Lifecycle management

It is becoming more widely realised that a truly ´joined-up´ product lifecycle management (PLM) software solution can be an excellent tool in helping designers and SME manufacturers manage everyday production processes. These processes can work through manufacture, packaging, distribution, support and maintenance and, ultimately, right through to product disassembly The key benefit of such a PLM system is in its ability to aid the co-ordination of the activities of each person, department, and organisation involved in the creative and support processes. All relevant personnel can have quick access via an extranet to any data related to the product in question. This data could point to potential material suppliers, currently used materials, specifications and material composition of individual parts, production process information, costings and maintenance contract information. The author highlights how a PLM system can improve efficiency and make for a more environmentally responsible organisation