OpenText File 360 - Centric Integration and Automation

Common Integration Use Cases Between OpenText File 360 and Centric

OpenText File 360 and Centric complement each other well in organizations that manage product development assets, controlled documents, and cross-functional collaboration. Centric supports product lifecycle management for design-driven industries, while OpenText File 360 provides secure, governed file sharing and synchronization for internal and external stakeholders. Integrating the two platforms helps teams move product-related files and approvals securely across departments, suppliers, and partners without losing control, traceability, or version integrity.

1. Secure sharing of design and product development files with external suppliers

Data flow: Centric to OpenText File 360

Product teams can publish approved design files, technical packs, and development documents from Centric into OpenText File 360 for controlled sharing with manufacturers, agencies, and suppliers. This avoids sending files through email or consumer file-sharing tools and ensures external parties access only the latest approved content.

• Reduces risk of outdated artwork or specifications being used in production
• Maintains access controls and audit trails for external collaboration
• Improves supplier response times during sampling and quoting cycles

2. Controlled return of supplier feedback and revised files into PLM workflows

Data flow: OpenText File 360 to Centric

Suppliers can upload revised artwork, sample feedback, compliance documents, or technical corrections into OpenText File 360, which then routes the files back into Centric for review and approval. This creates a structured intake process for external contributions while preserving version control and accountability.

• Speeds up review cycles for packaging, labeling, and component changes
• Ensures supplier submissions are captured in a governed repository
• Supports formal approval workflows before changes are released

3. Centralized management of product launch documentation

Data flow: Bi-directional

Centric can serve as the system of record for product development data, while OpenText File 360 can distribute launch-ready documents such as line sheets, product briefs, and compliance packs to regional teams, sales, and channel partners. Updates from Centric can trigger refreshed file sets in OpenText File 360 to keep downstream teams aligned.

• Improves consistency of launch materials across markets
• Reduces manual rework when product details change late in the cycle
• Supports faster go-to-market execution with controlled document distribution

4. Secure collaboration on regulated product documentation

Data flow: Centric to OpenText File 360

For industries with strict regulatory requirements, Centric can store product specifications, test reports, and compliance-related records, while OpenText File 360 provides secure sharing for auditors, certifiers, and legal reviewers. This is useful when sensitive documents must be shared outside the core PLM environment but still require governance.

• Supports audit readiness and regulatory submissions
• Limits exposure of confidential product data to authorized users only
• Creates a traceable record of document access and distribution

5. Version-controlled artwork and packaging approval process

Data flow: Bi-directional

Design teams can manage packaging artwork, labels, and dielines in Centric, then share approved versions through OpenText File 360 with marketing, legal, and print vendors. Comments, corrections, and final sign-offs can be returned through OpenText File 360 and linked back to the relevant item in Centric.

• Reduces errors caused by multiple file copies and email threads
• Improves coordination between creative, compliance, and production teams
• Helps ensure packaging content matches approved product data

6. Controlled access to product development assets for remote and distributed teams

Data flow: Centric to OpenText File 360

Organizations with global design, sourcing, and merchandising teams can use Centric to manage product data and OpenText File 360 to provide secure access to supporting files such as sketches, mood boards, prototypes, and meeting materials. This is especially valuable when teams need offline synchronization or secure access outside the corporate network.

• Enables productive collaboration across time zones and locations
• Improves access to current assets without compromising governance
• Supports hybrid work models for product development teams

7. Archiving and controlled retention of finalized product records

Data flow: Centric to OpenText File 360

Once a product reaches launch or end-of-life, final approved documents from Centric can be transferred to OpenText File 360 for long-term retention, controlled access, and secure retrieval. This creates a practical archive for historical product files, supplier agreements, and launch documentation.

• Supports retention policies and internal governance requirements
• Makes historical product records easier to locate and share securely
• Reduces clutter in active PLM workflows while preserving traceability

8. Cross-functional review of product changes and exception handling

Data flow: Bi-directional

When a product change requires review from multiple stakeholders, Centric can manage the change record while OpenText File 360 distributes supporting documents, redlines, and exception approvals to business users outside the core PLM team. Responses and approved documents can then be synchronized back into Centric to complete the change history.

• Improves governance for late-stage product changes
• Speeds up decision-making across design, sourcing, quality, and compliance
• Creates a complete record of approvals and supporting evidence