The Future of PLM: Trends to Watch

Product Lifecycle Management has been right on the leading edge of digitalization, assisting enterprises in improving and optimizing their product creation processes. 

The successful deployment of the right PLM solution brings massive advantages. These include innovation, shortening of time to market, decreased cost of development, higher product quality, and more efficiency in managing intricate product data. 

Product Lifecycle Management

Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) is the administration of a product as it passes through various stages of its life. PLM is a structure that unifies and manages dissimilar data, workflows, and personnel from several departments, including partners, marketing, development, and service, into a cohesive end-to-end product development strategy.  

As product development progresses, organizations play a crucial role in understanding the aims and offering insightful feedback. This active participation ultimately enhances the competitive edge of the final product.  

PLM takes into account interactions between suppliers and customers to determine the product’s natural life.  

This article will explore the PLM trends to watch out for and how they shape its development in an ever-changing digital world.  

1. Digital Twin and Digital Thread

One of the most popular PLM trends is the digital twin. A digital twin is the precise, virtual representation of an actual product and its characteristics. It simulates its behavior, providing a picture of how it works in real life. Organizations are able to evaluate product performance, enhance designs, and foresee any changes that may be required.  

Digital twins cover the entire lifecycle of a product and have applications in manufacturing, engineering, and service.  

By incorporating Digital Twin in PLM systems, organizations are able to better understand their product’s performance, foresee maintenance requirements, and improve design choices. 

The digital thread is also a popular trend and is different from digital twins. 

A digital thread is an ongoing stream of data that is needed to describe a product during all stages of its creation, usage, and disposal. It equips organizations with the tools to accelerate output, streamline workflows, collaborate, and make timely decisions. 

2. Augmented and Virtual Reality 

Augmented and virtual reality have made a sensational entrance into the IT industry. Augmented reality (AR) is an interactive approach that helps improve the production process in a virtual manufacturing system before its physical implementation. 

It targets aspects like design, maintenance, integration with specific platforms, and providing value by leveraging CAD (Computer-aided Design) data, PLM, and the Internet of Things (IoT).  

Virtual Reality (VR) is a simulation technology for interacting with and modifying objects in a three-dimensional (3D) environment. It involves wearing goggles or gloves with sensors. 

Collectively, AR and VR aim to redefine people’s approach to using products. They optimize work culture and greatly enhance the contribution of computer-aided technology to manufacturing systems. 

3. Blockchain 

Integrating blockchain with PLM has improved the supply chain’s visibility, credibility, and reliability. Blockchain works everywhere, from locating raw supplies to distributing finished goods.  

Blockchain is a technology that improves your system’s end-to-end collaboration by making migrations and integrations easier. 

Blockchain plays a big part in ensuring that data is securely stored and managed. By focusing on compliance with regulatory laws and ethical standards, blockchain enhances efficiency and reliability.  

4. Cloud Deployment  

Cloud PLM provides organizations with unparalleled scalability in their product development processes. Cloud-based platforms allow for secure data accessibility, real-time collaboration, and reduced costs.  

Utilization of cloud-based PLM solutions empowers enterprises, as they can increase efficiency and collaboration, meet deadlines in a timely manner, and carry out seamless operations. 

5. Integration with IoT 

IoT integration with PLM allows organizations to collect on-site data on products that can be used to determine product quality and improvements. 

IoT is a framework of physical devices that includes sensors and software that aids in data transferring and communication among systems.  

PLM’s integration with IoT enables continuous enhancement as it actively locates potential issues. With its various uses, organizations are able to optimize customer satisfaction and overall product lifecycle management. 

Conclusion 

Given the pace at which PLM trends continue to emerge, it is likely that PLM will continue flourishing in the years to come.  

PLM plays a vital role in organizations. By integrating the above-stated trends, your enterprise can reap many benefits. However, it is important to choose the correct adoption of these trends according to your organizational requirements. 

You can stay on top in today’s competitive software market by harnessing a growth mindset when it comes to integrating the best PLM solutions.  

Xavor is here for you should you need any help with that. 

Xavor excels in providing top-notch PLM services to its clients. We specialize in the latest PLM solutions. Our aim is to prioritize your requirements and to be with you every step of the way.  

Drop us a line at info@xavor.comto book your free consultation call today!