PLM

(1) (PL/M) (Programming Language for Microprocessors) A dialect of PL/I developed by Intel for its microprocessors. See PL/I.

(2) (Product Life cycle Management) A comprehensive information system that coordinates all aspects of a product from initial concept to its eventual retirement. Sometimes called the "digital backbone" of a product, it includes the requirements phase, analysis and design stages, manufacturing, product launch, distribution, quality assurance, in-service maintenance and spare parts provisions.

The terms PLM and PDM (product data management) are sometimes used interchangeably; however, PDM is typically only the data handling component of PLM. PLM also interfaces to the CRM and ERP systems within a company, which support the customer relationships, supply chain management and accounting. Following are the primary elements of a PLM system, all of which must interrelate with each other in order to provide the integration necessary to be a PLM system.

Requirements Management
Used throughout creation, manufacturing and distribution. Keeps track of total costs ("cost rollup") and manages constraints (if one part is changed, what are effects on others). Also provides collaboration and feedback.

Product Data Management
Manages data in all phases and interrelationships between all databases (see PDM).

Configuration Management
Provides sophisticated change control for as-designed, as-manufactured and as-serviced product structure databases. Shows interrelationships between data; for example, if a part has to be replaced in a product years later, it can locate original requirements.

Program and Project Management
Program management provides the overall schedule for building multiple products, while project management provides the individual timelines for each team building a part.

Authoring Tools
CAD (computer-aided design), CAM (computer-aided manufacturing), CAE (computer-aided engineering) and process planning applications.

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References in periodicals archive

The PLM market grew to $47.8 billion overall in 2018 (9.4% growth over 2017).

Global Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Market Report 2019

Mogato, who attended PLM in 1979-85, says, 'At the time, only Manila residents and top graduates from Manila's public high schools were allowed to enter PLM.

Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter recalls college years

"With a collaborative and connected PLM environment, the best-in-class companies are seeing significant cost reductions, improved quality control, and over 2x greater engineering productivity than their peers."

How organizations can overcome product complexity during digital transformation

Drager had been running separate PLM instances for both the Medical and Safety business units.

DRAGER SELECTS ARAS AS GLOBAL BACKBONE FOR PRODUCTS

Jokela has 15 years of experience in implementing PLM, CLM, and CAD-related processes and information management.

The Head of ABB's Engineering Applications Centre of Expertise to Present at CIMdata's PLM Road Map[TM] EMEA 2018 Conference

Ally said PROLIM brings Teamcenter PLM competency and will enable Ally to deliver increased value to its customer base.

Prolim Acquires Ally Software Company PLM Solutions to Operate as Prolim PLM

One of the opportunities is to seek help from product lifecycle management (PLM).

Development of a product lifecycle management model based on the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process

With Arena and xLM Solutions, companies can create and publish parts, files and bills of materials (BOMs) to Arena PLM from within the SOLIDWORKS PDM Professional user interface (UI), which eliminates the need to switch applications and enables engineers to continue working within SOLIDWORKS, simplifying the design process and improving productivity.

Arena Solutions, xLM Solutions enable seamless process flow

And PLM does an excellent job at managing product-related workflows, specifications, designs, and versions, but it falls apart doing the same for software.

Introducing application: lifecycle management

The company said it acquired all outstanding shares in Transcat PLM from Transcat PLM's existing shareholders on 1 July 2015.

Addnode Group acquires Transcat PLM in cash and share transaction

"We feel fortunate to team up with PLM Group, and believe their specific knowledge and customer track record for successful PLM implementation are the perfect foundation for delivering highly effective 3D MBE solutions to their customers." adds Collins.

ANARK SIGNS RESELLER AGREEMENT WITH PLM GROUP