This PLM Purchasing Guide was created with the intention of providing managers with a decision-making aid if they want to introduce a PLM system in their company. The following steps should therefore be seen as a tool for knowledge-based decision-making. Knowledge-based decision making is a methodology that consists of a combination of collaboration, consultation and empirical evidence. It is used to facilitate the evaluation of complex decisions.
Prerequisites
Project Manager:
The project manager is responsible for collecting all relevant information and should support the decision-making process in an advisory capacity. He is the central point of contact for all PLMs under consideration and can be the internal link for various departments. Their role does not have to be the main decision maker.
Key performance indicators:
Define KPIs for your PLM. It is important to work out and prioritize the KPIs before you start your search for a PLM system.
Think sustainably:
PLM solutions are always a part of the company culture, so it is important to think about a long-term partnership rather than a quick fix. Keep in mind that implementing a PLM solution does not just mean installing an application. Rather, it is about an efficient solution. Therefore, the search for the right PLM system should follow a holistic approach, focusing on infrastructure, technical support, and/or account management.
The time factor:
Finding the right solution and therefore the best “tool” for the company is no easy task. A sufficient time window is a must in order to comprehensively prepare the project, identify the key players or processes and adapt them for your own organization.
7 steps to success
- What are the benefits and functions of a PLM solution?
It is always important to know the software solution in its full breadth and depth. Even if the answer is all-encompassing and there are areas in the software that are not relevant to the company at this time, a complete understanding of the solution will allow a decisive advantage in future projects or company positioning.
► What to look out for: The PLM system should be able to track projects, monitor them (reporting tools), provide communication tools and be user-friendly.
- What to look out for: The PLM system should be able to track projects, monitor them (reporting tools), provide communication tools and be user-friendly.
► What to look for: PLM solutions that have the ability to use workflows and customize them to your business.
- How can the new solution support existing multi-CAD environments?
A PLM solution that is to cover the entire company in the future must support the existing infrastructure. This means that investments that have already been made are not lost.
► What you should look out for: The PLM system should be able to integrate existing CAD solutions or make them compatible through upgrades.
- How long should the implementation take?
The most challenging part of implementing a new PLM system is the time it takes to get it up and running. If this is not controlled, there is a chance that resources will be wasted or other processes will come to a standstill. Without a precise timeline for the implementation, the efficiency target cannot be achieved and additional costs are incurred.
► What to look out for: Solution providers of PLM systems that present a concrete plan that is tailored to your own company.
- How can the new system adapt to growth?
The PLM solution should scale with growing requirements but also help to generate growth. It is part of the company's ongoing development and not just a follower.
► What you should look out for: The PLM system should be as flexible as possible in its structure in order to be able to react quickly to growing requirements in the company.
- How can the proposed PLM system be integrated into the existing processes?
Most PLM systems available on the market are generically designed to support all types of companies, from machinery to aircraft manufacturing. For one's own company, it is important to choose a system that is tailored specifically to the company and not suitable for all other companies.
► What to pay attention to: A fully customized solution is often better than different variants of a system.
- How does the PLM system support collaboration along the supply chain?
The most efficient PLM system takes into account that the company may operate internationally and vertically across several supply levels.
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What you should look out for: The decision should fall on the PLM system that can map multiple organizations, users and products along the supply chain.
Literature:
Produktlebenszyklus-Management: Ein Leitfaden für Produktentwicklung und Life Cycle Management
The PLM Compendium: Product Lifecycle Management Reference Book
