Introduction
The term ‘Product Lifecycle Management’ or ‘PLM’ is often used to refer solely to a PLM system or software. In this article we explore the correct definition of ‘Product Lifecycle Management’ as an approach and strategy for managing products, and what this means in real-world application.
Defining ‘Product Lifecycle Management’
Our Definition
Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) refers to the approach to managing the evolving data of products throughout their lifecycle – from ideation, design, and development through manufacturing, delivery, maintenance, and eventual obsolescence.
PLM encompasses the policies, strategies, and implementation needed to support stakeholders with processes and systems to ensure effective collaboration across every stage of the product lifecycle.
High-Level Breakdown of PLM
An effective PLM approach considers many facets of product development and management, including:
Product Lifecycle Definition and Phase Processes
- Concept and Ideation
- Design and Development
- Manufacturing Planning and Execution
- Procurement and Supply Chain
- Production and Assembly
- Sales and Distribution
- Support, Service and Maintenance
- Obsolescence and Disposal, or Rebirth
Product Governing Processes
- Configuration Management:
- Requirements Management
- Configuration Identification and Classification
- Configuration Structures and Relationships: Product Structures, Bill of Materials
- Items and Dataset Management
- Change and Release Management
Including, but not limited to:- Engineering Change
- Manufacturing Change
- Customer Feedback
- Other forms of change initiation
- Quality Assurance
Examples including:- First-Off Inspection
- 8D
- Regulatory Compliance
- Supply Chain Management
- Lifecycle Gate Review
(Determining when a product has reached a new phase of its lifecycle).
Product Stakeholders
Enabling and supporting all relevant product teams – design, engineering, manufacturing, sales and marketing, additional internal, and external partners for effective collaboration across the product lifecycle.
- Stakeholder Identification
- Accountability and Ownership
- Awareness, Knowledge Sharing, and Training
- Provision of operating standards, guides, and templates.
- Feedback and Continuous Improvement
PLM Team
Maintaining and coordinating the PLM team, potentially consisting of both internal employees and external partners, necessary to implement, manage and support the PLM implementation – culture, processes, software and systems, and data.
Software and Systems
- Authoring Applications: The provision and management of authoring applications, such as Computer-Aided Design (CAD), Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE), Computer-Aided Manufacture (CAM)
- PLM System Infrastructure: An effective PLM approach considers the provision and infrastructure of all systems, such as Product Data Management (PDM), Product Lifecycle Management (PLM); with effective integration to downstream systems such as Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Material Requirements Planning (MRP), Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES); and integration to data analytics and consolidation systems, such as Business intelligence (BI), and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT).
Product Data Management
Managing product-related data, including metadata, native and neutral files and records to ensure quality, traceability, accessibility, and reliability throughout the product’s lifecycle.
- Creating and maintaining the Digital Thread – the evolving data which flows through the product lifecycle.
- Creating and maintaining Digital Twins – digital representations of each product which drives the physical manufacture, delivery, and maintenance of the product. “Digital drives Physical”.
PLM Data Management
A successful PLM strategy will also include non-product data which must be coordinated and managed. Examples include: Organisational information such as structure, departments, teams, responsibilities, IT information such as user accounts, servers, license information for softwares and systems, PLM contractor & vendor…etc.
What is PLM in Reality?
Product Lifecycle Management is a high-level business strategy for managing products; as a strategy it must be driven and supported top-down by Senior Management. This strategy directs a PLM Program, which is typically overseen by dedicated individual or team. The program contains multiple inter-related projects.
Answers the: WHY
Short Description: Explains the importance and purpose of PLM.
Long Description: The overarching framework that manages the entire lifecycle of a product, from concept to disposal/obsolescence. It integrates people, processes, systems, and data, across the organisation to optimise product development and support.
Answers the: WHAT
Short Description: Defines the rules and governance structure for PLM.
Long Description: A set of formal principles or guidelines governing PLM practices with the organisation. These policies ensure compliance with standards, align processes with organisational goals, and provide governance for product data and workflows.
Answers the: HOW, WHY
Short Description: Outlines how PLM will be implemented to achieve its purpose.
Long Description: A long-term, actional plan that outlines how PLM will be implemented and sustained to achieve business objectives; such as, reducing time-to-market, improving product quality, and enabling further product innovation and development.
Answers the: HOW
Short Description: Provides detailed standardised workflows of PLM related operations.
Long Description: A structured set of activities guiding how a product moves through its lifecycle. This includes cross-functional workflows, iterative improvements, and specific sub-processes like Change Management, New Product Introduction (NPI), BOM Management, and Quality Management.
Answers the: WHEN, WHERE
Short Description: Coordinates projects over time and defines the scope of implementation across departments.
Long Description: A coordinated set of initiatives and projects that collectively achieve the objectives of the PLM strategy. It often involves phased implementation, training, software deployment, and process refinement.
Answers the: WHAT
Short Description: Focuses on specific, time-bound deliverables within the program.
Long Description: Specific and time-bound effort within the PLM program that delivers tangible outcomes. Examples include migrating legacy data to a new PLM system, implementing a change management workflow, or integrating PLM with ERP systems.
Other uses for the term ‘PLM’
Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) is a multi-faceted concept that can be understood as a system, a process, a team, and a job, depending on the context in which it is used. Here’s why it takes on these different forms:
PLM as a system refers to the software solutions that manage the entire lifecycle of a product from initial concept through design, manufacturing, service, and disposal. These systems provide tools for collaboration, data management, and integration across various stages of product development and use.
PLM as a process encompasses the methodologies and practices that guide the creation, development, management, and disposal of a product. This includes defining workflows, setting standards, and ensuring that each stage of the product lifecycle is efficiently and effectively managed.
PLM as a team involves the group of professionals responsible for overseeing and implementing PLM strategies within an organization. This team often includes roles such as PLM managers, engineers, designers, IT specialists, and other stakeholders who collaborate to ensure the product lifecycle is managed cohesively.
PLM as a job pertains to specific roles dedicated to PLM activities, such as a PLM manager or PLM coordinator. These professionals are responsible for administering PLM systems, improving processes, and ensuring that the organization leverages PLM practices to achieve its product-related goals.
Summary
PLM is used in so many ways because it encompasses a broad range of activities and objectives essential to the successful management of a product throughout its life. It integrates technology, people, and processes, requiring a comprehensive approach to ensure that products meet market demands, comply with regulations, and achieve business objectives efficiently. This versatility and scope are why PLM is referenced in multiple contexts within organisations.
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