Customer Successes

Sonova Improves Global Collaboration with PTC Windchill and Creo

Sonova develops and markets hearing healthcare solutions in two segments – hearing instruments and hearing implants – under different, clearly positioned brands. The core of the Sonova brand portfolio comprises the internationally renowned Phonak brand. Hearing healthcare solutions that meet the highest technological standards are sold under this brand. However, Phonak covers more than just hearing instruments: wireless communication systems for audiological applications and for use in the areas of tourism, studio recording and security are also available under this brand, as are hearing protection systems. In financial year 2009/10, the product range was expanded to include the Lyric brand. Lyric is the world’s first and only extended-wear hearing instrument, which is placed deep in the ear canal and is totally invisible.

Initiatives:

• Sonova’s requirements are to manage CAD data, and to improve collaboration between different departments and sites within the company, as well as collaboration with external suppliers.

Solutions:

• Working with Novita Engineering, an authorized Reseller, Sonova migrated their CAD database from Pro/INTRALINK to PTC Windchill PDMLink
• PTC Creo is efficiently used  for product design, tool manufacture, production equipment and to document processes.

Results:

• Improved collaboration between different locations in Switzerland (Stäfa and Murten), Canada, and USA.
• Streamlined internal product development processes from engineering to manufacturing.