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Are you looking for a way to consolidate and simplify data needed to track a product throughout its lifecycle? Then you may need a product lifecycle management (PLM) system. But the decision for a PLM solution is just the beginning. You also need to ensure that your team can integrate the system efficiently.
You’re in good company: Many companies in the manufacturing sector are wondering how they should manage integration – and the answer is different for every company. But there is a clearly defined path to digitizing manufacturing that you can follow together with a technology partner like Revalize. We have some tips and tricks to make the integration easier.
If you are a manufacturer planning to introduce a new PLM solution, you should first identify a cross-functional group of leaders from each department. This group plays an important role in communicating the needs of each department and is responsible for ensuring that the transition to the new PLM system goes smoothly for their teams.
Of course, it is easier for team members to continue working as before if they do not encourage managers to adopt new ways of working. Involve employees by describing the specific benefits of a PLM system for their respective roles. An engineer who is annoyed by chaotic information may be attracted to a PLM solution if he can save time with structured product data.
How long should it take until everyone in the team is well trained in a new PLM system? What systems should be fully integrated into your PLM solution and functioning once you reach this point? Define milestones at the beginning of the process and then implement the integration as planned.
This means you know exactly what type of training your team members should complete and when. Most importantly, be as transparent as possible about how the integration will impact your team’s roles and future goals. It’s best to talk to your technology partner before the project and find out how long the integration will take and what costs will be incurred.
If you plan to abandon a project management system in favor of a new PLM solution, inform stakeholders as early as possible so that no one is surprised by the change. The PLM system can serve as a single source of truth for your products. However, some companies decide to keep their current system and only use the PLM solution to supplement certain tasks and store important information.
Both are legitimate as long as you have a clear goal. Digital solutions that integrate well with existing systems connect all your activities with minimal disruption.
Data silos can be frustrating when you’re building a complex business. As a company grows, the distance between certain departments also increases. A central PLM system immediately reduces this distance and breaks down the barriers between departments.
Data silos can have a negative impact on productivity and product quality because they deprive employees of important information they need. Without the cross-functional perspective that a PLM solution provides, it is more difficult for companies to take on new challenges.
Applying a central, enterprise-wide PLM solution creates a platform for communication and collaboration to solve the common problems of independent departments. Even if your engineering team doesn’t get around to answering emails right away, their work is recorded in the PLM system and you can easily track it.
