PLM changes perceptions on IT implementation
Product Lifecycle Management, now commonly known under its acronym PLM, is rapidly changing perceptions of how IT should be implemented within industrial companies.
The intense influence information technology is having on most markets can often cause confusion as to what a company requires.
Traditionally, company purchasing has focused on IT products that operate within the administration section of company, with some also implemented to aid production departments or machinery.
Essentially, forward-thinking product innovation companies, OEM’s, manufacturers and contract fabricators of any size would certainly have some level of IT on the plant floor to manage and execute orders in a time critical industrial arena.
Where PLM fits into the scheme of things is now more evident than ever. While manufacturing and production IT takes care of the bottom level inventory and production to smooth management for shop floor employees, PLM steps in as an overall management controller by ensuring extremely efficient management of every step, from product procurement to the point where it is transported to the customer.
According to Mr Dennis Colusso, Director of Product Lifecycle Management Australasia (plm), Australian organisations – from tiny, progressive industrial companies and SME contractors all the way through to large bodies such as the armed forces, consumer goods makers, petroleum plants, mining operations and exporters – have moved into the PLM realm for good reason.
Mr Colusso identifies these nine steps in the plm cycle, in chronological order: Requirements and Planning, Concept Engineering, Product Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Product Test Quality, Manufacturing Production, Sales & Distribution, Maintenance and Repair, Disposal and Recycling.
1-Sep-2006