The business landscape, irrespective of industry, has reached a point in its evolution where digital technologies and advancements are driving business change and improvements in ways never experienced before. This shift, or digital transformation, involves everything from automating manual processes to creating entirely new internal and external customer experiences.
Electric Boat is no exception. Our efforts to modernize technologies and processes through our digital transformation started 15 years ago—well ahead of industry counterparts. Today, Electric Boat is the defense industry leader in digital transformation.
I’m proud to announce the rebranding of the Integrated Product Development Environment (IPDE) to Digital Enterprise. This is more than a name change; it symbolizes a pivotal stage in Electric Boat’s digital strategy, as we direct focus towards improving planning tools, deckplate implementation of digital tools and processes and adoption of new manufacturing technologies to increase production velocity for the Virginia and Columbia programs.
Digital transformation can be seen through:
- Implementation of the Siemens Toolset throughout the enterprise for use of a 3D Model and Technical Data Package
- Digital transfer of design data from Electric Boat’s tools and system for ingestion by our partners into their system for use with their digital tools
- Wi-Fi rollout at our shipyard
- Use of tablets and digital execution tools by deckplate employees
- Network-connected weld machines monitoring arc time and providing welder metrics
- Manufacturing technology projects including a portable robotic welding cell and portable robotic systems for hull inserts
The rebranding reflects Electric Boat’s commitment to innovation, strengthens our competitive posture for future work and aligns our internal vernacular with industry vernacular.
What to look for as part of the rebranding efforts:
- Deckplate Assistance Real Time Support (DARTS) team mobilization in the Groton shipyard and Quonset Point facility
- Podcast-Innovation Spotlight-Digital Enterprise (posted September 18)
- Innovation Video
- Digital Enterprise TIE Talk
- Digital Enterprise articles in the WIB and BWIB publications and emails
- New Digital Enterprise logo
You all are at the forefront of our digital transformation and have a direct hand in its success. Your efforts will shape the way future generations design, build and sustain submarines. Our ability to drive innovation throughout our enterprise is essential to our success and our ability to support our nation’s security demands.
We thank you for your renewed commitment to Electric Boat’s Digital Enterprise.
Matthew Olander
Vice President of Design and Engineering
