Product Lifecycle Management Software (PLM)

Product lifecycle management software (PLM) is used to manage the entire life cycle of a product, or just the product's development, operation, and maintenance. There are two basic types of applications: PLM and PDM. Full product lifecycle management (PLM) software is used to manage the entire lifecycle of a product. By contrast, product data management (PDM) software is used to manage the product’s development, operation, and maintenance. Specialty product lifecycle management software (PLM) is also available.

Both PLM software and PDM software are used to complement manufacturing support applications such as lean manufacturing software, process manufacturing software, lean process manufacturing software, and process improvement software. Product lifecycle management software (PLM) is also used in conjunction with value stream mapping software (VSM), value stream analysis software, and integrated value stream mapping and value stream analysis modules. Product lifecycle management software (PLM) for lean manufacturing provides numerous benefits.

Selecting product lifecycle management software (PLM) requires an analysis of product capabilities. Full PLM applications provide personnel with access to product data from conception to support. Proper data management ensures completeness and accuracy while storing information in distributed, enterprise-wide applications across multiple departments. Product lifecycle management software (PLM) software also enables users to access product information and data in timely manner.

Product lifecycle management software (PLM) enables organizations to streamline, control and disseminate data through a document management system (DMS). Integrated document management modules and content management modules permit the centralization, accessibility, and production of published materials. Product lifecycle management software (PLM) may also produce statistical information that results in the manufacture and distribution of safer, more effective products.

Some product lifecycle management software (PLM) is used to manage product conditions through a series of strategic initiatives that might include the addition of new features to a product, studies on changes in product use, quality assurance auditing, and new production technology implementations. PLM software is also designed to provide statistical analysis on areas such as work breakdown structures, revision control, and product development and testing. This gives managers better control over scope and resources. In addition, product lifecycle management software (PLM) provides a digital representation of information to give companies the ability to manage and maintain business processes necessary to track through the critical chain of product development and deployment.

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