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PLM Software

Centralize all your product data and get a clear and concrete view of your projects by selecting a powerful organization and planning software! Both practical and collaborative, this type of software is useful for any type of project.

PLM : related categories

Our selection of 24 plm software

Centric PLM

Innovative PLM Solutions for Seamless Product Development

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Centric PLM is a leading software solution designed to streamline product lifecycle management for fashion, retail, and consumer goods industries.

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Its key features include real-time collaboration tools, extensive data management, and superior product planning capabilities, making it indispensable for businesses aiming to enhance their development processes.

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Lattice

Performance Management Software for Enhanced Team Growth

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Lattice is an innovative performance management tool designed for businesses aiming to foster team growth and alignment.

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Its intuitive features like continuous feedback, goal setting, and employee engagement make it an ideal choice for organizations seeking a competitive edge and enhanced productivity.

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BlueCielo

Streamline Asset Management with BlueCielo Software

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Streamline your product lifecycle with top-tier PLM software. Boost efficiency, reduce costs, and improve collaboration.

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Our PLM software offers comprehensive project management, document control, and change management features. With BlueCielo, you can ensure compliance, automate workflows, and optimize your team's productivity.

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DevEX

Streamline Development with Agile Project Management

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3.5
Based on 4 reviews
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Streamline your product lifecycle processes with industry-leading PLM software. Manage your data, workflows, and collaboration in one platform.

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With DevEX, you can easily manage product data across multiple teams and locations. Automate workflows and approvals, track changes, and collaborate with suppliers and customers. DevEX's intuitive interface and customizable dashboards make it easy to get started.

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PLM software: purchase guide

What is PLM Software?

Definition

PLM stands for Product Lifecycle Management. PLM software facilitates product development processes by consolidating all product-related information into a single software package. This includes everything from the development of the first R&D requirements to production shutdown.

How does it work?

PLM software fulfills the role of many software packages: accounting management, CRM software, project management, ERP. Everything is synthesized in the same scalable and configurable software solution. You access the tool's interface from a web browser, use the different modules, and access the product sheets.

In this way, you benefit from the digitization of all the information related to the product you wish to market.

Very versatile, PLM software helps you manage designs while providing you with an essential insight into the different processes. Thanks to precise analyses and cross-referencing of information, you save time, avoid unnecessary tasks and reduce your production costs.

PLM management software optimizes your new product development process and makes them more competitive while improving quality. This management tool also manages the material, human and information security aspects while complying with the various regulations.

What are the Main Features of PLM Software?

These management solutions are based on two fundamental modules.

Product Data Management

PLM software centralizes and unifies information related to different products in a document management tool (Electronic Document Management or EDM) that includes:

  • Document management in different formats: specifications, product structure, white paper, marketing campaigns, etc. 
  • Electronic management of technical data and documents;
  • Sharing files, documents internally or with customers, suppliers, partners
  • Management of access rights and traceability of modifications, possibility to collaborate on the same project and work at the same time on the same information. Synchronous and asynchronous collaboration 
  • Electronic storage and archiving of documents, archive management.

Product information management is unified, all users can collaborate.

Product Development and Operation

Developing a product in project mode involves certain functionalities present in online project management software:

  • Project planning and task management (description, deadline, assignment, scheduling, comments, etc.) and follow-up per project 
  • Workflow management to optimize the steps to be taken and the workload of employees on each task. 
  • Dashboards with KPIs, diagrams (Gantt, etc.) to obtain agile and analytical reporting on the progress of each project
  • PLM tools give you the flexibility to configure your software to meet your company's needs in terms of:
  • Management of computer-aided design (CAD) and various classifications: 2D design and 3D modeling
  • Supply Chain Management: quality, production, time
  • Etc.

The open architecture of the software integrates into your information system (CAD, office automation, ERP, CRM, etc.) and your business processes.

It is scalable and adapts to the new needs of industrial companies such as the Internet of Things (IoT).

Your data is secure.

Who Uses PLM Software?

Particularly appreciated by large companies, it can be very useful for SMEs, SMIs or VSEs that are starting to produce a complex product or that are required to work collaboratively on a daily basis.

This type of management software is particularly suitable for:

  • Construction and public works
  • Real estate
  • Energy and sustainable development
  • Industry and Trade
  • Transport services

Why use PLM Software in your Company?

The use of PLM software has become essential for projects that require a lot of information and a large number of collaborators. However, it has some disadvantages.

Advantages

  • Reduces the time it takes to market your new product 
  • Increases the productivity of your teams 
  • Facilitates the design and development of your products 
  • Improves human resources management by optimizing your decision-making 
  • Offers higher quality by processing product testing and experience feedback 
  • Gathers all data related to the product (suppliers, partners, prospects etc...)
  • Streamlines the stages of the product life cycle 
  • Eliminates unnecessary time-consuming tasks and allows you to focus on essential tasks that improve the customer experience
  • Capitalizes on your company's know-how and promotes business intelligence 
  • Reduces the risk of input errors or unnecessary duplication 
  • Verifies the compliance of equipment with the various standards 
  • Promotes infrastructure availability by smoothing the workflow 
  • Takes into account quality and environmental issues (sustainable development)

Disadvantages

  • The cost of a custom PLM solution leaves no room for error
  • PLM systems require that all IT resources be connected to the tool
  • Employees can quickly be overwhelmed by the complexity of these tools, they must be trained beforehand
  • Employees can be lost in the mass of information present in the tool

In-House PLM Software or SaaS?

Both solutions have advantages and disadvantages. It will be necessary to select the PLM software most likely to increase your company's performance while being practical for each of your employees.

SaaS (Software as a Service) is a software solution based on the use of an online platform with many services such as telephone assistance, remote data recovery in case of malfunction or automatic module updates. In SaaS mode, you define your employees' access and can use the information wherever you are. In addition, you can use the tablet version during meetings or on business trips thanks to the information placed in the cloud.

On the other hand, the internal mode of the ERP system is more secure because the information is only placed on your company network.

Compare the different offers and test PLM software with the trial offers often offered by software publishers.

PLM softwares: Q&A

How does a PLM software work?

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PLM software manages the product lifecycle, from ideation to disposal. It centralizes product data, manages workflows, tracks changes, and ensures regulatory compliance. PLM software provides a single source of truth for all stakeholders, improving collaboration, reducing errors, and accelerating time to market.

What features should I look for when looking for PLM software?

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Look for PLM software that offers robust data management, automated workflows, version control, change management, collaboration tools, and analytics. Choose a system that integrates with your existing tools and can scale with your business needs. Security and regulatory compliance should also be top priorities.

What are the benefits of PLM for my company?

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PLM software streamlines product development, reduces errors, speeds up time to market, and improves collaboration. It also helps with compliance, reduces costs, and increases revenue. PLM software provides a single source of truth for all stakeholders, improving visibility and decision-making.

What are the best PLM software options?

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The best PLM software options depend on your business needs. Some popular options include Siemens Teamcenter, Dassault Systèmes ENOVIA, PTC Windchill, and Oracle Agile PLM. Each software has its strengths and weaknesses, so choose the one that best fits your organization's requirements.

What are the free PLM software alternatives I could try?

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There are several free PLM software alternatives available, including OpenPLM, Aras Innovator, and OpenBOM. These options may not offer the same level of functionality as paid software, but they can be a good starting point for small businesses or those on a tight budget.