Is PLM a Dirty Word?

The other day I met a lady who is in charge of a new PLM selection activity at her company. She told me they are not calling it PLM this time; they are calling it Product Innovation Initiative, or something like that. She said they had tried PLM at least 4 times before and it never worked. Now, if they use the name PLM no one will take it seriously; PLM is a dirty word.

Is PLM a dirty word in your company? Have you tried to implement some kind of PLM technology, only to fail time after time? With a sound approach to PLM you can avoid the problems that prevent your company from realizing the many benefits of PLM. The following ideas will assure PLM success:

PLM education for everyone 

Start with the executives. Educate them so they know the basic premise of PLM, and the value. Then, get the rest of the people on the bus with education that helps them understand how PLM will help them with their jobs. No one can ever do too much education!

Do a cost benefits analysis

This allows you to understand where your business is today so that you can compare the results after PLM. This also provides an excellent tool to convince management to invest in PLM. Without these numbers, no one will have any ideas of what benefits can be expected from PLM, and how they compare to your initial status. This will also result in metrics that can be used to measure future PLM activities.

Use a proven, repeatable methodology for PLM selection

When it comes to a PLM selection methodology, most people just wing-it; or they use a methodology provided by their favorite vendor; or, they use a methodology from a VAR with a bunch of people looking for implementation work. None of these is the optimal way to evaluate PLM. You need a methodology from a trusted neutral partner that can help you through all the challenges of PLM selection. If you cannot find such a partner, take a look here!

Adequate implementation planning 

Often, once the PLM solution is seceted, the roll-out happens with little planning. Many aspects of PLM are affected by the implementation steps. The best solution selection activity can be derailed by a poorly planned implementation. Without proper planning you might forget some important items: data migration, user acceptance testing, pilot testing, timely education, cultural change management and other items. These items can cause PLM to fail, and give users a negative perception of PLM.

By following these steps you will have a greater chance of success with PLM. Don't just take my word for it. There are many examples of companies today that are enjoying the benefits of a successful PLM implementation; why not join that club.

How has PLM been accepted in your company? Let me know, and perhaps share your success!

Cheers,

- Jim

Attend the CIMdata Simulation & Anlaysis Workshop

It use to be that CAD models, and simulation results were separated into discrete departments. Simulation was an after-thought when something broke, or it didn't work properly. Analysis results were often thrown back over the wall to CAD designers, and the level of collaboration between these two disciplines was very low.

Well, that was then, this is now! Today, model-based systems engineering principles are being applied early in the design process to develop better virtual prototypes with better results that produce better products. This is not just about new technology, this represents a change in philosophy that companies must embrace to be successful.

At the CIMdata Simulation & Analysis Workshop (see the video), these and other topics that are important to the PLM industry will be addressed. This two-day event co-sponsered by CIMdata and NAFEMS will provide a wide array of topics and networking opportunities:

Day 1: Tuesday, May 1 - CIMdata Simulation & Analysis Workshop
Day 2: Wednesday, May 2 - NAFEMS' Simulation Data Management Symposium

Both days will be held at the GE Learning Center in Evandale Ohio (Near Cincinnati). The sessions will provide an energetic forum for leading practitioners to learn and share their experiences to help move the simulation community forward.

Get signed up today so that you will be on the cutting edge of simulation knowledge.

How are you using simulation in your company? Do you think you could be more efficient and successful? Let us know what you are doing, and share your success stories!

- Jim