5. Information Systems in the PLM Environment

The objective of this chapter is to provide an introduction to application software in the PLM environment. The chapter aims to give a basic understanding of PLM applications and related activities. It will help readers working in PLM Initiatives to participate in activities related to PLM applications. The chapter also aims to give students who are studying PLM a basic understanding of the application software components of a company’s PLM environment. The first part of the chapter gives examples of PLM applications and shows why they are relevant in a PLM Initiative. The management of PLM applications in the twentieth century and in the twenty-first century is described briefly. The tools used to represent applications are explained. The second part of the chapter addresses the situation of PLM applications in a typical company. Application issues are described. Typical challenges are outlined. A brief Vision is given of applications in the future PLM environment. The third and fourth parts of the chapter address some of the activities in a PLM Initiative that are related to applications. These include application status review, application harmonisation and PDM system selection. The final part of the chapter builds on experience of working with PLM applications with many companies. Lessons learned are shared. Guidelines and potential pitfalls of application selection and implementation are given. Top management’s role with PLM applications is addressed.