The benefits of PLM in the cloud

man drawing on whiteboard

A necessity businesses require when producing their product is for the process to be as streamlined as possible.

The ability to achieve a single source of data which includes design, source, produce and distribution of products is becoming an essential process within enterprises. This is where Product Life Cycle Management steps in to take control of the process to make their collaborative work as efficient as possible.

SO, WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF PRODUCT LIFECYCLE MANAGEMENT?

1. Reduced Compliance Risks

One of the major benefits of PLM is the ability to manage a single version of the truth for all product data. The main advantage here is the savings in cost. The expense of product recalls, legal fees, and lost productivity if problems with compliance do occur will negatively impact business.

2. Improved Product Quality

Manufacturers are able to implement all the processes and procedures necessary to maintain both product quality and customer satisfaction. PLM makes it easy to manage and control all the details that affect overall product quality.

3. Reduced Time to Market

Product development can be completed more quickly as data is controlled better. Transferring design data to production can be accelerated with design teams being able to work faster. By cutting down time spent on product development, a shorter time to market will be achieved giving businesses a competitive edge.

4. Revenue Growth will Accelerate

PLM is now offering businesses a huge benefit with ROI improving. Nearly all businesses aim for a better ROI and there are only two ways to achieve this- revenue growth and cost reductions. In comparison to ERP, PLM systems are able to manage cost control and cost reductions whilst supporting revenue growth.

Implementing PLM within existing systems

For engineering and design companies, a major necessity is to ensure the new software works well with CAD tools already installed and integrate to other business systems.

A PLM vendor should also implement the software and not simply provide it. By doing so, this will allow for a more streamlined adoption of PLM.

When looking for a PLM supplier, choose a company that is willing to dedicate time to meet the requirements of a functioning PLM solution.

Once PLM is implemented it is then down to the user to decide whether to keep the management’s data on-premise or in the cloud.

SO, WHY SHOULD YOU CONSIDER PLM IN THE CLOUD?

1. Accessible Anywhere

The cloud allows workers to access data regarding PLM from any location. All users need is a mobile device and Wi-Fi connection. This is crucial within PLM as each function of the management is more than likely going to be located at a different place- designers in an office, manufacturers in the warehouse etc. This results in the risk of project work not being able to run seamlessly. By using the cloud this streamlines each segment of the project and allows for increased collaboration.

2. Lower Costs

PLM in the cloud requires a lower upfront cost and lower maintenance costs. Cloud PLM solutions are also set up and maintained by the software provider, this removes the need to purchase any new kit or recruit new staff in order to be able to fully implement PLM, saving you both time and money.

3. Better Communication

Cloud PLM systems are better at facilitating communication between manufacturers and suppliers. The cloud does this by having one version of the truth for each section throughout the PLM cycle. This can provide a more streamlined solution for product data management and change control.

4. Change Requests and Orders

Manufacturers can use PLM in the cloud to simplify change requests and orders, streamline supply chain interactions and dramatically increase efficiency. They can make changes in real time, unlike on-premise solutions which require data to be sent from one device to another.

Being in the cloud is a more collaborative delivery model for PLM services in comparison to on-premise solutions. In addition to this, the cloud offers lower costs, which is why it is being adopted in growing numbers by manufacturers around the world.

When choosing a PLM system and supplier it is important to establish whether it will fit with existing software and to investigate how much support you will obtain from the provider.

For more information about PLM, do not hesitate to contact us.

New Research

Our recent, nationwide research shows what can be learnt from working during lockdown. Download the report today.

Sign up to newsletter?*
Privacy Notice: We won’t sign you up to any marketing mailing lists (unless you ask us to*) but we may email you to make sure you have been able to access the content successfully. View our privacy policy.