Product Lifecycle Management sustainably changes Development Processes
Digitalisation is fundamentally changing product development: increasing complexity, shortened development cycles and stricter regulatory requirements characterise everyday industrial life. In this dynamic environment, product lifecycle management (PLM) is establishing itself as a central element of efficient development processes. The integrated management approach covers the entire lifecycle of a product – from the initial concept, through development and production, to maintenance and end-of-life. The integration of all relevant processes, methods and IT systems into a comprehensive management system creates the basis for sustainable innovation and competitiveness.
Digital Integration Creates Added Value
The importance of a PLM system is particularly evident in the development of complex products. Hundreds of assemblies and variants require systematic management – and this is precisely where product lifecycle management comes in. The system acts as a central platform for all product-related information and ensures that it is managed consistently.
- The advantages quickly become apparent: globally distributed development teams benefit from efficient cross-location collaboration.
- The digitalisation of the value chain requires powerful tools for data collection and analysis.
- Integration with IoT platforms and ERP systems creates data-based competitive advantages.
All of this is particularly evident in the increasing individualisation: the systematic management of product variants and customer-specific requirements is becoming a decisive success factor. The scarcity of resources and rising material costs also require efficient management of available resources, which is optimally supported by PLM systems.
Successful Implementation Requires Strategy
The introduction of a product lifecycle management system is a complex transformation project. Successful implementations take several months up to a year. A dedicated project team under the direction of an experienced PLM manager ensures the strategic direction. The integration of various business units proves to be essential. The product development as the main user actively participates in the design of the system, while quality managers ensure compliance requirements are met. Supply chain and supplier management optimise their communication, while documentation and compliance teams quickly benefit from improved processes.
The investment pays for itself through multiple factors: shorter development cycles accelerate market launch, optimised processes reduce production costs. And improved resource utilisation and material reuse promote sustainability. Systematic data management also minimises the risk of errors and simplifies regulatory compliance. PLM reaches its full potential in combination with ERP systems. ERP controls operational processes, whilst product lifecycle management drives digital innovation in product development. This symbiosis forms the foundation for future-proof digitalisation.
Clear communication and continuous employee involvement are crucial to ensuring implementation success. Targeted training and change management measures guarantee sustainable system use throughout. With product complexity and intensified market requirements, PLM is becoming an indispensable tool for modern development processes. The systematic integration of all product-relevant data creates the basis for efficient development cycles and sustainable innovations.
Consistent linking with other IT systems creates continuous information flows that enable data-based decision-making and sustainably strengthen competitiveness.
Source: ‘MM Maschinenmarkt 2024’
Photo: OMGAi