Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) plays a critical role in supporting supply chain management, particularly in industries like aerospace and defense, where complexities are high and regulatory requirements are strict.
The Many Facets Of PLM
Key aspects of PLM in the aerospace and defense industry include:
Complexity management
Manage the intricacies of having thousands of components and subsystems with a centralized repository for all product-related information.
Regulatory compliance
When a PLM system links departments, it can trigger an information chain that quickly reacts to defects or problems by alerting applicable teams to address the issue before it affects more customers.
Collaboration
Facilitate relationships among various stakeholders, including engineers, suppliers, manufacturers, and customers to support the alignment of all parties so products meet stated requirements.
File management
Track changes, manage versions, and guarantee that production and maintenance use the correct documents.
Data integration
Combine data from various sources, including multi-computer-aided design (CAD) and multi-enterprise resource planning (ERP), to provide teams with access to up-to-date information.
Cybersecurity, Regulations, And PLM
PLM systems support the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) and other regulations in the aerospace and defense sectors with:
Data security and access control: Protect sensitive information and restrict access so only authorized personnel can open or see documents, which is essential for compliance with the CMMC and other regulations.
Traceability and audit trails: Maintain detailed records of changes and updates made to product data. This traceability is critical for audits and regulatory compliance, allowing organizations to demonstrate adherence to standards and quickly address any discrepancies.
Document and recordkeeping: Facilitate the management of all necessary documentation, including technical data packages, compliance certificates, and other regulatory documents so records are readily available and properly maintained.
Risk management: Identify and provide tools to mitigate potential risks. This proactive approach aligns with the CMMC focus on risk management practices.
Supplier oversight: Manage distributor data and confirm that it complies with relevant regulations, ensuring your supply chain partners also adhere to cybersecurity standards.
Training and awareness: Support training and awareness programs by managing training records and validating that all personnel are up-to-date with the latest compliance requirements.
PLM Along the Journey
Support aerospace and defense through every phase, including:
Concept and design
Support the initial design and engineering phases, enabling rapid prototyping and testing.
Manufacturing
Streamline the transition from design to creation, delivering efficient and error-free production processes.
Service and maintenance
Provides tools for managing upkeep schedules, spare parts, and repair processes, extending product lifecycles
End-of-life
Help plan for product decommission and disposal in compliance with environmental regulations.
Benefits of PLM in Aerospace Manufacturing Software
Short time-to-value (TTV): PRO.FILE, our PLM system, can be up and running in as few as eight weeks. The low-code implementation methodology and capabilities of PRO.FILE allow us to configure the solution without reprogramming, making future updates simple.
Improved efficiency: By streamlining processes and improving collaboration, PLM reduces time-to-market and lowers costs.
Enhanced quality: Centralized data and robust change management processes ensure higher product quality and reliability.
Risk mitigation: PLM helps identify and mitigate risks early in the product lifecycle, reducing the likelihood of costly errors.
Innovation: By providing a comprehensive view of the product lifecycle, PLM fosters innovation and continuous improvement.
Need More Information?
Ready to learn how PLM can support your aerospace and defense supply chain?