PLM Interest Group : Impartial PLM Advice

The primary aim of the PLM Interest Group is to generate PLM tools that companies can use for themselves in a structured methodology. However, as a proactive neutral organisation the PLMIG builds and holds centrally an increasing amount of new PLM knowledge in the course of running its events and programmes.

The PLMIG can provide independent PLM advice at a number of levels, in a way that assists the PLM activities that you are already undertaking:-

Question and Answer
Introduction to PLM
PLM Assessment
PLM Orientation
PLM Implementation Review
PLM Vision & Roadmap
Applying PLM Standards
Collaboration Assistance

Question and Answer

This is one of the key benefits of PLMIG membership, and is why the PLMIG is still a member-oriented organisation. PLMIG material is neutral and embodies proven best practices, but many issues can arise within specific, real-life environments. Sometimes a comparatively small issue can seem very difficult to solve. The PLMIG provides members with "question and answer" support to help with a solution. There has never been a need to put a limit on this, because a short conversation or exchange of emails has always clarified the solution.

Introduction to PLM

If you are just beginning to think about PLM and are wondering how it could apply to your company, you may find it difficult to get a clear picture of what PLM is and what it can do. There is a great deal of PLM awareness information available on the web sites of vendors, consultants and analysts. This will give you a general impression of what is being done in PLM by leading companies, and what are the drivers and constraints.

When you get to the point at which you would like to focus this overview onto your own specific company and its requirements, you should carry out your own internal PLM Self-Assessment

PLM Assessment

Perhaps surprisingly, the most effective way to assess your own PLM situation is to do it yourself. This applies equally to companies that are new to the subject of PLM as to those with mature implementations. By following a formal methodology and running the process internally, you unearth all of the "hidden" issues and problems that will shape your PLM progress, and get maximum ownership of the results.

The formal methodology is embodied in the PLM Self-Assessment Toolkit which is provided to all members of the PLM Interest Group and is available as a stand-alone item.

PLM Orientation

For new adopters, who might find it difficult to establish the initial context, and for large companies where the existing PLM base is very complex, PLM Orientation sessions can be run to support the Assessment.

PLM Implementation Review

To perform a complete review of your PLM implementation and plans you will need to mobilise your own PLM team, because they are the only people who have the in-depth knowledge of past and current projects. The review is carried out by conducting an internal PLM Benchmark to assess your PLM in a standard and formalised way.

The PLMIG provides the working structure to do this, based on its generally-available Benchmarking Methodology, to generate a formal Navigation Model and forward view.

PLM Vision & Roadmap

For major PLM implementations with man years of experience the problems of communication and acceptance can be greater than the technical issues.

In a multinational organisation there are so many people, cultures, and interests involved that the advanced aims of PLM can be neglected in favour of consolidating the PDM. The PLMIG provides an independent viewpoint together with advanced meeting management and documentation to bring these together so that a single PLM Vision is formed together with the Roadmap that will lead to it. This can be carried out via ongoing support or by a specific PLM Planning Workshop

Applying PLM Standards

Making effective use of standards is not just a matter of receiving the paperwork. Some of the standards concepts are new, and need to be fully understood, and there are organisational, process and geographical issues to be considered.

The Standards Application Workshop enables the PLM team to understand the new and existing standards and see how they will apply in your organisation.

Collaboration Assistance

Even if you know of another company with which you would like to compare your PLM progress and methods, it can be difficult to set up the collaboration framework. It is not a commercial relationship, but the level of information sharing will require formal agreements about scope, content and disclosure to be set up. The PLMIG can act as an interface to ensure that this is done quickly and accurately.

For more information contact advice@plmig.com

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