Relatics

Structure your as-built documentation

Pros

Relatics offers a lot of configuration options, allowing me to tailor it precisely to my needs. The detailed access controls let me decide who can edit which fields. It supports various file types like Office formats, PDF, XML, and HTML, among others. I can integrate Relatics with other apps using an API, and the app gets updated frequently.

Cons

We need to plan application updates meticulously since they also update the database structure, especially when there's a lot of data or the structure has been altered. A skilled administrator is essential because maintaining the product is somewhat intricate , there's a management studio, IIS setup, and packages that need importing.

Relatics linked the project and the organization. The Gotthard Base Tunnel project with Relatics

Pros

The high adaptability of Relatics enables a gradual development and expansion of the database. This means I can implement additional project areas step-by-step within the database model. It helps in accommodating specific project characteristics and information needs, which boosts user acceptance and overall project integration. Moreover, Relatics's flexibility lets me adjust to changing project requirements and conditions.

Cons

Any negative experiences and drawbacks have been noted by us through Relatics' efforts to ensure continuous development and improvement.

The flexibility gives the oportunities

Pros

One major benefit of using Relatics is that I can easily model and adapt it to fit our Systems Engineering processes rather than having to adjust our processes to fit the tool. I find the interface intuitive, and being web-based is a huge plus because it allows us to collaborate on the same project from different offices.

Cons

Getting the information from Relatics onto paper requires some manual work or investment in additional tools.

Relatics as a tool to control complex (infrastructural) projects

Pros

It's EASY to use and adapt to project-specific preferences. The knowledge base and support are included, making it even more accessible.

Cons

No complaints, just a bit of patience needed for employees who have never worked this way before.

Great software for structuring your information

Pros

This software is extremely versatile. When we bought it, we planned to use it mainly for Systems Engineering, but now we're expanding its use to include a document control system. We keep discovering more applications for it. Being web-based is also very handy for both internal and external collaboration.

Cons

This is not out-of-the-box software; you need to define the information formats and their relationships before using it. Its flexibility and versatility mean you must carefully plan the data structure before configuring it. Overall, once configured to your needs, the software is straightforward to use and offers powerful capabilities.

Relatics can link anything to everything

Pros

Relatics can adapt to any process or information flow and integrate with existing systems and data seamlessly. The setup and implementation process helps me understand how things work and how processes and information connect. It's web-based (cloud) and doesn't require a local installation, so I can use it on any web-enabled device, which is fantastic.

Cons

Like all software systems, implementation requires getting used to a specific way of working, thinking, and using new software. Once you adapt, the system is very powerful. Initially, getting people to use a new system might be challenging. While the user interface is quite comprehensible, some aspects might confuse first-time users. Most of these issues can be resolved during implementation and template setup. Depending on the settings, the licensing might be a bit expensive.

Platform to quickly create an information network of any kind

Pros

The software is quick to implement. After just a few hours, I can start building my information network. It's accessible from anywhere with an internet connection. Configuration is straightforward and doesn't require advanced programming skills. I can develop my own network of elements, relations, and properties to fit my company's or project's needs. We've successfully used Relatics for various project solutions in the construction sector, including issue management, requirements management, work breakdown structures, contract management, and change management.

Cons

The freedom and ease of modifying the information structure can also be seen as a risk. A solution in Relatics doesn't fix bad management. It's not really suited for managing process flows; it can be implemented but lacks smart notification options. It's not an option for document management; it can store documents but has no version history or file editing options, so new versions must be manually uploaded.

Relatics helps us to manage (project)information in a structured way.

Pros

Configuring it is EASY. With standard templates and layouts, I can set up a new project quickly and easily. Relatics works for both small and large projects. When configured correctly, accessing information is straightforward. It supports Systems Engineering and allows me to set fields and menu items to be editable or read-only based on user roles. It supports web services (both Relatics and external) and imports XML and XLS(X) files. I can configure my own exports (XML, HTML, Word, PDF, XLS(X)), and Relatics APIs are available for custom screen layouts. Their helpdesk is responsive, and they offer courses at every level. New developments, like tablet and smartphone use, are constantly being implemented. Layout adjustments are easy and instantly visible to end-users (which can also be a downside).

Cons

Because Relatics is so versatile, it can become cluttered for the administrator. End users need proper instruction since the working method differs from what they're used to. Layout adjustments are immediately visible to end users, which can also be an advantage. Adjusting the Relatics model after some time of use can be a lot of work. If you don't want to use the standard layout, creating your own can be time-consuming.

Use of Relatics Software in Engineering Projects

Pros

For Semmtech, the main advantage is that Relatics is built on semantic technology. This robust and flexible foundation allows me to model almost anything. Since we have clients across various sectors with diverse needs and challenges, this flexibility is essential for offering different applications while maintaining the same modeling strategy.

Cons

The only downside so far is that the software could expand its dedicated functionalities, like for calculations or data exchange. We believe Relatics will include more dedicated functionalities in the future now that the focus is on product life cycle management.

Smart Informationmanagement

Pros

Relatics has been exceptionally helpful for our organization. It's powerful and effective for all our information management needs.

Cons

The software is easy to understand and works intuitively. However, you'll need some technical knowledge to use Relatics to its fullest potential. Configuring Relatics inevitably requires time and tuning.