Your engineering team is struggling to manage product lifecycles. What tools can help?

1 Product lifecycle management tools

Product lifecycle management (PLM) tools are software applications that help engineering teams manage the entire product lifecycle, from concept to end-of-life. PLM tools enable teams to create, store, and share product data, such as requirements, specifications, designs, tests, and feedback. PLM tools also help teams to plan, execute, and monitor product development tasks, such as workflows, milestones, dependencies, and risks. PLM tools can improve product engineering by enhancing collaboration, transparency, and traceability.

2 Version control tools

Version control tools are software applications that help engineering teams manage the changes and revisions of their product code and other digital assets. Version control tools allow teams to create, edit, and merge different versions of their product files, such as source code, configuration files, and documentation. Version control tools also help teams to track, compare, and restore the history and status of their product files. Version control tools can improve product engineering by facilitating code quality, consistency, and reuse.

3 Testing and debugging tools

Testing and debugging tools are software applications that help engineering teams verify and improve the functionality, performance, and reliability of their products. Testing and debugging tools allow teams to design, run, and analyze various types of tests, such as unit tests, integration tests, and user acceptance tests. Testing and debugging tools also help teams to identify, diagnose, and fix errors and defects in their product code and other components. Testing and debugging tools can improve product engineering by ensuring product quality, compliance, and usability.

4 Deployment and monitoring tools

Deployment and monitoring tools are software applications that help engineering teams deliver and maintain their products in different environments, such as development, testing, staging, and production. Deployment and monitoring tools allow teams to automate, orchestrate, and scale the deployment and configuration of their product applications and infrastructure. Deployment and monitoring tools also help teams to measure, visualize, and optimize the performance, availability, and security of their product applications and infrastructure. Deployment and monitoring tools can improve product engineering by accelerating product release, feedback, and improvement.

5 Collaboration and communication tools

Collaboration and communication tools are software applications that help engineering teams work together and communicate with other stakeholders, such as customers, users, and managers. Collaboration and communication tools allow teams to create, share, and access various types of information, such as documents, presentations, diagrams, and dashboards. Collaboration and communication tools also help teams to coordinate, discuss, and resolve various issues, such as feedback, suggestions, and problems. Collaboration and communication tools can improve product engineering by fostering teamwork, alignment, and innovation.

6 How to choose the right tools

Choosing the right tools for your engineering team depends on several factors, such as your product goals, requirements, complexity, and budget. You should also consider the compatibility, integration, scalability, and security of the tools you use. Moreover, you should evaluate the usability, functionality, and support of the tools you use. You can use various methods, such as surveys, reviews, demos, and trials, to compare and select the best tools for your engineering team.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?