If you want to build something that lasts, you need a strong foundation. The same rule applies to building a business. For manufacturers, this means creating a holistic process from the jump that can track every product throughout its lifecycle — from the first inklings of design to how it will eventually be retired. This process is commonly referred to as product lifecycle management (PLM), and it’s a cornerstone of data management for the manufacturing field.
During a product’s lifecycle, multiple changes happen as it goes from design, to production, to marketing. If there’s not a PLM system in place, then there’s no way to record these updates and team members are left in the dark. Ultimately, cohesiveness is lost and data is misrepresented.
In essence, PLM is a solution for collaboration. With one database for every new detail added or comment made, every stakeholder for a given project will have insight into each product’s stage of development. It will even show all the work that’s been put into each product, creating a clear record from start to finish.
Read this guide to learn about the benefits of PLM for manufacturers and how manufacturers can use PLM software to reach their goals.