• What is PLM?
• Function of PLM
• Benefits of PLM
• PLM ROI
• Operational Benefits
• Who Uses PLM?
• Why PLM?
• Do You Need PLM?
• PLM vs. PDM
• Elements of PLM
• PLM Models
• PLM Solutions
• PLM Selection
• PLM Implementation
• PLM Cost
• Implementation Process
• PLM Best Practices
• PLM Resources
• PLM Terminology
• Standards & Compliance
• PLM White Papers
• PLM Blogs & Websites

Product Life Cycle Management

| Elements of PLM

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PLM Models

There are many different models of PLM, as a result of the various interpretations of PLM elements and fundamental design, which tend to be specific to each provider. CIMdata's PLM model emphasizes the technology, management, and process components of a PLM solution, highlighting the components of PLM as the following:

• Foundation technologies and standards
  (XML, visualization, collaboration, enterprise application integration, etc.)
• Information authoring and analysis tools
  (mechanical design, electronics design, software engineering, technical publishing, finite element analysis, etc.)
• Core functions
  (data vaults, document and content management, workflow, product structuring, program management, etc.)
• Functional applications
  (configuration management, engineering change control, etc.)
• Business solutions
  (new product introduction, supply chain collaboration, etc.)

The figure below is a visual representation of CIMdata's model of these PLM elements. The bottom represents the technology foundation components, integral to a PLM solution, that are used to construct the core functions that rest just above them. The core functions are then used to build applications, which enable business solutions to be built that incorporate best practices, methods, and processes tuned to meet enterprise requirements.

Source:  CIMdata

Another example of the PLM model, provided by the PLM Technology Guide, shows the core technology of a PLM system, (located on the bottom) and some of the many solutions that can rest on the basic technology. The orange line outlines Product Data Management (PDM), which is typically used for basic CAD file and Data Management.

Source:  PLM Technology Guide

In this diagram, provided by Machine Design, the enterprise "360 degree" PLM system is depicted as a central data repository, tying together departments in an enterprise to drive product development and allowing for collaboration over the network.

Source:  Machine Design

The model below, provided by AMR/Gartner is a simplified map of the individual applications that PLM comprises and shows how they touch other major enterprise systems.

Source:  AMR/Gartner

The PLM Consulting firm Kalypso offers this diagram illustrating the components of a comprehensive PLM solution for the semiconductor industry.

Source:   Kalypso