PLM Outlook 2025 – What Manufacturing Leaders Need to Know and Do

As manufacturing evolves in response to global disruptions, shifting demographics, and emerging technologies, PLM systems are more critical than ever. By 2025, PLM leaders must navigate rapid innovation cycles, adapt to workforce challenges, and embrace sustainability - all while leveraging the latest software trends.

This article provides actionable insights for manufacturing leaders on what to consider, prepare for, expect, and prioritize to stay competitive in the PLM landscape.

1. What You Should Consider

The Shift to Cloud-First PLM

• Cloud adoption in PLM offers scalability, faster updates, and integration with digital threads. Evaluate the feasibility of transitioning to SaaS or hybrid models for your organization.
• Consider how cloud-native solutions, such as Siemens’ Teamcenter X or PTC’s SaaS-first approach, align with your long-term goals.

AI and Automation

• AI is reshaping PLM with predictive analytics, automated workflows, and better decision-making tools. Assess how these features can improve efficiency and reduce time-to-market.
• Focus on integrating AI capabilities into engineering, manufacturing, and service operations.

Cybersecurity in an Era of Zero Trust

• As PLM systems connect more deeply across supply chains, prioritize robust cybersecurity measures, including Zero Trust principles, to protect intellectual property and operational integrity.

Sustainability as a Driver

• Ensure your PLM supports lifecycle analysis and sustainability metrics. Tools integrated with PLM can drive compliance with regulations and position your company as a green innovator.

2. What You Should Be Aware Of / Prepared For

Volatility and Disruption

• Be ready to adapt your PLM to handle unpredictable demand, supply chain disruptions, and geopolitical shifts. Modular PLM systems and digital twins can enable greater agility.

Aging Workforce and Knowledge Loss

• With retiring experts, focus on capturing institutional knowledge within your PLM system. User-friendly interfaces and intuitive workflows can help onboard a new generation of workers.

Customer Expectations for Faster Delivery

• Customers expect shorter development cycles and quicker innovations. PLM systems that integrate simulation tools and predictive analytics can help meet these demands.

Integration Challenges

• Prepare for increased demand to connect PLM with ERP, MES, and IoT platforms. Ensure your PLM vendor or partner can support seamless integration.

3. What You Can Expect

Evolving Vendor Solutions

• Leading PLM vendors (Siemens, PTC, Dassault, etc.) are accelerating innovation, focusing on cloud, SaaS, and AI. Mid-tier and niche players are addressing specific manufacturing needs with agility.
• Expect faster update cycles, deeper integration of digital twins, and a push for subscription-based models.

Greater Collaboration Across the Value Chain

• PLM will increasingly serve as a hub for collaboration across internal teams and external partners. Tools that facilitate co-creation and innovation will grow in importance.

Increased Regulatory Pressure

• Be ready for stricter regulations in sustainability and product safety. PLM solutions will play a key role in maintaining compliance.

4. What You Should Push / Motivate

Champion Cloud Transformation

• Advocate for a gradual yet strategic shift to cloud-native PLM. Highlight benefits such as faster deployment, cost savings, and scalability to leadership.

Drive a Knowledge-Driven Culture

• Use PLM to break down silos and institutionalize knowledge. Push for training programs that enable workers to fully utilize PLM capabilities.

Prioritize Interoperability

• Push vendors for solutions that seamlessly integrate with your existing tools, enabling end-to-end visibility across the value chain.

Focus on Innovation-Driven PLM

• Motivate your team to explore how digital twins, AI, and automation can transform processes and unlock value. Pilot projects can demonstrate quick wins and gain organizational buy-in.

Embed Sustainability Goals

• Drive sustainability initiatives by leveraging PLM to optimize resource use, extend product life cycles, and ensure compliance with ESG standards.

5. Call to Action: Shape the Future of PLM in Manufacturing

As we approach 2025, manufacturing leaders must rethink how PLM supports agility, collaboration, and sustainability. By considering emerging trends, addressing key challenges, and proactively driving transformation, you can position your organization for success in an increasingly competitive market.

Eviden’s expertise in cloud-based PLM, test automation, and aftersales solutions can help you navigate these changes. Let’s discuss how we can work together to make your PLM strategy future-ready.