Sometimes innovation depends on connecting the dots. A collaboration between Siemens PLM Software and Invention Machine, a maker of innovation software, will provide such a connection for progressive manufacturers looking to strengthen their innovation process. Invention Machine, which is a member of the Siemens Solution Partner Program, announced the availability of its Goldfire Innovator with Connector to Teamcenter software to provide access to the data stored within the Siemens PLM Software applications. With this connection, Teamcenter Enterprise users can integrate engineering documents and reports, as well as leverage Goldfire Innovator's technology, according to a statement from the two companies. Teamcenter is a suite of product lifecycle management applications that provide technologies such as 3D visualization, collaboration, supplier management, and collaborative product data management. Invention Machine's software uses semantic technology to translate ideas into commercial products by generating and validating the right ideas and identifying and mitigating the risks from product development so that users can deliver quality products consistently. The automatic retrieval of relevant information and design concepts will enable engineers to accelerate product development and time-to-value, the companies said. The Connector allows "Invention Machine's innovation technology to tap into the Teamcenter product lifecycle repository at the very front end of the product development process ... enabling organizations to leverage the knowledge that already exists in their product families," said Chris Kelley, vice president of partner and platform marketing at Siemens PLM Software, in the statement.