Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) software is designed to manage every aspect of a product’s lifecycle from ideation to retirement.
PLM solutions can eliminate inefficiencies, improve collaboration and accelerate time-to-market, but how do you select the right one for your organization?
Key features of PLM software include centralized product data management, workflow automation, version control, collaboration tools and compliance management.
PLM differs from ERP (enterprise resource planning) and PDM (product data management) in that PLM provides a holistic approach to managing a product's entire lifecycle, integrating PDM functionalities and connecting with ERP systems.
The benefits of investing in PLM software include streamlined product development, enhanced collaboration, improved data accuracy, accelerated time-to-market, improved product quality and cost savings.
The key features to prioritize when selecting a PLM solution include centralized product data management, integration with existing systems, scalability, a user-friendly interface, compliance management and analytics and reporting.
Popular PLM software solutions that cater to different industries, strengths, and pricing include Siemens Teamcenter, PTC Windchill, Autodesk Fusion Lifecycle, Oracle Agile PLM, and Aras Innovator.
Steps to select the right PLM solution include assessing your needs, involving stakeholders, evaluating vendors, considering total cost of ownership, testing the system and planning implementation.
Investing in the right PLM software means enabling teams to work smarter, innovate faster, and deliver better products. With the right system in place, you’ll unlock new efficiencies, improve collaboration, and stay ahead of your competition.