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PLM Software

Centralise all your product data and get a clear and concrete view of your projects by selecting a powerful organisation and planning software! Both practical and collaborative, it supports you throughout the development of each of your projects.

PLM : related categories

Our selection of 24 plm software

Centric PLM

Innovative Product Lifecycle Management Solution

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Pricing on request

Centric PLM is a cutting-edge product lifecycle management software designed for fashion, retail, and consumer goods industries.

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It streamlines collaboration, accelerates time-to-market, and enhances product quality. Key features include comprehensive material libraries, real-time collaboration tools, and robust data analytics capabilities.

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Lattice

Employee Performance Enhancement Software

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Lattice is designed for organisations eager to optimise employee performance and engagement.

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This software offers comprehensive performance reviews, goal setting, and real-time feedback, making it a crucial tool for HR teams looking to foster a motivated and productive workforce.

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BlueCielo

Advanced Document Management for Engineers

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Streamline your product lifecycle management with cutting-edge software designed to optimize workflows, increase efficiency and reduce costs.

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BlueCielo's PLM software offers a range of features, including advanced document management, CAD integration, automated workflows and process optimization, all designed to help teams collaborate more effectively and reduce time-to-market.

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DevEX

Innovative Project Management Solutions for Teams

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3.5
Based on 4 reviews
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Streamline product development with a cloud-based PLM software. Manage the entire product lifecycle from ideation to launch with ease.

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DevEX simplifies product development with intuitive collaboration tools, real-time data insights, and automated workflows. Reduce time-to-market and increase efficiency with a single source of truth for product data.

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PLM software: purchase guide

What is PLM Software?

Definition

PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) 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 specifications to production shutdown.

How does it work?

PLM software fulfils the roles of many software packages: accounting management, CRM software, project management, ERP. Everything is synthesised 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 digitisation of all the information related to the product you wish to market.

Very versatile, it helps you to manage the design 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 optimises 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 centralises 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 by project 
  • Workflow management to optimise 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 optimising 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
  • Capitalises 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

PLM Software In-House or in 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 helps manage product data and processes throughout the product lifecycle. It enables businesses to create, store and share product data, automate workflows and collaborate with teams in real-time. PLM software handles data such as CAD files, bills of materials, project schedules, and product specifications.

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

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When searching for PLM software, look for features such as version control, workflow management, collaboration tools, reporting tools, and integration capabilities. A user-friendly interface, scalability, and customisation options are also essential. Make sure the software can handle different file types and work seamlessly with your existing tools.

What are the benefits of PLM for my company?

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PLM software can streamline product development processes, improve collaboration between teams, reduce errors, and improve product quality. It can also help businesses reduce time-to-market, cut costs, and increase productivity. By automating processes, PLM software frees up resources that can be used on other tasks, such as innovation.

What are the best PLM software options?

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There are many PLM software options available, and the best one will depend on your business needs. Some of the best PLM software options include Siemens Teamcenter, Dassault Systemes ENOVIA, and PTC Windchill. These software options are known for their extensive features, scalability, and customisation options.

What are the free PLM software alternatives I could try?

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Some free PLM software alternatives include OpenPLM, Aras Innovator, and Autodesk Fusion Lifecycle. Although they may have limited functionality compared to paid software, they can still be useful for small businesses or those on a tight budget. It's essential to evaluate the software's features carefully before making a decision.