4. Product Data in the PLM Environment

The objective of this chapter is to provide an introduction to product data in the PLM environment. The chapter aims to give a basic understanding of product data and related activities. It will also help readers to participate in activities related to product data. The first part of the chapter explains what product data is, and why it is relevant in a PLM Initiative. Definitions are given of frequently used terms in the product data environment. Examples are given of product data across the lifecycle. The management of product data in the twentieth century and in the twenty-first century is described briefly. The tools used to represent product data are explained. The need for modelling of product data is introduced. The second part of the chapter addresses the situation of product data in a typical company. Product data issues are described. Typical challenges and objectives are outlined. A brief vision is given of product data in the future. The third part of the chapter addresses some of the activities in a PLM Initiative that are related to product data. These include data modelling, data cleansing and data migration. The fourth and final part of the chapter builds on experience of working with product data with many companies. An approach to product data improvement is described. Potential pitfalls of product data modelling are highlighted. Top management’s role in the management of product data is addressed.