prototype manufacturing and validation activities | Supplier Request Manager (SRQ-OC) | |
Design Request | Share and manage design-related collaboration requests with suppliers | |||
Design Change Request | Manage engineering changes and communicate updates with suppliers | |||
| Sustainability | Materials Compliance | Collect suppliers sustainability declarations on materials regulations. | Supplier Request Manager (SRQ-OC) |
|
Weight and Balance | Collect suppliers sustainability declarations on weight metrics. | Supplier Request Manager (SRQ-OC) |
