Editor's note
In the first article of this buyer's guide, research analyst Jim Brown jokes that "if you ask five consultants for their definition of PLM, you'll get six different answers." At the risk of being a joke killer, we have made it our goal with this buyer's guide to help clarify what product lifecycle management (PLM) is -- and isn't -- and to show which software from a range of PLM systems is right for your enterprise.
Knowing what PLM is and what PLM software does is only the first step. Understanding when and in what situations PLM systems are implemented is important in selecting the right tool. The second feature in this guide shows how to diagnose product lifecycle issues and make a prognosis. With most product development and design problems, PLM tools can be the treatment.
If PLM tools indeed cure what ails your product lifecycle, then figuring out which software is the right treatment for you is the next step. The third article in this buyer's guide discusses the key features to consider when selecting a PLM tool to implement. Beginning with looking inward at your enterprise and ending with a vendor assessment is a surefire way to ensure that your organization is getting the right software that matches its demographics, product, industry, and IT and manufacturing needs.
In part four, we present several PLM systems available in the market today. Going beyond that, though, Brown provides analysis into which PLM tool fits which business scenario best. To provide further coverage, in part five, TechTarget presents in-depth looks at each of the mentioned PLM systems. All of this is designed to help you choose the right PLM tools for your enterprise, because misunderstanding the software and picking the wrong PLM system is no joking matter.
1PLM software use cases: when and where PLM tools can help
See what issues are affecting organizations' product lifecycle and which ones can be corrected by PLM systems.
2Key features and initiatives to consider when buying PLM tools
Knowing the ins and outs of your enterprise is one of the first steps to take when looking at PLM systems. After looking internally, your search for the important PLM software features and vendor functions will be much easier.
3Which PLM tool is right for you?
Identifying a PLM vendor is easy enough, but making sure their PLM software is the right software for your organization is a difficult undertaking. Brown tackles the top PLM systems and presents analysis into which ones work best in certain business scenarios.
4Today's PLM software market leaders
PLM systems are essential for any company looking to establish or improve a product lifecycle. TechTarget presents in-depth looks at the top PLM products offered today.
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Collaboration and flexibility focus of Aras Innovator
With flexibility and collaboration the core focus, Aras Innovator offers enterprises a PLM tool they can configure to meet their needs. Read Now
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Arena PLM specializes in medical equipment validation
Manage the lifecycles of complex products in the medical device and consumer electronics industries with Arena PLM, a scalable, cloud-delivered set of PLM tools. Read Now
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Mobile experience highlight of Autodesk PLM 360
For businesses small and large, Autodesk PLM 360 is PLM software that provides a broad range of functions, enhanced by a custom-designed mobile experience. Read Now
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The ENOVIA PLM meant to target shorter cycle times
Dassault Systèmes intends for the ENOVIA PLM tool to enable more efficient product collaboration between designers and engineers, and, in turn, streamline product development. Read Now
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Manage a product from ideation to retirement with Oracle PLM
Tailored for most industry verticals, Oracle PLM offers a variety of product lifecycle management software on premises, in a managed cloud and in the Oracle Cloud. Read Now
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PTC Windchill: PLM technology that's a breeze to use
PTC Windchill is PLM technology designed for Internet of Things connectivity and data gathering. It's designed to be easy to use and deploy in the cloud or on premises. Read Now
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SAP provides flexible PLM system with varied implementation
SAP's flexible PLM system gives discrete and process manufacturers a broad range of options for hosting, implementation, functions and features. Read Now
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The Siemens product lifecycle management software suite
The Siemens product lifecycle management software suite comes with loads of different product design and development tools, and is customizable for enterprises' needs. Read Now
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Synergis aims to provide proficient PLM tools with Adept PDM
Adept PDM, a scalable PLM tool from Synergis, may allow enterprises to manage product data throughout the entire product lifecycle. Read Now