PLMIG

PLM INTEREST GROUP


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PLM Maturity Reference Model

What is the Maturity Model?

The need for a PLM Maturity Reference Model (MRM) became clear during the Launch Phase of the Benefits Model.  For some companies, the major PLM question is not: "What have we gained from PLM?" but "How far are we along the road to PLM, and where should we go next?"

A Maturity Model would provide a neutral reference point for ‘Absolute Benchmarking’ of PLM.  Instead of needing to find a partner company to benchmark with, you could compare your implementation to the MRM Model.  You could then use the tools within the Model to measure your progress, and to produce a strategy and roadmap.

The Maturity Model will have many uses:-

  • describe an organisation's maturity against a neutral standard
  • demonstrate competence to potential partners
  • provide input for planning and strategy
  • help define medium-term implementation activities
  • help define long-term roadmaps

Developing the Maturity Model

The Maturity Model will be developed via two parallel activities:-

  • Establishing a PDM Maturity Model with organisations that are looking to complete their PDM base so that they can move forward to PLM
  • Developing an industry standard Roadmap, or "Path to PLM", with organisations that need a forward view and PLM Vision for the next 1-5 years.

MRM Launch Phase

The Launch Phase for the Maturity Model aims to produce useful information from the start, so it will not be based on "greenfield site" theory.  The first workshop started with the structure and experience of participants' own implementations, and developed these around the themes of:-

  • PDM (PLM system) Maturity
  • PDM =» PLM Roadmap

In many companies, the number one, most visible and intractable PLM issue is how to put in place the PLM IT platform - PDM.  This constraint may be so great that the view is: "We can’t move on to PLM until we have completed the current PDM programme".  An ‘embryonic’ PDM Model will therefore be used as the starting point for the MRM Launch.

It is well known that PLM must be considered from the enterprise level downwards. Eventually, therefore, the MRM will have to take that approach.  However, for the MRM Launch the starting point is the "Path to PLM" - how to move from PDM to PLM, how to measure progress, and what the end scenario should be.

Maturity Reference Manual

The MRM Launch produced an immediate success with the deliverable from the first workshop in Paris - the publication at Version 1.0 of a Reference Manual that describes for the first time what "PLM Maturity" is, and how to use it to guide your PLM roadmapping.

How to Take Part

Your organisation can become part of the Maturity Reference Model initiative by becoming a Corporate Member of the PLMIG.  You can keep up to date with progress by means of the PLM Journal, or request more information via

Copyright 2008. PLM Interest Group