Addressing Common Concerns in Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Implementation

In my professional journey as a PLM leader for over two decades, I have had the opportunity to collaborate with various professionals across different industries. I have assisted many companies in achieving greater efficiency through the implementation of PLM systems. However, not every attempt has been successful. Some companies chose to continue with their incumbent legacy systems due to the perceived risks of transitioning to a PLM. While I respect these decisions, it is important to recognize that there is a cost associated with "doing nothing," which many companies often overlook.

I want to highlight the top three (3) concerns that companies often cite when deciding to continue with their incumbent legacy systems. I have also listed possible solutions to these concerns.

#1: We Don’t Have the Resources for PLM Implementation

Many customers wished that an existing PLM system could have reduced their manual workload, leaving them more time to support PLM implementation.

The concern about the resources required for PLM implementation stems from several constraints::

• Limited Staff Availability: Dedicated time from customer Subject Matter Experts (SMEs).
• Specialized Skill Sets Required: Existing staff may lack the necessary expertise in PLM.
• Competing Priorities: Businesses often have multiple initiatives running concurrently.

Solution: To address these concerns, we recommend engaging experienced PLM vendors and adopting a phased approach, beginning with core modules. This strategy ensures a manageable, step-by-step rollout, maintaining business continuity while optimizing resource use and ensuring the feasibility and benefits of the PLM implementation.

#2: PLM Implementation Takes Too Long

Attempting to address all your pain points simultaneously is like juggling too many balls – you risk dropping them all.

The concern about the significant time investment required for PLM implementation stems from several constraints:

• Initial setup and Configuration: Each organization has unique processes and requirements, necessitating a study of the PLM system to align with these needs.
• Complexity of Implementation: Integration with existing systems, data migration, and process reengineering.
• Data Migration: Data migration involves cleaning, transforming, and validating CAD and non-CAD data.
• User Training and Adoption: Adequate training and user comfort with the new system are crucial to the successful adoption of the tool.

Solution: To address these concerns, we would start with a requirements gathering workshop, use pre-configured templates, adopt an Agile methodology, bring in PLM experts for support, and manage change effectively by implementing small phases with incremental improvements to the PLM environment.

#3: PLM Implementation is Costly

ROI often demonstrates that "doing nothing" costs more than taking action – you don't save money by not fixing a leaky roof.

The concern about the significant financial investment required for PLM implementation stems from several constraints:

• Infrastructure and Hardware Investments: New servers, networking equipment, and storage solutions are needed.
• Initial Software and Licensing Costs: The cost of licenses for multiple users across various departments can increase quickly.
• Ongoing Maintenance and Support: These ongoing expenses include software upgrades, troubleshooting, and technical support, all of which contribute to the total cost of ownership.

Solution: To address these concerns, we would plan on phased implementation, starting with core modules and gradually adding advanced functionalities, opting for cloud-based PLM infrastructure, conducting a thorough Return on investment (ROI) analysis, and most importantly, collaborating with experienced PLM vendors.

We have developed a PLM implementation program to address these common concerns; we call it Windchill PLM Quick Start. This program is a Fixed fee and Fixed schedule program to rapidly deploy one of the leading PLM software programs (Windchill PLM) in your organization.

I welcome the opportunity to discuss how our expertise can potentially contribute to your organization's success. Please feel free to reach out to me at [email protected] or via phone at +1 (314) 778-44458 to explore potential areas of collaboration.

You may also book a time to meet with me.

Contributors: Scott Cargill Pam Washbon