Is Your PLM or ERP Holding You Back? The Hidden Cost of Incomplete Data

Do you have an incomplete parts list? Are attributes missing? Are you still juggling spreadsheets, CRMs, and scattered data sources?

If so, you're losing money—and AI won't save you until you fix the foundation.

The AI Mirage: Why Data Matters More Than Promises

Every AI tool today promises the world—automated insights, predictive analytics, and effortless decision-making. But here’s the truth:

?? No AI tool can function without a structured, complete dataset.

A well-organized, detailed parts list is at the heart of every successful AI-driven system. That means ? complete attributes—dimensions, materials, coatings, tolerances ? Accurate classifications—where the part is used correctly in your products, lifecycle status, sourcing details ? Eliminating duplicates—clean, structured, standardized data that is easy to find from the production line to your design teams ERP shouldn't be exclusive when purchasing if you want to reduce obsolescence.

Without this, AI is just another shiny object that won’t deliver.

The Silent Killer: Bad Data in PLM & ERP Systems

Most manufacturers and engineers rely on PLM and ERP systems full of incomplete, outdated, or siloed information. This leads to: ?? Missed cost savings – Sourcing inefficiencies, overpaying for parts you already have ?? Engineering delays – Teams wasting hours hunting for specs and BOM details ?? Poor AI results – Tools providing wrong recommendations due to bad input data

Every duplicate part, missing attribute, and disconnected system is a hidden tax on your efficiency.

Supply Chain Turbulence is Coming

#SupplyChain is gonna have a rough year—from #EV to power tools—and it’s a problem we’re working to fix. ??

While we at Finding Engineered Solutions can’t solve a trade war, we can help you get a better handle on what’s in stock, what’s applicable, and most importantly, what can work as a replacement.

Whether you’re an OEM, distributor, or vendor, you have thousands—if not tens of thousands—of parts in your system.

The Big Problem: Your Data is Scattered

?? #ERP and #PLM tools are only functional if people use them daily—which is maybe 5% of your staff. ?? Worse yet, they often lack the key attributes needed to solve design and sourcing problems.

Every engineered product—from #fasteners to fuses—has a decision tree of where it can and can’t be used. Sometimes, that tree is in a catalog, but more often than not, it’s in the heads of your veteran sales and engineering teams.

A Smarter Way Forward: Making Data Work for You

We take that decision tree, match it with all your parts, and start building an architectural change to your sales and engineering processes: ? Drive common parts & alternatives to avoid duplication and mistakes ? Reduce your BOM count by half and ride the tariff wave straight into profit ? Build a more intelligent system that works with your team, not against them

?? The supply chain storm is coming. Are you ready? Read more: Thomson Reuters: 2025’s Supply Chain Challenge