Blog | The role of PLM in product development and production of serial products
We often do things the way we do because we are used to do so. With new software and technology developments such as Product Lifecycle Management, we often think: "WOW! Expensive, difficult, no time, all’s still going well, do we have to, we surely have no issues with product development, haven’t we?". As a valued Autodesk partner in engineering and manufacturing, Cadac Group specialists have guided many companies to leave the “WOW!, expensive,..” etc. behind and look ahead: What do you see as the future for your organization? In this process, we offer a lot of valuable knowledge and experience about process centric thinking, ways of working and implementing the right processes to overcome specific challenges. And of course, we also supply software when needed.
PLM-roundtable
“Processes” are the supporting element of Product Lifecycle Management. In an upcoming roundtable, on September 27, we will focus on companies with serial products/production. We do this with participants of management level and the aim is to exchange knowledge, to 'elicit' discussions, to stimulate, so that participants can expand (strategic) knowledge for the development of their own organization. This is a small-scale event and you can register via the button below.
Why Product Lifecycle Management?
In the world of serial product development, efficiency is of crucial importance. Companies strive to deliver high-quality products within tight deadlines, while at the same time keeping costs low and shortening their Time To Market. A powerful tool that can help with this is Product Lifecycle Management (PLM). PLM is an integrated approach that covers the full lifecycle of a product, from concept to end-of-life. It provides a streamlined approach to managing, sharing and optimizing information, leading to significant improvements in product development for serialized products. Don't be blinded by that "whole lifecycle". Starting on a small scale is often a good approach: first prove the “value” and then expand the commitment to the rest of the processes or organization.
Centralized collaboration and process management
PLM is your central hub in which all relevant data and documentation for specific processes, from different departments such as engineering, production, purchasing and marketing, are collected and managed. This prevents information fragmentation and guarantees that all parties involved have access to the most up-to-date data. This seamless collaboration between teams minimizes miscommunication and reduces repetitive work. The result is a streamlined workflow and a shorter lead time for product development and control over the process afterwards. Think carefully about where it brings the most value to your organization and start there.
Efficiency in design and prototyping
PLM software provides tools to support the design and prototyping process. This optimizes information flow and can minimize the number of physical prototypes and redesigns, reducing development costs and time. In addition, PLM makes it possible to quickly evaluate and compare different design variants, increasing the potential for innovation. Feedback from production and service is implemented consistently, with everyone in the company having a complete picture of the changes required.
Lifecycle management
Serial products have a limited lifespan on the market. With PLM, companies can manage the entire product lifecycle, including updates, enhancements, and retirement. This enables companies to proactively plan for product renewal and obsolescence, benefiting both customer satisfaction and business performance.
PLM summarized
Product Lifecycle Management provides an integrated approach to optimizing product development for serialized products. By promoting centralized management, team collaboration, design and prototyping efficiency, and lifecycle management, companies can gain competitive edge, save costs, and deliver high-quality products within tight deadlines. In a world where speed and quality are vital, PLM can be an indispensable tool for successful serial product development.
More information
Join Cadac Group's roundtable to share your insights with like-minded people. Or build on them. And let our specialists inspire you! Interested in or want to know more about PLM? Don't hesitate to contact us.
