1. To what extent am I required to share part data or IP on the platform?
You have full control over the level of data or IP you choose to share. The platform supports five levels of data sharing:
| # | Name | Description | Visibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Part metadata | This is the data that all users on the platform will see when they click on a part | All organisations with access to the part |
| 2 | Preview/media files | The image of the part which all users will see on the platform | |
| 3 | Attachment files | Files which any user can access. Typically may include technical details of the part not found in the metadata, but should NOT contain any 3D models or any other data that you consider to be confidential intellectual property | |
| 4 | IP Vault | Contains 3D models, technical drawings, .stp files etc. Only made accessible by a Manufacturer when they receive an RFQ for the part, or a subsequent Order. The Manufacturer will be able to download the files from the IP Vault during an RFQ or Order. | Manufacturers when part is on RFQ/Order |
| 5 | Development files | These files will only ever be accessible by users in your own organisation. Typically they contain material developed during the design of the part, e.g. 3D scans, end-user questionnaires, etc. | Only your organisation |
2. How are digital files shared with manufacturers through the platform?
When a Manufacturer is added to an RFQ for a part, the digital files stored in the IP vault for that part are made available to the manufacturer. The manufacturer will then be able to download those files in order to calculate their quote
3. How can I promote my digital parts to potential buyers or partners?
By publishing them on the fieldnode marketplace and ensuring that you have selected the right categorisation, added suitable keywords to aid search, and attached suitable supporting documents if applicable. Using a “.glb” file for the media file is also highly recommended as this is an interactive 3D image which users can rotate, inspect, and engage with in high fidelity to better understand the part's spatial geometry before procurement
4. Do I have control over which manufacturers are allowed to produce my digital parts?
Yes. As the IP owner, you have full control over which manufacturers are authorized to produce your parts and be made eligible for ordering by your end customers. This ensures your parts are only produced within trusted and approved supply chains
5. Can I manage versioning of my parts within the platform?
Yes. The platform includes versioning functionality that allows you to create new versions of a part based on an existing one, with the option to transfer selected data. This helps you manage updates while maintaining traceability and control
6. To what extent does the platform help me ensure compliance with the required industry standards?
Fieldnode Digital Inventory supports compliance through multiple features. These include harmonized and automated documentation templates aligned with industry standards, and a digitized audit process built on commonly accepted requirements. Together, these tools help streamline quality assurance and regulatory alignment
7. Is integration with my PLM or ERP systems supported? To what extent?