Choose the right PLM software and revolutionize your product lifecycle management
Increasingly complex product development, ever more stringent regulations, changing consumer demands... how do you get your offering to market quickly, without losing quality?
The answer can be summed up in three letters: PLM.
Behind this acronym lies much more than just an IT solution: it's a true strategic pillar, developed to orchestrate the entire product lifecycle, from initial idea to commercial launch.
Ready to discover how PLM software can transform the way you design, produce and innovate? Follow our comprehensive guide, including a comparison of the 10 best solutions on the market.
Definition of PLM software
PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) software defines a tool that structures and optimizes the entire product lifecycle, from initial idea to end-of-life. It centralizes :
- technical information ;
- design data ;
- modification data ;
- all associated processes.
If you manage a portfolio of complex products, PLM helps you stay on track. In particular, it organizes collaboration between the various departments involved: R&D, design, quality, purchasing, production, etc. All have access to the same source of information. Everyone accesses the same source of information and communicates more fluidly.
🎯 The aim of such a tool? To help you reduce time-to-market and stimulate innovation. It also enables you to improve the traceability of your products, to meet quality and control challenges.
In terms of functionalities, a good PLM integrates, among other things :
- bill of materials management (BOM) ;
- modification tracking (ECO/ECN) ;
- prototype validation;
- integration with CAD and ERP tools;
- quality and conformity control.
💡 Please note: PLM isn't just a tool! It's also an organizational approach that invites you to rethink processes, so as to stimulate synergies. Its role thus becomes more strategic, especially in the face of increasingly complex products, pressure to meet deadlines and new regulatory requirements.
Use cases for PLM software
As we have just seen, PLM software does more than just centralize product data: it synchronizes all the professions involved in the lifecycle, from design to maintenance, including quality control, purchasing and production.
👉 To better grasp the scope of the possibilities promised by such a tool, here are a few use cases:
- In design offices, PLM streamlines the management of bills of materials. Engineers have access to a single version of technical data, thus avoiding duplication, scattered files and so on. Each update is tracked, validated and logged.
- In methods teams, PLM structures the creation of manufacturing routings. Links with CAD data ensure consistency between the virtual and the real, and real time savings can be seen when launching production runs.
- In quality departments, PLM becomes the essential ally for efficient management of validation workflows: control plans, customer feedback, non-conformities, modification requests... all actions are traced.
- On the management side, PLM provides an overall view of projects. This enables bottlenecks to be identified, teams to be better aligned and deadlines to be secured.
- Finally, in general, PLM optimizes collaboration between departments. Gone are the days of interminable e-mail exchanges; everything now flows through clearly defined, automated processes.
🤩Industry, aeronautics, healthcare, agri-food... whatever the sector, there are multiple use cases, since good PLM software adapts to your business context (customized workflows, integration with the existing technological ecosystem, etc.).
Why choose PLM software? 5 key benefits
#1 Boosted productivity
The first reason why companies turn to PLM software is its promise to save time and boost productivity.
This is due to its ability to centralize technical information and automate the execution of certain tasks. As a result, you can eliminate time-consuming, low-value tasks such as searching for files.
What's more, each department works on a single source of truth. Fewer errors, less wasted time... more bandwidth for innovation!
#2 A driving force for innovation
When communication and collaboration become more fluid, ideas circulate more easily, approvals are quicker, and tests follow one another. All of which boosts innovation!
Take, for example, a change in product design: it's instantly visible to the quality or purchasing teams. This cross-functional vision encourages agile iterations and accelerates development cycles.
#3 Quality and compliance
PLM software traces all actions relating to the product lifecycle, whether they involve modification, validation, customer feedback, control plans, and so on.
In addition, the implementation of workflows ensures that it is the right people who validate key stages.
As a result, you'll be able to comply more naturally with regulatory requirements and limit the risk of non-compliance.
#4 Fewer errors and greater savings
An error in a bill of materials? An unsuccessful series launch? A last-minute change that wasn't communicated?
These are all sources of unforeseen costs...
With PLM software, and its promise of data and service synchronization, you can limit these "budget leaks" that plague your projects and your cash flow.
What's more, this type of solution detects inconsistencies between versions and alerts you in the event of a conflict.
Another benefit is the reduction of dormant stocks. By improving launch predictability, you can improve your inventory management process.
#5 A clear vision for precise management
It's hard to make decisions when information is scattered between Excel files, e-mails and endless meetings.
This is where PLM comes in, bringing together all key indicators in a single tool.
Management gains in visibility, but also in reactivity, in order to make the best strategic decisions. Managers, meanwhile, can adjust priorities and mobilize the right resources on the right projects.
😉 We hope you're now convinced of the benefits of a Product Lifecycle Management solution. All that's left is to choose your software from among the 10 nuggets we're about to present to you.
Comparison of the 10 best PLM software packages on the market
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 Visiativ PLM |  Aras PLM Platform |  Arena PLM |  Autodesk Fusion Manage |  Centric PLM |  Teamcenter |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| For companies with 51 to 5000 employees | For all companies | For all companies | For all companies | For all companies | For all companies |
| See software | See software | See software | See software | See software | See software |
| Learn more about Visiativ PLM | Learn more about Aras PLM Platform | Learn more about Arena PLM | Learn more about Autodesk Fusion Manage | Learn more about Centric PLM | Learn more about Teamcenter |
Visiativ PLM
Powerful and intuitive, Visiativ PLM is a real industrial performance gas pedal, enabling you to significantly reduce your time-to-market (by 30%!). Specializing in technical data management, this software centralizes your product information within a streamlined, efficient interface. You can organize your bills of materials, drawings, quality documents and project files with the utmost precision.
Visiativ PLM's business-oriented approach is suitable for all types of industrial company, in particular for SMEs and SMBs in the mechanical and electronics sectors.
Visiativ's strength lies in its frictionless integration with your CAD software (so your designers can carry out a detailed study and definition of the product), as well as with the main ERP systems on the market. We also like its ability to facilitate collaboration between all stakeholders involved in industrial projects. In particular, you can take advantage of detailed planning, which is very useful for intelligently managing milestones and deliverables.
Last but not least, Viasiativ supports bill of materials management, for fluid communication between company departments, from design to production.
🤩 Visiativ's key benefits :
- Sector-specific adaptation: take advantage of a structure designed for industry, with tools dedicated to your technical and regulatory constraints.
- Modularity: Visiativ PLM adopts a scalable, customizable approach. You can digitalize your strategic processes flexibly, without the need for a complex infrastructure.
- Interdepartmental collaboration and cross-functional management: the solution facilitates exchanges between design, methods, quality, purchasing and production. Configurable workflows ensure efficient coordination of key stages.
- Comprehensive support for digitalization: Visiativ offers a complete digital transformation plan, from diagnostics to training, including the integration of complementary solutions.
Visiativ PLM
3DEXPERIENCE
Dassault Systèmes' 3DEXPERIENCE is much more than just PLM software. It's a complete and robust collaborative platform, designed to connect your data, your teams and your processes, all within the same secure cloud space. Scalable and modular, it centralizes engineering, design, manufacturing, quality and marketing operations, without the need for re-keying.
With 3DEXPERIENCE, you have access to a unique, constantly updated digital twin. This gives you a real-time picture of the physical product throughout its lifecycle, enabling you to optimize its design, manufacture and maintenance.
What's more, your CAD (CATIA), CAM (DELMIA), document management (ENOVIA) or simulation (SIMULIA) tools are natively integrated into the ecosystem. At the same time, take advantage of highly customizable workflows, to reduce the need for round-trips and streamline collaboration. Every business process is continuously modeled, connected and optimized, making the software particularly suited to complex industries.
🤩 Key benefits of 3DEXPERIENCE :
- Unified, cloud-native platform: centralize all your processes in a single environment, accessible from anywhere.
- Complete interoperability with the Dassault ecosystem: CATIA, DELMIA, ENOVIA, SIMULIA... all in-house tools interact frictionlessly.
- Real-time visibility: follow every step of the product cycle, every modification, live.
- Immersive experience: the interface is modern and customizable, to stimulate collaboration between technical, business and creative profiles.
Aletiq
Aletiq is a next-generation PLM software solution designed to centralize your technical data and streamline your industrial processes, whether you work in the aerospace and defense, automotive, energy or luxury sectors.
This solution, available in SaaS mode, integrates rapidly with your existing environment and tools, without the need for complex deployments (SAP, Sage, Odoo, Adobe, Dynamics 365, etc.). And thanks to its intuitive interface and high degree of process automation, your teams can collaborate effectively, sharing a common vision of product data.
Aletiq handles the management of technical modifications, significantly reducing the time spent on these tasks. It also ensures complete traceability of changes, to facilitate compliance with standards such as ISO 9001.
Finally, with Aletiq, you get a high-performance, real-time updated dashboard, practical for steering your business more finely and making informed decisions.
🤩 Key benefits of Aletiq :
- Data centralization: gather CAD, drawings, BOMs and quality documents in one place.
- Process automation: manage validation circuits, project milestones and technical modifications more efficiently.
- Enhanced traceability: Aletiq integrates the complete history of changes to simplify your compliance.
- Real-time control: analyze key indicators at a glance to optimize your industrial performance.
Aras Innovator
Modern, open and flexible, the Aras Innovator solution is designed to support companies in their digital transformation, particularly in the aerospace, defense, automotive, medical and industrial sectors.
The platform's main strength? Its modular, scalable architecture, facilitating integration with your existing systems and alignment with your company's specific needs.
Thanks to its broad functional coverage, Aras Innovator helps you structure your product lifecycle management, providing complete visibility of your processes, from design to maintenance.
The software also promotes digital continuity: every modification, every interaction is recorded, analyzed and valued. The result is greater transparency and agility. As a bonus, low-code development lets you involve your teams in your continuous improvement dynamic, without overloading the IT department.
🤩 Key benefits of Aras Innovator :
- Flexibility : its modular architecture makes it easy to integrate and customize the solution.
- Digital continuity : obtain complete visibility and traceability throughout the product lifecycle.
- Low-code development : speed up the implementation of specific applications.
- Interoperability : Aras is compatible with a multitude of existing systems and tools.
Aras PLM Platform
Arena
Arena PLM is a cloud solution dedicated to industrial companies operating in demanding environments. Do you work in the medical, electronics or connected objects sectors? Are you faced with strict regulations, dispersed teams and tight deadlines? Arena will structure your product and quality data within a robust, unified platform.
Its interesting approach, combining PLM and QMS, reinforces the coherence of your processes. Validations become more fluid, modifications are logged and audits better anticipated (and not dreaded!). Every player has access to a single version of the data, wherever they are. This reduces non-conformities and speeds up product launches.
All in a secure environment, with no heavy infrastructure to maintain. In short, Arena helps you turn regulatory complexity into a performance driver. A true squaring of your projects!
🤩 Arena's key benefits:
- Secure cloud: enjoy rapid software deployment and never worry about maintenance operations again.
- Integrated quality management: Arena integrates features for proactive management of risks and normative requirements.
- Real-time collaboration: strengthen collaboration with your various partners, particularly those in the supply chain.
- Training management: the platform supports training management, to simplify regulatory and corporate compliance.
Arena PLM
Autodesk Fusion Manage
Developed by Autodesk, Fusion Manage cloud software (formerly Fusion Lifecycle PLM) supports you in managing the entire product lifecycle, in a personalized way. Whether you're faced with high product variability or need to structure your processes while maintaining an overview of your operations, this tool will provide you with an effective response.
Users appreciate Autodesk Fusion Manage first and foremost for its configurable workflows and modular approach, which enable the solution to be adapted to existing working methods... and not the other way around! You'll also benefit from data centralization and visualization, automated approvals and real-time progress tracking.
Fully integrated with the Autodesk ecosystem, the platform ensures seamless continuity between design, manufacturing and document management within your organization. As a result, your teams can collaborate more effectively, even remotely.
As a bonus, enjoy a clear, modern interface accessible from a simple browser.
🤩 Key benefits of Autodesk Fusion Manage :
- Tailored workflows: adapt each stage of your product lifecycle to your business requirements.
- Native Autodesk ecosystem: this ecosystem guarantees seamless continuity between CAD, CAM and product management.
- Cloud accessibility: easily connect all your teams, with no infrastructure to manage.
- Centralized tracking: visualize progress and bottlenecks in real time.
Autodesk Fusion Manage
Centric PLM
Centric PLM has been developed to support companies under pressure to meet deadlines, cut costs and innovate products. It is therefore aimed primarily at consumer goods sectors such as fashion, cosmetics, food and retail.
More specifically, Centric PLM integrates all technical, commercial and regulatory data within a single interface. You can manage your collections, supplier relations and bills of materials from an intuitive platform, accessible from anywhere, including on cell phones. Each player can then easily visualize the progress of products and intervene at the right moment.
Interestingly, the solution includes complementary modules for sustainable development, packaging management, sourcing and supplier quality. Centric PLM doesn't just provide structure: it makes all your operations smoother, more secure and faster.
In short, Centric PLM combines functional richness with meticulous ergonomics, to speed up your products' time-to-market without adding to your teams' mental workload.
🤩 Key benefits of Centric PLM :
- Industry adaptability: Centric PLM integrates modules and workflows designed for each industry.
- Intuitive interface: the solution benefits from a modern design and interface, for rapid learning.
- Centralized management: strengthen the collaboration of different teams around reliable, harmonized data, updated in real time.
- Support for sustainable development objectives: raw materials and waste management, carbon footprint, supply chain certification, circularity, etc.
Centric PLM
Oracle PLM
Oracle Fusion Cloud PLM is a solution designed to structure, automate and accelerate your product innovation processes. It covers the entire product lifecycle, from the initial idea to design, validation, quality control and compliance.
With this platform, you centralize your technical data in a single repository, accessible in real time, wherever you are. Another key advantage: it integrates natively with Oracle ERP and SCM suites, guaranteeing cross-functional consistency between design and execution.
You'll also benefit from embedded AI technology, enabling you to detect anomalies earlier and adjust your strategic decisions accordingly.
Highly scalable, Oracle PLM is equally suited to large groups and fast-growing structures. No more scattered data. With Oracle PLM, you regain control of your product's value chain and enter into a real innovation dynamic.
🤩 Key benefits of Oracle PLM :
- Orchestration of product requirements: you finely structure business, technical and regulatory needs, right from the design phase.
- Automatic alignment with the Oracle ecosystem: Oracle PLM communicates natively with your ERP, SCM, IoT and finance tools.
- Reduce time-to-market : automate workflows, validations and centralize product data, so you can launch faster... without sacrificing quality.
- Global visibility: access dashboards and predictive analyses updated in real time, boosted by AI.
Teamcenter
Developed by Siemens Digital Industries Software, Teamcenter is a particularly robust PLM solution. It stands out in particular for its rich functionality and modular architecture, making it a solid response to the challenges faced by large industrial companies looking to boost their performance (aerospace and defense, automotive and transportation, batteries, electronics and semiconductors, energy and utilities, food and beverage, shipbuilding, etc.).
With this software, available in the cloud or on site, you can centralize all your technical data (CAD designs, analyses, bills of materials, quality documents, etc.) and develop innovative products.
Its ability to structure and automate workflows facilitates collaboration between departments, sites or subsidiaries. Throughout the entire product life cycle. Teamcenter also includes functions for electrical systems, electronic and mechanical design, and software and IoT development.
As a bonus, the solution integrates frictionlessly with the NX suite, Solid Edge and other business tools.
🤩 Key benefits of Teamcenter :
- Unified product lifecycle management: track every stage, from design to maintenance, with the utmost precision.
- Broad functional coverage: Teamcenter includes many features and addresses all types of industry.
- Modular, extensible architecture: you activate only the modules you need to run your business. Teamcenter adapts to your strategy, not the other way around.
- Seamless integration with your existing tools: whether you use SAP, NX or Catia, Teamcenter connects seamlessly.
Teamcenter
Windchill PLM
PTC's Windchill PLM has established itself as a pillar of product lifecycle management, especially in complex industrial sectors such as aeronautics, automotive and mechanical engineering. Its strength? A modern, open, highly configurable modular architecture that adapts to your ecosystem without weighing it down.
This solution is particularly effective when it comes to centralizing technical data in an up-to-date digital twin accessible to every department. It also helps you control your product configurations, engineering changes and quality validations. No need for multiple tools!
By integrating with Creo, ThingWorx or Arbortext, Windchill PLM creates a bridge between design, IoT and documentation. As a result, your operations become more fluid and responsive. Users also appreciate the version management and real-time collaboration functions.
Finally, let's highlight the solution's compliance with international standards and automation of the regulatory submission process, essential in certain business sectors.
🤩 Key benefits of Windchill PLM :
- Advanced management of complex configurations: you supervise product variants, options and evolutions, even in multi-site or multi-language mode.
- Native interoperability with PTC tools: Windchill works hand in hand with Creo (CAD), ThingWorx (IoT) and Vuforia (AR).
- High traceability of changes: every modification is logged and contextualized, so your quality processes run smoothly.
- Support for large-scale work: even with 300 or 3,000 users, Windchill remains stable, and your teams can move forward without stepping on each other's toes.
What's in it for PLM software?
PLM software is an essential strategic tool for optimizing product lifecycle management, especially in sectors with complex design and regulatory requirements (manufacturing, aerospace and defense, automotive, pharmaceuticals, etc.).
The main advantages of this tool? It promotes collaboration between teams, reduces lead times and improves quality.
Now it's up to you to choose the platform that's right for your business, taking into account various criteria such as functional coverage (is it really adapted to your needs and business?), ease of use, ROI and complementarity with your technological ecosystem.
And, of course, keep an eye on your software's alignment with the many challenges ahead. Artificial intelligence, predictive analysis, environmental issues... these are all challenges for tomorrow's industry, which any good PLM must be able to meet. 💪
Article translated from French
Currently Editorial Manager, Jennifer Montérémal joined the Appvizer team in 2019. Since then, she's been putting her expertise in web copywriting, copywriting and SEO optimization to work for the company, with her sights set on reader satisfaction 😀 !
Trained as a medievalist, Jennifer took a break from castles and manuscripts to discover her passion for content marketing. She took away from her studies the skills expected of a good copywriter: understanding and analyzing the subject, rendering the information, with a real mastery of the pen (without systematically resorting to a certain AI 🤫).
An anecdote about Jennifer? She distinguished herself at Appvizer with her karaoke skills and boundless knowledge of musical nanars 🎤.