Pioneering Indian electric scooters by using value-based tokens licensing to reduce the cost of advanced tools

Managing increasing product complexity

As a startup in the electric mobility revolution, Lectrix Technologies (Lectrix) faced unique challenges in this rapidly growing and highly competitive industry. The shift toward electric vehicles (EVs) is not only about providing transportation but about enhancing the user experience. This evolution introduces complexities that differ significantly from traditional automotive development, particularly in integrating mechanical, electrical, electronic and software components.

As a green mobility company, Lectrix expanded its portfolio into electric two-wheelers, aiming to make EVs more accessible across market segments.

However, this rapid growth presented challenges. The company had to navigate increasing product complexity while ensuring efficiency and cost reductions. Recognizing the need for a scalable platform, Lectrix sought a solution that would support their ongoing growth and innovation without the need for frequent system changes. As the company expanded, so did the complexity of their product development processes. Managing an increasing variety of products created new challenges in handling data, processes, systems and organizational structures, which led to higher costs. At the same time, competitive pressures demanded faster product development cycles. Lectrix needed to rethink their approach to product development to handle growing data complexity and accelerate their time-to-market.

To address these challenges, Lectrix has integrated Siemens Digital Industries Software’s NX™ Design software, Capital™ Essentials software and Teamcenter® X software into its operations. Additionally, Lectrix partnered with Thinkinnov Solution Technologies, a Siemens solution provider with extensive expertise in the EV and automotive sectors.

“By implementing Siemens’ integrated ECAD and MCAD design environment along with the cloud-based PLM capabilities of Teamcenter X, we’ve established a solid foundation that will propel EV technology to the next level,” says Kislay Pankaj, cofounder and chief executive officer (CEO), Lectrix Technologies.

Manual processes create bottlenecks

Before implementing a more integrated solution, Lectrix relied on manual processes to manage critical product data, including bill-of-materials (BOMs), 3D computer-aided design (CAD) models, 2D CAD drawings and technical specifications. These documents were stored locally and tracked manually with spreadsheets, emails and paper versions. This approach led to inefficiencies in data retrieval, version control and status tracking, resulting in delays, rework and extended product delivery cycles.

“Our previous methods were inefficient,” explains Abhishek Sen, the company’s lead for process excellence and digitization. “We spent more time finding data than actually designing. Managing spreadsheets and hard copies were labor-intensive, and we faced traceability and version control issues. The lack of transparency in our processes compounded these problems, resulting in slower time-to-market and an increase in rework.”

Additionally, communication and collaboration across teams were less effective than they could have been. Manual hand-offs of information often led to errors, placing additional strain on quality checks and further extending the new product delivery cycle.

Integrating MCAD, ECAD and PLM

To overcome these challenges, Lectrix recognized the need for a unified platform that could integrate mechanical and electrical computer-aided design (MCAD and ECAD) systems with a robust product lifecycle management (PLM) solution. Finding the right partners for this integration was crucial to ensuring success.

Lectrix adopted an agile approach to product development, which set them apart from traditional automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) burdened by legacy information technology (IT) systems and data silos. In the rapidly evolving electromobility market, innovation and speed are critical. The company needed tools that
would enable them to achieve engineering excellence and accelerate their development process.

By adopting the Siemens tools and having Thinkinnov integrate them, Lectrix was able to create a cohesive ecosystem that enhanced efficiency and collaboration within the company.

Transforming design and collaboration

Lectrix adopted Teamcenter X as their PLM platform. This cloud-based solution provided robust data governance and traceability, with out-of-the-box functionality that enabled engineers to quickly realize value with standardized processes. Using Teamcenter X allowed secure, consistent data sharing across disciplines, geographies, divisions and external partners, making sure all teams worked from a single source of truth.

The integration of Teamcenter X with NX, Solid Edge® software and Capital Essentials empowered the company’s design and engineering teams to create, analyze and share designs more effectively. Using NX and Solid Edge provided advanced CAD modeling capabilities while using Capital Essentials addressed the complexities of designing electrical schematics and harnesses. Integrating these tools with Teamcenter fostered a concurrent design environment that streamlined the organization, improving tracking and reuse of design data. This approach helped Lectrix meet cost and schedule targets while improving overall engineering efficiency.

NX, Capital, Teamcenter and Solid Edge are part of the Siemens Xcelerator business platform of software, hardware and services.

By using Siemens solutions to centralize data management, the company established a unified PLM platform that significantly improved collaboration across teams. CAD data from NX, Solid Edge and Capital Essentials was managed in the same system. This made managing product data, technical drawings and process knowledge more efficient and secure. Lectrix gained better control over version validity, access rights and other critical aspects of product management.

“Using Teamcenter X has simplified the configuration, scaling and security of our processes, greatly enhancing collaboration across teams,” says Lavesh Pandit, head of mechanical engineering. “Our design engineers transitioned from spreadsheets, emails and paper-based methods to fully digital workflows. This shift has accelerated decision-making, design and validation and ultimately allowed us to launch new vehicle models more quickly.”

The move to a digital workflow enabled Lectrix to establish 3D model and standard parts libraries and a material database. This centralized platform provided stakeholders with consistent access to the product’s digital version throughout its lifecycle, minimizing redundancy and confusion. Cross-functional teamwork improved, while business processes ran in parallel more efficiently, driving overall organizational productivity.

As Lectrix moves forward, it anticipates significant growth and looks forward to working with Siemens and Thinkinnov as key business partners in driving its digital transformation.

Driving continuous improvement and future growth

Lectrix is regularly refining its processes to enhance research and development (R&D) efficiency, define project roles and establish delivery schedules and approval workflows. The flexibility of Teamcenter allows the engineering team to adapt standardized processes as needed, supporting ongoing improvement. Also, by opting for NX value-based tokens licensing instead of purchasing a perpetual 3D CAD software license or subscription, Lectrix has significantly reduced costs for advanced tools and gained access to Solid Edge alongside NX.

“Using Teamcenter X and value-based token licensing for NX and Solid Edge has enabled Lectrix to unlock the full potential of advanced design tools while optimizing costs and improving team collaboration,” says Abhishek Sen, the company’s lead for digitalization.

With a unified PLM and CAD system, Lectrix has achieved standardization, streamlined design coordination and improved knowledge sharing. Using Teamcenter X has improved BOM management, significantly cutting inefficiencies and delays, resulting in higher quality, efficiency and accuracy. Product delivery accuracy has increased so the company is well positioned for its ongoing transformation in the EV industry. Additionally, operational IT infrastructure expenses have been reduced, improving the predictability of operational costs.

“Siemens stands out as a remarkable supporter of startups, offering top-class software solutions that are commercially viable,” says Pankaj. “Their continuous support empowers new ventures to thrive, fostering innovation and growth in an evolving marketplace.”