Software PLM: the best solutions for managing your product lifecycle (PLM)
With the dazzling development of the Cloud, the rollout of Industry 4.0 and the arrival of new technologies such as the digital twin, the market for PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) solutions is currently experiencing strong growth. Valued at $21.71 billion worldwide in 2020, the PLM market is expected to reach $32.42 billion USD by 2026, recording growth of 6.92%. Discover all the information you need to seize this opportunity.
What is PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) and how do you use it?
A short history of PLM and product lifecycle management
The first product lifecycle management (PLM) solutions emerged in the 1980s in response to the growing complexity of product management for companies. Factors such as the globalization of markets, the growing complexity of the supply chain, the diversification of product ranges and increased competition made a more integrated approach necessary. In addition, PLM has helped to break down the barriers between information systems, which were previously operating in silos, with several applications for each department, such as R&D, marketing, production, maintenance, etc. Over time, PLM systems have evolved to become increasingly sophisticated, integrating, for example, data analysis, process improvement and monitoring functions, and real-time collaboration. They enable management of the entire product lifecycle, from initial design to withdrawal from the market.
Why use a PLM solution?
A PLM solution offers many advantages.
Firstly, it enables the centralization of all product-related data throughout the product lifecycle. This includes, for example, specifications, drawings, 3D models, costs, deadlines, regulations, suppliers, modifications and versions. Centralizing this data promotes collaboration between teams, sharing key information and avoiding loss, dispersion or duplication. Secondly, PLM platforms make it possible to decompartmentalize the design, production, marketing and support processes. The availability of information in real time, anywhere in the world, facilitates transparency and decision-making. The "silo" effect is avoided in favor of greater agility and greater customer and product knowledge. Employees are empowered by a global vision that is nonetheless clear and concise. What's more, a PLM solution enables the automation of certain business processes, particularly those linked to product development and management. For example, workflows, approvals, notifications and recurring tasks can all be automated to improve efficiency and productivity. Manual processes and the risk of human error are reduced. Finally, a PLM solution also enables complete traceability. Managers can track every stage, from initial design to market withdrawal. It also identifies existing elements that can be reused in future projects.
How does PLM work?
The process of using a PLM solution is generally divided into three stages: manage, collaborate and control.
The first step is to manage all the data relating to the product throughout its lifecycle. As we have seen, this includes the creation and management of specifications, technical documents, 3D/2D models, costs, deadlines, regulations and so on. The PLM solution enables these to be organized in a structured way and made accessible to all stakeholders. The second stage is collaboration, which involves the sharing and exchange of information between internal teams and external players. The solution facilitates collaboration by enabling different teams (design, engineering, production, marketing, etc.) to work in a transparent, coordinated way. The third stage is management, which encompasses supervision and control of the product development and management process, thanks to tracking, reporting and analysis functionalities that enable monitoring of key performance indicators, tracking of project progress, management of modifications, risk assessment and optimization of overall product performance.
How to choose the right PLM tool
Cloud and On-Premise benefits and features
Companies can choose between two options for hosting their product lifecycle management solution: Cloud and On-Premise.
The Cloud offers several advantages, such as remote accessibility, flexibility, scalability and ease of implementation. Cloud-based solutions enable companies to access PLM functionalities via the Internet, without the need for costly in-house infrastructures. What's more, software updates are managed by the supplier, so they automatically benefit from the latest features and enhancements. On the other hand, On-Premise refers to the installation of the PLM tool directly on the company's internal servers. This approach offers total control over infrastructure and data, as well as greater customization of the tool to suit the company's specific needs. However, On-Premise requires internal resources for software management and maintenance, as well as higher initial investments.
How to choose?
When choosing between the two solutions, there are several criteria to consider. The most important concerns the level of criticality of the data you will be entrusting to your PLM solution. If this data is subject to specific regulations, or if it is essential to guarantee a high level of confidentiality, then the On-Premise solution may be preferable. If you have few in-house resources, it may be wise to choose the Cloud, which will be easy for your teams to deploy, and will require little maintenance, including for updates.
PLM software: solutions for every challenge
1. 3DX from Dassault Systèmes
Dassault was one of the pioneers in the development of PLM solutions. The 3DEXperience platform is logically aimed at industry, and in particular the aerospace, defense and automotive sectors. It enables the lifecycle management of complex products involving hundreds or thousands of people. 3DX features include real-time collaboration, data management, simulation, analysis, planning and product traceability.
The strong point : a robust yet flexible architecture.
The weak point: its cost, which can reach several hundred euros per month per station.
Who's it for? Ambitious projects wishing to embrace Industry 4.0.
References: L'Occitane en Provence, Altaïr, Bouygues Construction...
2. Windchill from PTC (Parametric Technonology Corporation)
Windchill specializes in content and workflow management. This solution offers advanced functionalities such as data and change management, real-time collaboration, traceability and product visualization (2D and 3D), as it is currently widely used in the retail sector. Windchill enables teams to work in sync and optimize development processes.
The strong point : a platform natively designed to operate on a global scale.
The weak point: compatibility with other APIs.
Who's it for? First and foremost, retailers operating in different countries. It's a global platform that's perfectly suited to other activities.
References: Boses, Vaillant Group, Stanley Black & Decker, Victoria'S Secret...
3. Siemens PLM Teamcenter
The Teamcenter platform, developed by Siemens, is a complete PLM solution, ideal for managing the data and processes of IT companies. And it's versatile enough to be used beyond the IT sector. Intuitive, it enables product data management, collaboration, planning... in real time and anywhere in the world. Its visualization system makes it a powerful decision-making tool for management and executives.
The strong point : its compatibility and integration with other APIs, and its availability on different OSes.
The weak point: a 100% Cloud design, which can be an advantage but also has its drawbacks for some companies.
Who's it for? Companies in the IT and service sectors.
References: Emerson Climate Technologies Incorporated, Credence Management Solutions, Softpath System...
4. Macaw
Aras is one of the market leaders in PLM solutions, as the list of its references proves. Its low-code platform stands out for its great flexibility and ability to integrate with third-party applications. It can be adapted to the processes and issues specific to each company and department. This highly customizable solution is supported by a community and forums.
Our strong point: rapid deployment within teams.
The weak point: strong in-house technical skills are essential to exploit the platform's full potential.
Who's Aras for? Aras is primarily aimed at companies in the industrial sector. In particular, it offers a digital twin solution.
References: Airbus, General Motors, Carlisle, Microsoft, Motorola...
5. Centric PLM
Finally, Centric PLM is a platform specifically designed for the retail sector. It offers advanced functionalities accessible, for example, to designers who can manage products by collection. It can also be used to visualize product and supplier data, as well as sourcing data, all of which can be used to monitor costs in real time, a particularly useful feature in these times.
The strong point: its specialization in the retail sector and the introduction of predictive AI.
The weak point : third-party application integration.
Who's it for? Mainly retailers with international development plans.
References: Kering, Carhatt, Louis Vuitton, Asics...