PLM

PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) explained simply

Think of PLM as a personal coach for your product – from the very first idea to disposal. It ensures that everyone involved in design, production, sales and service is kept informed – all within a single, shared information platform. In this way, PLM ensures that no important details are lost and that every change, every file and every decision remains transparent and traceable throughout the company.

Background information

PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) is a strategic, integrated approach to managing the entire lifecycle of a product – from the concept phase through design, development and manufacturing to sales, maintenance and finally disposal or recycling. People, data, processes and IT systems are linked in order to create a seamless information framework.

At the heart of a PLM system lies the goal of shortening development times, reducing costs and increasing product quality. By centrally storing all relevant product data – such as CAD data, bills of materials, design changes and service feedback – a “single source of truth” is created for the entire product portfolio. Modern PLM solutions also enable collaboration across disciplines and locations, connect design, manufacturing and service teams and can be seamlessly embedded into ERP, SCM or MES landscapes.

PLM components: data model, CAD integration, bills of materials & change management

The foundation of a modern PLM system is a consistent data model that structures all product information and makes it centrally available. This model serves as the “single source of truth” in which all relevant information – from CAD drawings and technical specifications to service reports – is stored and linked.

A key role here is played by the integration of CAD systems. Designers work in their familiar 2D or 3D environments, while the PLM system automatically documents versions, dependencies and changes. This prevents multiple versions of a drawing from circulating in parallel or important adjustments from being lost.

Bills of materials (BOM) are also indispensable. They connect design data with actual manufacturing, list components, materials and variants and ensure that production and purchasing always access up-to-date data. Efficient change management (ECM, Engineering Change Management) also ensures that every product change – whether from development, manufacturing or service – is transparently documented, reviewed and approved. This way, the product definition remains consistent, traceable and revision-proof at all times.

PLM and IIoT/Digital Twin: real-time data, digital twins and IoT integration

With increasing networking in Industry 4.0, PLM is gaining a new dimension: integration with IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things) and digital twins. While PLM has traditionally managed more static data from design and development, IoT sensors provide real-time information on the actual use and condition of a product. This data can flow directly back into the PLM system and be used there for improvements, service plans or new developments.

A central concept here is the digital twin: a virtual copy of the real product that combines both design data (from the PLM system) and live data (from IoT platforms). For example, it is possible to simulate how a component behaves under certain loads – and at the same time check whether actual measurements show deviations.

The coupling of PLM and IIoT not only enables companies to carry out more precise product development, but also opens up new business models, such as predictive maintenance or “product-as-a-service”. As a result, PLM evolves from a mere documentation tool into an active management instrument that accompanies and continuously optimises products throughout their entire lifecycle.

Further information and links

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