A) Product definition side i.e. the information needed to define and describe a product

B) Product realization side i.e. the actual realization of the definition

 

In companies designing, developing and producing products these two sides are not interconnected. Both sides are managed through separate processes with separate IT systems and dedicated organizational units. In most cases the product definition is owned by product development organization and to some extent managed with the support of a PLM system, while the product realization is owned by production unit and managed with the support of an ERP system. In a way it could be argued that the current PLM systems should rather be called Product definition lifecycle management systems.

 

How to broaden the PLM view then? There is no question that there wouldn’t be demand for broader PLM system support in companies trying to manage their products. My suggestion based on experience of the product lifecycle management bottlenecks in businesses in general, is that all businesses should first of all create a comprehensive PLM concept and deepen their understanding and definitions of what kind of processes and products do they have, what kind of lifecycles do the products have etc.

Surely the solution is not even larger IT system suites than already exist today. Companies are stuck with their one size fits all business system suite implementations.

 

To have a holistic view over of a large range of products and product lifecycles does not require any new IT systems. The basic requirement is to have a product lifecycle management concept with all relevant definitions in it. It is a foundation for successful product lifecycle management. The operative management work can be done utilizing the functionality of current PLM systems better and integrating the Product definition and product realization sides better through information models, information content and product management methodology.

 

Antti Saaksvuori is well known management consultant operating in the field of PLM. He has been helping dozens of companies in various branches of industry to develop their business through the possibilities brought by strategical and well structured product lifecycle management. Currently Mr. Saaksvuori is a partner in Talent Partners Ltd. (Finland based management Consulting company.)

 

For contact information and more on the subject – check: www.plm-info.com