#101 - Digital Product Software Series: CONTACT Software Elements

In this episode of Stay Sharp in Digital Engineering, we sit down with Frank Patz-Brockmann, Chief Product & Technology Officer at CONTACT Software, to explore one of the most mature yet under-the-radar platforms in the PLM space.Frank shares how CONTACT Software—best known in Germany but lesser-known in North America—has evolved from its early days as "CIM Database" into the highly modular and extensible platform now known as CONTACT Elements.We cover:The origins and evolution of the CONTACT Elements platformWhat makes their modular “elements” approach unique—like a periodic table for PLM, MES, and IoTThe powerful integration between PLM, MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems), and IIoTUse cases where customers seamlessly connect engineering and shop floor dataWhy many global clients are choosing CONTACT’s cloud deployment options (SaaS, PaaS, and hybrid)How CONTACT's long-standing use of Python and open APIs empowers extensibilityThe rise of energy-aware manufacturing and AI-enabled analyticsKey takeaway: CONTACT Software might just be one of the most powerful, composable digital engineering platforms you’ve never heard of—until now.🔗 Learn more: contact-software.com📩 Questions or feedback? Email us at [email protected] or leave a comment wherever you listen.🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review—every click helps spread the word.Music is considered “royalty-free” and discovered on Story Blocks.Technical Podcast Support by Jon Keur at Wayfare Recording Co.© 2024 Razorleaf Corp. All Rights Reserved.

In this special 100th episode of Stay Sharp in Digital Engineering, the team celebrates with a twist—turning the show into a game of acronym bingo! Host Juliann welcomes back Jennifer Ferello, alongside Jonathan Scott and Eric Doubell, for a fast-paced contest to identify 100 acronyms from the world of digital engineering, PLM, and beyond.Expect laughter, a few stumpers, plenty of partial credit, and who will be ultimately crowned the “King/Queen of PLM.” The crew reflects on the fun (and occasional frustration) of decoding acronyms while celebrating the milestone with listeners who made it all possible.👑 Acronyms, banter, and bingo—what better way to mark 100 episodes?Music is considered “royalty-free” and discovered on Story Blocks.Technical Podcast Support by Jon Keur at Wayfare Recording Co.© 2024 Razorleaf Corp. All Rights Reserved.

In this episode of Stay Sharp in Digital Engineering, hosts Juliann Grant and Jonathan Scott sit down with AI expert Alex Bruskin to cut through the hype and explore the real impact of artificial intelligence on the world of digital engineering. From the history of AI and its convergence of compute power, algorithms, and data — to practical, high-value use cases in PLM, CAD, MBSE, and manufacturing — Alex explains where AI truly adds value, where human oversight is essential, and how organizations can prepare their data for successful adoption.Whether you’re curious about AI-driven data enrichment, smarter migration projects, or bridging the gap between engineering documentation and manufacturing, this conversation is packed with insights and actionable examples.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why AI’s current capabilities are less about “intelligence” and more about predictionHow the “language of engineering” can benefit from large language modelsWhy training data quality is critical — and how to keep a human in the loopReal-world AI use cases in digital engineering:Data enrichment for cleaner, more searchable part databasesAccelerating and improving PLM/CAD data migrationsAutomating PDF-to-digital conversions for technical publicationsThe difference between generative AI and specialized solvers — and how they work togetherLinks & Resources:Follow Alex Bruskin on LinkedInContact Razorleaf: [email protected] this episode on YouTubeSubscribe to Stay Sharp in Digital Engineering for more conversations on digital transformation, PLM, and manufacturing innovationEnjoyed this episode? Follow Razorleaf’s Stay Sharp in Digital Engineering, rate the show in your favorite podcast app, and share it with a colleague who’s exploring AI in engineering.Music is considered “royalty-free” and discovered on Story Blocks.Technical Podcast Support by Jon Keur at Wayfare Recording Co.© 2024 Razorleaf Corp. All Rights Reserved.

In this episode of Stay Sharp in Digital Engineering, we kick off our Digital Product Series with a deep dive into CONTACT Software—a company that has been shaping the digital engineering space for over 30 years but remains relatively unknown in North America.Our guest, Dimitri Baumtrok, Head of International Sales at CONTACT Software, joins Juliann Grant and Jonathan Scott to share the company’s story, its global expansion, and its unique definition of digital engineering.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:What is “Top Floor to Shop Floor”? How CONTACT Software connects innovation at the design stage with execution in manufacturing and beyond.Who They Serve: Why mid-sized and upper mid-sized companies are their sweet spot, and how industries from automotive to industrial machinery—and even fashion—benefit from their platform.The Secret’s Out: How a “best-kept secret” in Europe is expanding globally through partnerships, OEM collaborations, and customer-driven innovation.Company Culture & History: From its founding in the 1990s to today’s family-owned, privately held structure focused on “energizing great minds.”The Future of Digital Engineering: CONTACT’s vision for AI-driven product lifecycle management, mobile-first solutions, and international growth.Dimitri also shares how CONTACT works closely with customers to co-develop solutions, ensuring their platform evolves alongside real-world needs.If you’ve been curious about lesser-known players in the digital engineering space—or want to understand how CONTACT Elements stacks up against big-name PLM and MES providers—this is a must-listen.🎧 Tune in to discover why CONTACT Software might just be digital engineering’s best-kept secret.Music is considered “royalty-free” and discovered on Story Blocks.Technical Podcast Support by Jon Keur at Wayfare Recording Co.© 2024 Razorleaf Corp. All Rights Reserved.

In this forward-looking episode of Stay Sharp in Digital Engineering, hosts Juliann Grant and Jonathan Scott sit down with PLM authority Michael “Fino” Finocchiaro to unpack how AI, emerging startups, and evolving technologies are transforming the Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) landscape. From industry giants like Dassault Systèmes, Siemens, and PTC to disruptive newcomers, the conversation covers current innovations, potential disruptors, and bold predictions—touching on everything from digital threads and agentic AI to quantum computing’s role in engineering.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:How AI is reshaping PLM across major platforms like Dassault, Siemens, and PTCThe rise of agent-based AI orchestration and cross-platform integrationThe role of startups—like Propel, Duro, and Aras—in pushing PLM forwardWhy quantum computing and advanced manufacturing could redefine the industry’s capabilitiesEmerging technologies beyond AI that could impact the future of PLMInsights into evolving business models and economic considerations for PLM adoptionIf this episode was helpful, follow Razorleaf’s Stay Sharp in Digital Engineering, share it with your PLM team, and rate/review in your podcast app.Tell us what you’re testing next: agents, RAG search, or cloud PDM? Drop a comment and we may feature your question in a future episode.Want more like this? Subscribe and get new episodes the moment they drop.Music is considered “royalty-free” and discovered on Story Blocks.Technical Podcast Support by Jon Keur at Wayfare Recording Co.© 2024 Razorleaf Corp. All Rights Reserved.

In Part 2 of our conversation with MBSE expert David Long, we dive deeper into the evolution of model-based systems engineering, tracing its roots, tool development, and growing relevance across industries. You’ll hear how MBSE emerged as a way to improve communication between disciplines, especially between systems and software engineers, and why it's becoming an indispensable part of modern engineering practices.We explore:The historical context and drivers behind MBSEThe critical role of SysML v2 and why its release is a game-changerHow MBSE enables cross-domain collaboration and digital thread continuityKey software tools and vendors shaping the MBSE ecosystemThe convergence of PLM and MBSE in the age of digital transformationWhat MBSE has in common with the evolution from drafting to CADWhether you're a seasoned systems engineer or just learning about digital engineering, this episode offers an insightful look into the tools, standards, and thought leaders shaping the future.🛠️ MBSE Tools & Platforms:Cameo Systems Modeler by Dassault Systèmes (formerly MagicDraw)Enterprise Architect by Sparx SystemsCapella by ThalesGENESYS by VitechInnoslate by SPEC InnovationsMBSE tools from Ansys and MathWorks📚 Thought Leaders & Trainers:Sanford Friedenthal (SysML / MBSE thought leader)Ed Seidewitz (UML & SysML standards contributor)Lenny Delligatti – Author of SysML DistilledTim Weilkiens – MBSE Trainer and Consultant🧪 Standards Bodies:INCOSE (International Council on Systems Engineering)OMG (Object Management Group) – Developers of UML, SysML, UAF🔗 Learn More About SysML v2:SysML v2 Initiative at OMGSysML v2 Release Updates & Resources📩 Contact & Subscribe:Have questions for David or our hosts? Leave a comment or email us at [email protected].👉 Be sure to subscribe to Stay Sharp in Digital Engineering on your favorite podcast platform or watch full episodes on YouTube.🔗 YouTube: Razorleaf YouTube ChannelMusic is considered “royalty-free” and discovered on Story Blocks.Technical Podcast Support by Jon Keur at Wayfare Recording Co.© 2024 Razorleaf Corp. All Rights Reserved.

In this episode of Stay Sharp in Digital Engineering, hosts Juliann Grant and Jonathan Scott sit down with Fernando Valera, Chief Technology Officer at Visure Solutions, to tackle one of the most complex challenges in modern product development: aligning hardware and software lifecycles through integrated requirements engineering.With decades of experience in requirements management, Fernando offers deep insight into how PLM (Product Lifecycle Management), ALM (Application Lifecycle Management), and MBSE (Model-Based Systems Engineering) can come together to create smarter, faster, and safer product development cycles. The conversation also explores how AI is transforming requirements processes and what the future holds for digital engineering.🔍 Topics Covered:What PLM and ALM really mean—and where requirements engineering fits inThe cultural divide between hardware and software teams—and how to bridge itHow systems engineering and MBSE provide a common language across domainsThe role of digital twins in syncing product cadencesHow AI is already improving requirements validation, traceability, and complianceWhy system engineers are key players in modern product integrationWhat organizations must consider when blending ALM and PLM in real-world use🧠 Key Quotes:“AI can now do 80% of what a requirements engineer does—but it’s the boring 80%.” “Digital twins are speeding up hardware development the same way DevOps transformed software.” “MBSE isn’t just about models. It’s about giving people better ways to see and simulate complexity.”👤 Guest Bio:Fernando Valera is a Certified Professional in Requirements Engineering and CTO at Visure Solutions. With over 20 years of experience helping organizations streamline complex product delivery, Fernando brings a global perspective and deep technical expertise to digital transformation initiatives in safety-critical industries.📩 Got Questions? Drop us a comment on our LinkedIn post or email us at [email protected].✅ Don’t forget to like and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform or watch the full episode on YouTube.🎧 Stay sharp, and see you in the next episode!Music is considered “royalty-free” and discovered on Story Blocks.Technical Podcast Support by Jon Keur at Wayfare Recording Co.© 2024 Razorleaf Corp. All Rights Reserved.

In this episode of Stay Sharp in Digital Engineering, hosts Juliann Grant and Jonathan Scott welcome back Steve Nichols, head of the Public Sector and Defense Group at Razorleaf. Together, they unpack the foundational steps government agencies need to take to successfully implement digital engineering (DE) practices—whether you're in the Department of Defense, NASA, Homeland Security, or any other federal agency managing complex systems.Steve outlines six key components for digital engineering success:Integrated Tools and Data InteroperabilityCollaborative Digital EnvironmentsAuthoritative Sources of Truth (ASOTs)Digital Thread Planning and MaintenanceWorkforce Readiness and Culture ChangeGovernance and Policy AlignmentThe conversation dives into practical approaches for getting started, even if you're not at the beginning of an acquisition cycle. From digitizing artifacts and improving basic workflows to developing a “digital first” mindset, Steve explains why success starts with clear strategy, small wins, and a vision for long-term sustainability.💡 Key takeaways: – Don’t try to “boil the ocean”—start small and build momentum – Digital transformation requires cultural and organizational shifts, not just new tools – Programs should consider lifecycle interoperability and future workforce expectations from day one – External guidance and internal advocacy are both critical for success📍 Whether you’re supporting legacy programs or launching new initiatives, this episode offers a clear roadmap for navigating digital engineering in government.👉 Got questions or want to join the conversation? Drop us a comment or email us at [email protected]. 🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe and stay sharp!Music is considered “royalty-free” and discovered on Story Blocks.Technical Podcast Support by Jon Keur at Wayfare Recording Co.© 2024 Razorleaf Corp. All Rights Reserved.

In this episode of Stay Sharp in Digital Engineering, hosts Juliann Grant and Jonathan Scott are joined by David Ewing, Director of Mission Integration at SAIC and architect of the award-winning Ready One digital engineering platform. Together, they tackle the myths and misconceptions surrounding digital twins.They explore the difference between digital models and true digital twins, the importance of having a physical counterpart, and why configuration management is crucial for maintaining a digital thread. Dave emphasizes that a digital twin isn’t just a model—it’s a living representation that evolves alongside its physical asset, incorporating real-time data and changes over time.The conversation also covers:The nuances between terms like digital twin, digital shadow, surrogate, and virtual twinWhy CAD models alone don’t qualify as digital twinsHow deviations in manufacturing and maintenance create one-of-a-kind digital twin instancesWhy robust configuration management and a traceable digital thread are essentialReal-world applications in aerospace and defense, including mission-specific modeling and sensor feedbackThe growing role of AI in connecting systems, automating documentation, writing test cases, and refining models—and why human oversight is still essentialDavid also shares a few laughs with the hosts, poking fun at the overuse of buzzwords and “digital trophies,” and stressing the importance of context, scalability, and ethics in digital engineering.Listeners will walk away with a clearer understanding of what a digital twin is (and isn’t), where AI fits in, and how to start building toward a truly connected, model-based future.If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to like this episode and subscribe to Stay Sharp on your favorite podcast platform or on YouTube. Got questions or feedback for the hosts? Drop a comment or email us at [email protected] next time—stay sharp.Music is considered “royalty-free” and discovered on Story Blocks.Technical Podcast Support by Jon Keur at Wayfare Recording Co.© 2024 Razorleaf Corp. All Rights Reserved.

In this foundational episode, we kick off a two-part conversation with renowned MBSE thought leader David Long, former president of INCOSE and long-time advocate for model-based systems engineering. Hosts Juliann Grant and Jonathan Scott explore the role MBSE plays in enabling Digital Twins, especially in early lifecycle phases, and clarify how MBSE supports—not replaces—high-fidelity simulation and engineering tools.We cover:What MBSE is and isn’t (hint: it’s not its own silo)Where MBSE fits into the Digital Twin journeyHow MBSE supports architecture across the product, factory, and enterpriseThe importance of first-order (0D/1D) models in early systems thinkingMBSE’s relationship to simulation, sustainability, and organizational designWhy the middle management layer is the key to successful adoptionDavid also introduces the idea of MBSE acting as the “connective tissue” that unifies disciplines—not a high-fidelity replacement tool, but a crucial framework for clarity, collaboration, and continuous evolution.🧰 Resources & Links Mentioned:📘 MBSE & Digital Twin Concepts:MBSE Primer (co-authored by David Long)INCOSE – International Council on Systems EngineeringDigital Twin Types: Surrogate, Shadow, and Full TwinConway’s Law – How Organizational Structure Impacts System Design🧠 Simulation, Modeling & Architecture:Functional Mock-up Interface (FMI)Virtual Twin vs. Digital Twin (Dassault Systèmes)📩 Contact & Subscribe:🎧 Subscribe to Stay Sharp in Digital Engineering on your favorite podcast platform ▶️ Watch full episodes on Razorleaf’s YouTube Channel 📬 Got questions for David Long? Send us an email at [email protected] is considered “royalty-free” and discovered on Story Blocks.Technical Podcast Support by Jon Keur at Wayfare Recording Co.© 2024 Razorleaf Corp. All Rights Reserved.