(PRWEB) May 12, 2006 -- Collaborative Product Development Associates (CPDA), a provider of critical analyses for PLM decisions, is pleased to announce that Dr. Jeffrey K. Liker, Professor of Industrial and Operations Engineering at the University of Michigan and John L. Givens Jr., Director of Engineering Math Processes at GM Powertrain will make keynote presentations at PLM Road Map™ 2006.

Dr. Liker’s presentation, A Road Map for Lean Transformation, reflects decades of experience in transforming American industry and transplanting Japanese manufacturing methods in aligning people, process, and technology. Liker’s presentation will offer a road map outlining ways for lean product development organizations to be successful. He will offer advice that is both applicable and actionable.

John Givens’ presentation, Mainstream CAE: Integrating Math Processes at GM Powertrain, will review how GM Powertrain has taken CAE out of its traditional support role as a forensic tool by driving it into the mainstream engineering process. Givens will show how GM Powertrain is approaching the next generation of evolution towards integrating math processes into an all inclusive environment supporting CAE, business processes, and cultural change management.

Now in its 13th year, PLM Road Map™ 2006 is a strategic conference focused on the critical tradeoffs that shape product development. PLM Road Map™ 2006 offers attendees the opportunity to explore first hand the progress, opportunities, and roadblocks leading-edge end users are confronting.

More information about PLM Road Map™ 2006 may be found at www.cpd-associates.com.

About Dr. Jeffrey K. Liker:
Dr. Jeffrey K. Liker is Professor of Industrial and Operations Engineering at the University of Michigan. Dr. Liker has authored or co-authored over 70 articles and book chapters and seven books. He is author of the best-seller, The Toyota Way: 14 Management Principles from the World’s Greatest Manufacturer, McGraw Hill, 2004, which speaks to the underlying philosophy and principles that drive Toyota's quality and efficiency-obsessed culture. The Toyota Way Fieldbook, (with David Meier) McGraw Hill, 2005 (2005 Shingo Prize winner), shows how companies can learn from the Toyota Way principles. He is also the Editor of Becoming Lean: Experiences of U.S. Manufacturers, Productivity Press, 1997, (1998 Shingo Prize Winner). Other books by Dr. Liker include Engineered in Japan, Oxford University Press, 1995; Concurrent Engineering Effectiveness: Integrating product development across organizations, Hanser-Gardner, 1997, and Remade in America: Transplanting and Transforming Japanese Manufacturing Methods, Oxford University Press, 1999. Most recently he co-authored The Toyota Product Development System: Integrating People, Process, and Technology, Productivity Press 2006, with James Morgan.

About John L. Givens:
John L. Givens Jr. is GM Powertrain's Director of Engineering Math Processes (EMP). The Engineering Math Processes organization has the responsibility to integrate GM Powertrain's Computer Aided environment. "Math" encompasses the optimal integration of CAD, KBE, CAE, CACal or Computer Aided Calibration, CAControls or Computer Aided Controls, PDM, Dimensional Engineering, DFSS, Digital Prototyping, Virtual Design Reviews, the Design - Release Process, and the Road to Lab to Math. Historically, these disciplines have evolved independently. The EMP organization drives to integrate these disciplines to improve Powertrain Engineering processes for higher quality first time capable designs, reduced usage of experimental material, and reduced reliance on physical testing. The programs cut costs, improve quality, and accelerate design time to market.

About CPDA:
Collaborative Product Development Associates (CPDA) is a provider of critical analyses for PLM decisions. CPDA offers the latest in-depth, objective information for assessing technology and business goals. Coordinated by a group of experienced analysts, its cohesive suite of collaborative research programs leverages the efforts of top software designers and leading-edge users. CPDA's differentiation is its specific, deep, and pragmatic approach to the market, and a hands-on understanding of the technology required to drive successful implementations. CPDA’s collaborative research programs include Design Creation and Validation, Design/Simulation Council, PLM-Integration/Product Definition, and Product Value Management.

Contact:
Cheryl Peck
800-573-4756