Building Rockets: Aerospace Team Graz

Aerospace Team Graz is an interdisciplinary team comprising members from multiple universities in Graz. The organization's primary mission is to develop rockets for international competitions, such as the European Rocketry Challenge (EuRoC). Additionally, they engage in testing and building various propulsion systems and small-scale satellites. Research and development of project components is performed predominantly in-house. In this case study, we'll delve into how Aerospace Team Graz has leveraged PartsBox, a user-friendly component management software, to enhance their rocket development endeavors and achieve remarkable efficiency gains.

Current Projects and Initiatives

Aerospace Team Graz is currently immersed in their ambitious rocket project for EuRoC 2023, named Halcyon. This rocket venture involves a complex web of approximately thirty printed circuit boards (PCBs) responsible for sensor sampling, data processing, and process control. To simplify their work, the team initiated an inventory system using PartsBox. This system ensures that the right components are readily accessible for assembly and repairs, helping with their rocket development process.

Why PartsBox?

Aerospace Team Graz opted for PartsBox for several compelling reasons. The online nature of the system aligns perfectly with the needs of a dispersed workforce. Team members can access the platform with their laptops, and it is user-friendly after a brief introduction. Moreover, the web-based platform enables remote work, allowing team members to order parts, check stock availability, and perform other tasks from outside the premises.

Benefits

Saving space, time, and money: by introducing PartsBox, Aerospace Team Graz has achieved substantial savings in terms of space, time, and financial resources. The software's inventory management capabilities enable precise component location, reducing the time wasted searching for items. Additionally, it facilitates cost savings by enabling the team to order only the parts that are no longer in stock, eliminating the purchasing of redundant components.

Efficient BOM Management: One of the standout features of PartsBox is its efficient handling of Bills of Materials (BOMs). The software simplifies the import of BOMs and streamlines the process of exporting orders to suppliers such as DigiKey and Mouser. This functionality not only enhances the organization's workflow but also results in significant time savings.

Real-World Application

Aerospace Team Graz relies on PartsBox for every PCB assembly. They begin by checking the stock to see what's available, order the necessary components, and then use PartsBox to efficiently locate and retrieve all the required parts for the assembly process.

Most Loved Aspects of the Platform

PartsBox helps ensure that components are stored where they should be, rather than in random, hard-to-find locations. The software brings order to the chaos of electronic components, making it easier to locate and retrieve the required parts swiftly.

User Interface and Overall Experience

While there may be a minor learning curve during initial use, the team finds the user interface and overall experience of PartsBox to be intuitive and user-friendly. The software's simplicity streamlines their operations and allows them to focus on the core tasks.

Key Features and Tools

The team particularly appreciates the software's ability to import BOMs and export orders to various suppliers to secure the best prices. This feature has proven to be a significant time-saver in their daily operations.

Future Plans and Continuous Improvement

Aerospace Team Graz intends to further integrate the inventory system into all their upcoming projects. Their goal is to establish a standardized process for all members, ensuring that efficient component management becomes a cornerstone of their rocket development endeavors.

The case of Aerospace Team Graz underscores the positive impact that user-friendly software solutions like PartsBox can have on complex engineering projects, emphasizing the importance of organization, efficiency, and precise component management in rocket development.