Product Life Cycle Management

| PLM Implementation

The Steps to PLM

Before implementing a PLM solution, there are some necessary steps to prepare your business. Here are a few examples of some guidelines to follow for a successful PLM implementation process.

Assemble a cross-functional team
Define and prioritize objectives from a business perspective
Develop timeline and set realistic goals
Identify solutions
Evaluate options
Select vendor
Develop roadmap
Conduct phased implementation

According to Machine Design, the seven steps to PLM are as follows:

Plan a strategy
Consolidate
Collaborate Internally
Automate change management
Automate Bill of Materials
Link engineering to its manufacturing data
Collaborate externally

In a blog post on WhichPLM.com, the Steps to Choosing a PLM Supplier are:

The organization should identify the business challenges and should keep focused on what it is that they want to achieve out of PLM before going ahead with a PLM project.
Locate the external PLM experts to help you on what is a mission critical project.
Complete the ROI (Return On Investment) and come up with a solid business case.
Develop an RFI (Refer For Information) linked to "specific" needs related to the ROI outcome and with a proven methodology for scoring each of the PLM suppliers.

PLM Consultant John Stark recommends the follow The Ten Step Approach to PLM. Learn more about the Stark Ten Steps

PLM Status Review, Data Gathering
Executive PLM Education and Awareness
Best Practice Positioning
PLM Concept Generation and Analysis
PLM Roadmap and Plan Generation
Business Benefits and Business Case Development
ROI Calculation
Management Report Preparation
Executive Presentation
Executive Decision Support

Sources:
Machine Design | www.machinedesign.com
Which PLM Blog | www.whichplm.com