Anark Corporation

Based in Boulder, Colorado, Anark Corporation provides an intelligent information management (IIM) and visual collaboration software platform for complex manufacturing industries. Founded in 1994 by Stephen Collins and Scott Collins, the company evolved from a 3D web visualization developer into a provider of digital thread solutions. Co-founder Stephen Collins, an IT industry veteran with a background in 3D visualization and PLM solutions, guided this evolution. Co-founder Scott Collins brought his experience as a technical project leader for a meteorological instrument systems manufacturer, where he liaised with scientists at NOAA, NCAR, and NASA. In March 2022, Fred Waugh, a seasoned executive from PTC and Arena Solutions, was appointed CEO to lead the company's next growth phase, with Stephen Collins remaining on the Board of Directors.

Anark's primary market consists of large manufacturing enterprises in sectors like aerospace and defense, industrial, high-tech, and automotive. The company serves major clients including Boeing, General Electric, Lockheed Martin, Cisco, and the US Department of Defense. The business model is centered on its software platform that integrates with clients' existing Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), ERP, and CAD systems. This integration creates a connected 'digital thread,' enabling secure and efficient access to technical data across engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and service operations. The platform helps clients reduce costs associated with delays, scrap, and rework by improving collaboration with suppliers and internal teams.

The company's core offering is the Anark Platform, which automates the transformation of complex engineering and manufacturing data into more accessible formats. It creates role-specific Technical Data Packages (TDPs), 3D PDFs, and HTML5 web content from native CAD files and other data sources. This allows non-specialist users to view and interact with technical information without needing access to complex CAD or PLM software. Key features include the automation of publishing workflows, secure access controls, and tools for real-time visual collaboration, such as markups and comments on 3D models and documents. The platform supports compliance with standards like MIL-STD-31000B, crucial for its defense-sector clients.

Keywords: intelligent information management, digital thread, model-based enterprise, visual collaboration, technical data package, product lifecycle management, supply chain collaboration, manufacturing software, PLM integration, 3D PDF, engineering data management, aerospace and defense manufacturing, industrial manufacturing, Anark Core, data governance, work instructions, digital transformation, supplier data exchange, enterprise content management, secure collaboration