Hitachi Solutions Launches Pure Variants Tool to Enhance SDV Development Management
Introduction
Hitachi Solutions, headquartered in Shinagawa, Tokyo, has partnered with PTC Japan to launch a new product variation management tool called Pure Variants as of May 26th. This innovative tool aims to address the rapid increase in product variations and the complexity of specifications driven by the advancement of Software Defined Vehicles (SDVs). By leveraging years of expertise in automotive software development, Hitachi Solutions is set to enhance processes from improvement to implementation in the field, ensuring a streamlined workflow for teams working on SDVs.
The Challenge
The automotive industry is currently facing significant challenges. The rise of SDVs, which allow for updates and enhancements of vehicle functions through software, has led to a surge in product variations and the complexity of specifications. Traditional manual management methods have become inadequate, resulting in duplicated development efforts and human errors that negatively affect quality and increase workload. The introduction of Product Line Engineering (PLE) techniques – which systematically manage common and unique elements – is more crucial than ever as it provides an effective solution to these challenges.
About Pure Variants
Pure Variants is built on the principles of PLE, allowing for the systematic categorization of product configurations and variations into common elements and specific features for different vehicle models. This tool aims to prevent human errors, improve the reusability of development assets, and reduce overall development time through the automated generation of deliverables. Furthermore, its capability to integrate with other Application Lifecycle Management (ALM) tools, such as Codebeamer, supports the assurance of quality and efficiency throughout the entire development lifecycle, addressing the industry's needs in a comprehensive manner.
Key Features of Pure Variants
1. Error Prevention: By managing complex product configurations and variations through integration with various tools, Pure Variants significantly contributes to maintaining quality by reducing human errors.
2. Systematic Asset Management: The tool links vehicle models and specifications with product configurations, enhancing the reusability of development assets.
3. Automated Deliverable Generation: Deliverables are produced based on specific vehicle models and specifications, ensuring a decrease in workload and shorter development lead times.
Industry Context
Due to the increasing demand for SDVs and the diversification of customer needs in the global market, the number of specifications and options for each vehicle model is growing rapidly. As a result, the complexities involved in managing the specifications and constraints of derivative products have escalated. The traditional manual approach is no longer viable and is leading to errors, quality degradation, and increased development hours. Consequently, there is a rising interest in PLE, which allows for standardization and reuse of diverse development assets, including those related to automotive software.
International quality and safety standards, such as Automotive SPICE®, ISO 26262, and UN-R156, also necessitate the consistent management of specifications, deliverables, and change histories. In this context, the importance of configuration management tools has skyrocketed to ensure quality and traceability.
Commitment to Quality
Hitachi Solutions has long supported the field of automotive software development through compliance assistance with Automotive SPICE® and the integration of ALM tools like Codebeamer. The introduction of Pure Variants represents a substantial advancement in variant management and configuration management and supports customers' transition towards SDVs. This is an essential step towards creating a safer, more comfortable mobility society.
Endorsement from PTC Japan
Toshinobu Kamiya, the Executive Officer at PTC Japan, expressed his excitement about the collaboration with Hitachi Solutions to provide advanced variant management through Pure Variants to the Japanese market. He highlighted the importance of balancing development efficiency and quality amidst the diversification of vehicle models and specifications in the automotive industry. He believes that Pure Variants will serve as a central tool supporting PLE practices, effectively organizing the management of complex product variations while enhancing the speed and certainty of development. Kamiya is confident that together with Hitachi Solutions' proven track record in automotive development support, PTC can significantly aid customers in adapting to SDVs and contribute to the evolution of the mobility market in Japan.
Conclusion
Hitachi Solutions prides itself on creating solutions based on co-creation with customers by leveraging cutting-edge digital technologies. The launch of Pure Variants is aimed not only at addressing existing challenges but also at paving the way for a sustainable and secure future in mobility. For more details about Pure Variants, visit Hitachi Solutions.
Upcoming Events
- - Event Name: Mobility Technological Conference 2026 YOKOHAMA
Venue: Pacifico Yokohama, North, Booth N11
- - Event Name: Mobility Technological Conference 2026 NAGOYA
Venue: Aichi Sky EXPO (Aichi Prefectural International Exhibition Center), Booths D,E,F
Contact
For inquiries regarding our solutions, please visit the Hitachi Solutions Contact Page.
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Topics Consumer Products & Retail）
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