CONTACT Software Unveils Elements Release

The new version of CONTACT Software's PLM and IoT platform provides a foundation for AI in development, manufacturing, and service. 

In the new release of its open low-code platform Elements, CONTACT Software embeds the intelligence layer Fourier AI system-wide.

Integrating AI into the Product Lifecycle

With Fourier AI, the new Elements release provides a scalable infrastructure that enables companies to implement individual AI use cases. It is designed for engineering tasks and integrated into development, production, and service processes.

Fourier AI understands the context of data in CONTACT Elements and delivers results. To achieve this, an orchestrator combines AI models with domain-specific ones developed by CONTACT—for example, AI models that help engineers to find similar 3D geometries.

Fourier AI was developed according to the “Security by Design” principle and ensures full data sovereignty. Data remains stored locally at the customer, while AI operations run anonymously in a GDPR-compliant cloud. The role and rights concept ensures that the AI only provides information that is authorized for the respective users.

Implementing Changes Faster
CONTACT has redesigned its Engineering Change Management and will keep expanding it with new releases. Product optimization needs can be recorded directly in the system as problem reports. This creates a feedback channel that transitions into the change management process.

The approval and implementation of an engineering change are now separated, allowing complex changes to be planned and executed more flexibly. Change orders can be divided into smaller work packages, processed in parallel by different teams, and released in stages. 

Assigning Project-Specific Substitutes
In Project Office, substitutes can now be appointed for each project member. They receive the same project-specific rights and full access to the relevant tasks. 

Other new features simplify working with Office and PDF documents. Via the new Microsoft 365 Link, OneDrive files can be created directly as documents in CONTACT Elements and vice versa. With the new Advanced PDF Viewer, users have access to extensive PDF viewing and annotation options.

Traceability in Manufacturing
Production or quality managers can comprehensively track the history of every product and batch: from the production steps completed and materials used to the employees involved and process parameters recorded, such as machine data.

Solving Problems Faster
Companies can now manage service contracts with customers centrally in CONTACT Elements for IoT. When a customer opens a ticket, the service team has quick access to all existing service agreements as well as the available service budget. In addition, users see directly where services have been provided that exceed the scope of the contract and need to be billed separately.

When coordinating service assignments, service managers benefit from usability improvements in the Service Planner. Staff deployments can be intuitively extended and shortened via drag-and-drop, and the system supports scheduling by suggesting suitable time slots.

CONTACT Elements 2026.2 is available for customers and partners to download.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.