Has product lifecycle management (PLM) software become mission critical? Has it joined the ranks of such software solutions as enterprise resource planning (ERP), supply chain management (SCM) or customer relationship management (CRM)?
Answer: PLM is leading as a strategic imperative, say industry analysts.
The evidence: While ERP, SCM and CRM tackle operational efficiency, PLM's product focus offers revenue-enhancement advantages, says senior analyst Dick Slansky, ARC Advisory Group, Dedham, Mass. For PLM leader UGS Corp., the goal is to digitally transform the lifecycle factors involved in the conception, design, manufacture, service and improvement of the product offering. UGS has set a vision of closing gaps in product lifecycle management while optimizing enterprise resources. Adopting PLM is all about profitable growth and out-innovating your competitors, says Anthony J. Affuso, chairman, CEO and president, UGS.
To further that strategic value, UGS, in June, released Teamcenter 2005, an update of its entire portfolio of digital lifecycle management solutions. UGS calls the June release the world's first comprehensive software portfolio to integrate idea management and requirements planning with comprehensive digital product development, digital manufacturing and digital lifecycle management process.
The revision focuses on three initiatives that UGS deems critical to revenue and profit growth from new and existing product lines:
- New product development,
- Global product development,
- Regulatory compliance.
Anthony J. Affuso, chairman, CEO and president, UGS Corp.
How important? By industry estimates, manufacturing engineering uses more than 100 times more data than design engineering. With full visibility of the process, everyone reacts to change better, makes the right decisions earlier and contributes to building products faster and more cost effectively, says UGS.
