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Teamcenter User Migration: From Rich Client to Active Workspace

VouDuo - October 12, 2024


In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, businesses require efficient, flexible, and user-friendly tools to stay competitive. For companies using Siemens’ Teamcenter, the decision to continue using the Rich Client or transition to Active Workspace is increasingly relevant. If your organization is still relying on the traditional Rich Client, it’s time to consider the advantages of switching to the Active Workspace Client (AWC). Below are the top reasons why making this move can significantly benefit your business.


1. A Modern, User-Centric Experience

Active Workspace is built with the modern user in mind. Its intuitive interface and streamlined design make navigating the complexities of Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems easier for users at all levels. Unlike the Rich Client, which can feel overwhelming due to densely packed menus and toolbars, Active Workspace offers:

  • A clean, web-based interface.
  • Fewer clicks to complete tasks.
  • Better support for touchscreens and mobile devices.

This modern interface reduces the learning curve for new users and enhances productivity, creating a better overall user experience.


2. Web-Based Access for Greater Flexibility

One of the biggest advantages of Active Workspace over the Rich Client is its web-based accessibility. As AWC is browser-based, it offers several benefits:

  • No need for local installations: Users can access Teamcenter from any device with an internet connection.
  • Cross-platform compatibility: It works across various operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux), providing more flexibility for diverse environments.
  • Easy to scale: Hosted on a web server, adding new users or scaling access across global locations becomes much simpler.

This flexibility makes AWC ideal for businesses with remote workers, global teams, or those adopting hybrid work models.


3. Enhanced Collaboration

Active Workspace is designed to improve collaboration between teams, regardless of location. Its web-based nature allows users to access real-time data, review projects, and collaborate seamlessly. This leads to faster decision-making and more efficient workflows, especially for multi-disciplinary teams.

While the Rich Client is robust, it can be more siloed and harder to integrate with modern collaborative tools. Active Workspace, however, integrates smoothly with Teamcenter’s collaboration features, including dashboards and data-sharing tools, fostering smoother and more transparent teamwork.


4. Better Performance and Scalability

Rich Client can be resource-intensive, requiring powerful machines to run efficiently. In contrast, Active Workspace has been optimized for better performance, even on lower-end devices, since the heavy lifting is handled on the server side. As your company grows, AWC scales easily to handle larger data loads and more users without compromising performance.

By reducing the need for high-end hardware and providing faster access to critical information, Active Workspace allows for better resource allocation and helps control IT costs.


5. Future-Proofing Your Business

Siemens is heavily investing in the future of Teamcenter through Active Workspace, with continuous updates and innovations. By switching to Active Workspace, your business will benefit from:

  • Ongoing innovation: New features and enhancements are typically released for Active Workspace first.
  • Improved security: AWC aligns with modern security standards, helping to protect sensitive data and intellectual property.
  • Long-term support: Siemens is focusing more development efforts on AWC, ensuring it remains the client of choice for future advancements.

While the Rich Client remains supported, it may become outdated over time as AWC continues to evolve. By migrating to AWC now, you ensure your PLM environment stays current and adaptable to your business's future needs.


6. Mobile and Remote Access Capabilities

With an increasingly mobile workforce, Active Workspace’s remote accessibility is a key advantage. Unlike the Rich Client, which often requires users to be on a corporate network or use VPN access, AWC provides secure access from anywhere—even from tablets or smartphones. This enables engineers, managers, and stakeholders to collaborate and access critical project data on the go, improving responsiveness and productivity.


7. Customizable Workflows and Dashboards

Active Workspace offers customization options that enhance how users interact with their work. Companies can tailor workflows and dashboards to specific business needs, ensuring employees have quick access to relevant data, reports, and tasks. This reduces complexity and ensures users only see what’s important to them, improving overall efficiency.

The Rich Client is less flexible in this regard, making it harder to adapt to individual or departmental needs without significant IT intervention.


8. Improved Data Visualization and Analytics

AWC comes with built-in tools for data visualization and analytics that surpass what is available in the Rich Client. Users can leverage advanced 3D viewing, real-time analytics, and visual dashboards to make faster, more informed decisions. This is particularly useful in industries like aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing, where real-time insights are crucial for maintaining a competitive advantage.


Conclusion: The Right Move for Modern Business

Switching from Teamcenter Rich Client to Active Workspace is not just about adopting a new interface—it’s about future-proofing your business, improving collaboration, and empowering your team to work more efficiently. Active Workspace provides the flexibility, performance, and modern features that today’s businesses need to remain competitive in a fast-paced digital world.

If your company is ready to make the switch or if you’d like more information about the transition process, our Teamcenter experts are here to help. Reach out for a consultation and take the first step toward a more efficient and collaborative PLM experience!