An Overview of Product Lifecycle Management

The organized and methodical collection of policies and technology that help companies manage product data is referred to as a PLM system architecture. Using clear governing structures and procedures, the product life cycle becomes a complex organization system that links relevant processes through multiple sources for the most accurate information needed in decision-making. Unlocking the full potential of company data and products is the ultimate goal of a PLM system.

3 Key Categories

PLM architecture has three general categories. These are the core systems, the PLM applications, and the business intelligence platforms. The core systems are used to enrich and consolidate the data created by the PLM applications, which usually involve simulations, 3-D modeling, discipline-specific parameters. Presented the data and extracting insight is the work of the business intelligence platforms. Knowing these categories helps structure and group the prime components of a PLM program. Because of the unique operating structures within each business or firm, the PLM is customized according to the business model and landscape of the company. In other words, a company that only provides software products will not need to utilize the manufacturing management components into their core system.

Modern Uses

The PLM applications are known as authoring applications, creating the bulk of the data defining the products of the company. In the first industrial applications, they housed the mechanical parts, but now the products have become more complex. With the design of products now including components like sensors, software, and electrification, the PLM applications have been adapted to include computed aided design, finite element analysis, and computer aided manufacturing.

Effective Operational Direction

The core systems in a PLM application consolidate the product information important to keeping a company competitive. It collects and syncs key information and data across the operations and presents to multiple access levels for informative and strategic decision-making. Because enterprise data is spread out across many systems, streamlining and direct access in one location makes a PLM architecture critical to company success.