What is Product Lifecycle Management (PLM)?
Manufacturing companies need to deal with complex development processes, complex workflow systems and complex product data in an increasingly competitive world. In these pandemic times, product development teams are geographically dispersed and working across the globe. For example, the manufacturer may be in U.S, but the CAD design team or the engineering team might be working from India. Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) is an integrated, information-driven approach to aligning corporate strategy with product development / commercialization.The PLM concept emerged in response to the need for better management of engineering processes and improved workflows.The PLM ecosystem comprises of processes/practices, and technology that serves to integrate information across all phases of a product’s lifecycle and its environment including product ideation, design, manufacturing, distribution, support, and retirement from use. From being mooted as a concept in the early 90’s, PLM software like Windchill from PTC has today become an integral part of the manufacturing process.In India and other manufacturing hubs across the globe, PLM systems are becoming increasingly popular as they improve communication and collaboration between internal departments, as well as external suppliers and partners. In essence, PLM provides a holistic approach to managing complete product information - from pre launch and even after the end of its lifecycle.
IoT and PLM
Knowledge is power. And what better way for the manufacturing sector to harness knowledge gained in developing their own products in order to give them a competitive edge?This is the age of Industry 4.0, which comprises of concepts like artificial intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Big Data, Internet of things (IoT) and Industrial IoT (IIoT). While IoT refers to various devices talking to each other, the IIoT refers to various machines that transmit sensor data (collectively called as Big Data) to a central server for data insights using an appropriate end-to-end technology platform like ThingWorx. Like PLM, the Internet of Things (IoT) and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) is gaining traction in India.
In the context of PLM, knowledge is equal to data. Thanks to IIoT, a copious amount of Big Data is available for the PLM software to process. Using the right software and technology platform, it is possible to gain product related insights from this data. Using proper analysis techniques, it is possible for product developers to get a clear idea of the shortcomings and the plus points of a product. This data analysis is also an extremely valuable tool in the subsequent iteration of the product. Take the very simple case of an automobile model. Suppose the feedback of actual users of the model states that the size of the steering feels a little unwieldy.If this data is documented properly, it can be helpful in improving the user experience not only of the subsequent version of that particular model, but of all the models the automobile company develops in the future. It is always important to remember that data equals knowledge. The more data you have at your disposal, the better position you’ll be in to make good decisions and take advantage of new opportunities. Good data will also give you the justification and evidence you need to back up these decisions so that you can feel confident explaining your reasoning to the higher management. Without properly organized data, you are much more likely to make mistakes and reach incorrect conclusions.
Product Data Management (PDM)
Critical to the success of PLM is management of product data. Let us face it – a successful company is defined by the products it makes. A successful product is an asset for the organization, and since it is defined by product data, it is important for the organization to protect and preserve this data. Indeed, a company’s product data represents its collective know-how and should be used as profitably as possible. Well preserved data empowers organizations to make informed decisions, and troubleshoot in case there are any modifications needed to the product. It is a strategic resource, and has to be available, not only as and when needed, but by whosoever in the organization needs it, throughout the product lifecycle.As more and more future-looking companies turn to IIoT, it is possible to generate a huge volume and variety of product data during its lifecycle. This product data doesn’t look after itself. If it’s not looked after properly, then, like anything that’s not organized and maintained, it will deteriorate. Over time, it may be lost.The term product data includes all data related both to a product and to the processes that are used to conceptualize it, design it, engineer it, produce it, to support it and finally dispose it. With increasing product complexity, multi-disciplinary product engineering processes and teams that are located across the world, it is a real challenge to organize product data. A Product Data Management (PDM) system comes handy in this situation. A PDM system is a very specific type of PLM application whose primary purpose is to organize and manage product data. It is a vital part of the better class of PLM software (like PTC Windchill PDMLink, as an example) since it can manage the entire product data created and used throughout the product lifecycle. A good PDM system gets product data under control, and consequently keeps the product lifecycle under control.
PDM modules provide support in the complex environment of PLM, to the many activities of the lifecycle - from concept design to sign-off. It also enables the sharing of data between multiple users, the tracking of engineering change orders, the management of design alternatives, and the control of product configurations. They are also useful in keeping track of product versions, manage all the CAD data related to the product, and make available this engineering documentation to all related departments. In other words, PDM software provides an electronic vault for product data, as well as mechanisms to protect, index and access it.
Product Data Management (PDM) applications are one of the most important elements of a PLM solution. If you are searching for a complete PLM software solution, it will be worthwhile to consider one that offers PDM, either as an integrated solution or as a separate module.