How do you handle product revisions in PLM?

1 Define a revision policy

A revision policy is a set of rules and standards that define how you handle product changes, such as when to create a new revision, what to name it, how to document it, and who to notify. A revision policy can help you maintain consistency, clarity, and traceability across your product development process. It can also help you avoid confusion, errors, and conflicts that may arise from different versions of the same product. To create a revision policy, you need to consider factors such as your product complexity, your regulatory requirements, your team size, and your customer expectations.

2 Use a PLM software

A PLM software is a tool that helps you manage your product data, workflows, and collaboration throughout the product lifecycle. It can provide a central repository for all your product information, such as specifications, drawings, bills of materials, and test results. Additionally, version control and change management capabilities enable you to easily create, update, and compare different revisions of your product. Automated notifications and approvals ensure that the right people are involved at the right time. Moreover, this software can integrate with other tools and systems, such as CAD, ERP, and CRM, so that product data can be synced and shared across different platforms.

3 Follow a change request process

A change request process is a formal procedure that defines how you initiate, review, approve, and implement product changes. This process helps you handle product revisions in a structured and transparent way, while ensuring that you have a clear rationale and impact assessment for each change. Generally, the process includes submitting a change request form that describes the proposed change and its priority, followed by evaluating the request and obtaining approval from relevant stakeholders. After executing the change by creating a new revision of the product and updating data, it's important to communicate the change by informing affected parties and providing necessary documentation.

4 Implement a revision control system

A revision control system is a method that helps you identify and track different revisions of your product. It enables you to handle product revisions in an organized and efficient manner, and provides a complete history and audit trail of your product changes. This system typically consists of two parts: a revision scheme that defines how you name and number your product revisions, such as using letters, numbers, or symbols to indicate the level and type of change; and a revision log that records the details and dates of each product revision, such as the change request number, the author, the approver, and the description of the change.

5 Review and validate your revisions

A review and validation process is a quality assurance measure that ensures your product revisions meet specifications, standards, and expectations. This process can help you handle product revisions in a reliable and compliant way, and prevent or correct errors or defects that may affect performance or safety. The process may involve checking your product data for accuracy, completeness, and consistency, such as verifying drawings, calculations, and references. Additionally, it may include testing your product functionality and quality, such as conducting simulations, experiments, and inspections. Furthermore, it may require gathering feedback and approval from stakeholders, such as soliciting comments, suggestions, and ratings from customers, users, and regulators.