.
Requirements & Planning
Activities:
Market analysis
Customer requirements
Product specifications
Budget planning
Outputs:
Requirement documents
Initial BOM
2. Concept Engineering
Activities:
Concept generation
Product architecture
Feasibility studies
Outputs:
Concept sketches
EBOM (Engineering Bill of Materials)
3. Product Engineering
Activities:
CAD modeling
Design calculations
Engineering analysis
Outputs:
Drawings
Design reports
MBOM preparation
4. Manufacturing Engineering
Activities:
Process planning
Tool design
Resource allocation
Outputs:
Process sheets
Work instructions
5. Product Test & Quality
Activities:
Prototype testing
Validation
Quality inspection
Outputs:
Test reports
Quality records
6. Compliance Management
Activities:
Safety verification
Regulatory approval
Environmental compliance
Outputs:
Certification documents
Examples:
ISO Standards
CE Marking
RoHS Compliance
7. Manufacturing Production
Activities:
Mass production
Assembly operations
Production monitoring
Outputs:
Finished products
8. Sales & Distribution
Activities:
Marketing
Logistics
Dealer support
Outputs:
Customer delivery
9. Maintenance & Repair (MRO)
MRO = Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul
Activities:
Spare parts management
Service records
Warranty tracking
10. Disposal & Recycling
Activities:
End-of-life management
Material recovery
Sustainable disposal
Outputs:
Recyclable materials
Concurrent Engineering (Simultaneous Engineering)
Definition
Concurrent Engineering (CE) is a systematic approach in which different departments
involved in product development—such as design, manufacturing, quality, procurement, and
service—work simultaneously rather than sequentially.
Cross-Functional Teams
Design Engineers
Manufacturing Engineers
Quality Engineers
Procurement Team
Marketing Team
Parallel Activities
Multiple tasks occur simultaneously.
Early Problem Detection
Manufacturing and quality issues are identified during design itself.
Information Sharing
Uses PLM systems for real-time collaboration.
Concurrent Engineering in PLM
PLM acts as a common platform where:
CAD models are shared instantly.
BOM changes are updated automatically.
Manufacturing teams review designs early.
Suppliers access approved product data.
Quality teams provide feedback during design.
Opportunities of Product Lifecycle Management (PLM)
1. Improved Innovation
PLM provides a platform for capturing and managing product-related data, ideas, and feedback
from various sources. It enables organizations to harness the collective knowledge of employees,
customers, suppliers, and stakeholders, fostering a culture of innovation. Through collaboration
and knowledge sharing, PLM helps generate new product ideas, identify market trends, and drive
continuous improvement.
2. Faster Time-to-Market
PLM streamlines product development processes by automating workflows, reducing manual
tasks, and improving collaboration among teams. This significantly shortens product
development cycles, enabling organizations to launch products faster, respond quickly to
customer needs, and gain a competitive advantage.
3. Cost Optimization
PLM helps identify cost-saving opportunities throughout the product lifecycle. By optimizing
designs, managing resources efficiently, and reducing waste, companies can lower production
costs and improve operational efficiency. It also provides visibility into product costs, supporting
informed decisions regarding pricing, sourcing, and manufacturing.
4. Enhanced Customer Satisfaction
PLM enables organizations to better understand customer requirements by collecting and
analyzing customer feedback, usage data, and market insights. This customer-focused approach
helps develop products that meet or exceed customer expectations, leading to increased
satisfaction, loyalty, and repeat business.
5. Global Collaboration
Modern businesses often operate across multiple geographical locations. PLM provides a
centralized platform that allows teams, suppliers, partners, and customers worldwide to
collaborate effectively in real time. This improves communication, reduces errors, and
accelerates decision-making.
6. Efficient Change Management
Changes such as design updates, regulatory modifications, and customer-requested
improvements are common during a product's lifecycle. PLM facilitates efficient change
management through version control, impact analysis, change tracking, and proper
documentation, minimizing disruptions and ensuring smooth implementation.
7. Sustainability and Environmental Responsibility
PLM supports sustainability initiatives by helping organizations evaluate and reduce the
environmental impact of their products. It enables tracking of environmental regulations,
assessment of carbon footprints, and implementation of eco-friendly design and manufacturing
practices.
8. Intellectual Property (IP) Management
PLM provides a secure environment for managing intellectual property assets such as patents,
copyrights, trademarks, and proprietary product information. It helps organizations protect their
innovations, maintain ownership records, and reduce the risk of intellectual property
infringement.
Different Views of PLM / Evolution Path of PLM
PLM evolved gradually from simple engineering data storage systems to enterprise-wide
lifecycle management solutions. The evolution path is shown below:
EDM → PDM → cPDM → CPC → PLM
1. Engineering Data Management (EDM)
Definition
EDM is the earliest stage of PLM evolution. It focuses on managing engineering documents,
CAD files, drawings, and technical data generated during product design.
Features
Storage of engineering drawings and CAD models.
Document version control.
Data retrieval and sharing among engineers.
Secure storage of technical information.
Example
An engineer stores AutoCAD drawings of a machine component in a centralized database,
ensuring that all designers access the latest version.
Limitation
Only engineering departments use the system; other departments have limited access.
2. Product Data Management (PDM)
Definition
PDM extends EDM by managing all product-related information throughout the design process.
Features
Bill of Materials (BOM) management.
Workflow management.
Change control.
Product structure management.
Multi-user collaboration.
Example
When a design engineer modifies a gear, the PDM system automatically updates the BOM and
notifies related departments.
Benefit
Improves design coordination and reduces duplication of work.
3. Collaborative Product Definition Management (cPDM)
Definition
cPDM expands PDM by enabling collaboration among different departments and external
partners.
Features
Cross-functional collaboration.
Integration with suppliers and customers.
Real-time information sharing.
Product definition management across the enterprise.
Example
Design, manufacturing, quality, and procurement teams simultaneously access and review
product data through a common platform.
Benefit
Improves communication and reduces development delays.
4. Collaborative Product Commerce (CPC)
Definition
CPC focuses on collaboration across the entire supply chain, including suppliers, vendors, and
customers.
Features
Web-based collaboration.
Supplier integration.
Online product information exchange.
Faster decision-making.
Example
An automobile manufacturer shares design updates with suppliers through an online portal,
enabling immediate implementation of changes.
Benefit
Enhances supply chain efficiency and reduces time-to-market.
5. Product Lifecycle Management (PLM)
Definition
PLM is the complete management of a product throughout its entire lifecycle—from concept and
design to manufacturing, service, and disposal.
Features
Enterprise-wide product information management.
Integration with ERP, MES, and CRM systems.
Lifecycle tracking.
Change management.
Knowledge management.
Sustainability management.
Example
A smartphone company manages product design, manufacturing, sales, service records, and
recycling information using a single PLM system.
Benefit
Provides a unified view of the product throughout its lifecycle and supports strategic decision-
making.
Engineering Data Management (EDM)
Definition
Engineering Data Management (EDM) is the process of storing, organizing, controlling,
and managing engineering-related data such as drawings, CAD models, specifications,
documents, and reports throughout the product development process.
Simple Explanation
EDM ensures that the right engineering information is available to
the right person at the right time.
Types of Data Managed in EDM
Engineering Drawings
CAD Models
Design Documents
Product Specifications
Test Reports
Engineering Change Documents
Objectives of EDM
Centralized storage of engineering data
Version and revision control
Easy retrieval of documents
Data security and access control
Elimination of duplicate data
EDM Workflow
Engineering Data Creation
↓
Document Storage
↓
Version Control
↓
Approval Process
↓
Data Sharing
↓
Product Development
Example
Consider a drone design project:
Design engineer creates a CAD model.
EDM stores the CAD file in a central database.
Any modifications are tracked through revision control.
Manufacturing and quality teams access the latest approved version.
Advantages
Improved data accuracy
Reduced design errors
Faster document retrieval
Better collaboration
Improved traceability
PDM (Product Data Management) –
Definition
Product Data Management (PDM) is a system used to manage, organize, store, and control all
product-related information such as CAD models, drawings, BOMs, specifications,
engineering documents, and product revisions throughout the product development process.
Simple Explanation
PDM ensures that all product-related information is stored in a
central location and that everyone works with the latest version
of the product data.
Types of Data Managed in PDM
CAD Models
Engineering Drawings
Bill of Materials (BOM)
Product Specifications
Technical Documents
Engineering Change Orders (ECO)
Product Configurations
Objectives of PDM
Manage all product data in one place
Control document versions and revisions
Improve collaboration among departments
Maintain product structure and BOM
Reduce design errors and duplication
PDM Workflow
Product Data Creation
↓
Data Storage (Vault)
↓
Version & Revision Control
↓
Approval Workflow
↓
Product Structure/BOM Management
↓
Data Sharing & Collaboration
Example
Consider a drone development project:
Design engineer creates a CAD model of the drone frame.
PDM stores the model in a secure data vault.
BOM (motors, battery, propellers) is linked to the design.
Any design change creates a new revision automatically.
Manufacturing, purchase, and quality teams access the latest approved data.
Key Functions of PDM
1. Document Management
Stores and controls engineering documents.
2. Version Control
Tracks different versions of files.
3. Revision Control
Maintains official product revisions.
4. BOM Management
Controls Engineering BOM and Manufacturing BOM.
5. Workflow Management
Automates approval processes.
6. Product Structure Management
Maintains relationships between assemblies and components.
Advantages
Centralized product information
Faster product development
Improved collaboration
Reduced rework and errors
Better change management
Improved product quality
ePDM (Enterprise Product Data Management)
Definition
ePDM (Enterprise Product Data Management) is an advanced form of PDM that extends
product data management across the entire enterprise by integrating multiple departments such as
design, manufacturing, quality, purchasing, suppliers, and management.
Simple Explanation
ePDM ensures that product information is shared and managed across
the entire organization, not just within the engineering
department.
Evolution
EDM
↓
PDM
↓
ePDM
↓
cPDm
↓
CPC
↓
PLM
EDM
Manages engineering documents
PDM
Manages product data
ePDM
Manages enterprise-wide product information
Key Features of ePDM
Centralized Product Database
Enterprise-wide Collaboration
Workflow Management
Change Management
BOM Management
Integration with ERP, CAD, SCM, CRM
Version and Revision Control
ePDM Architecture
ePDM System
│
┌──────────┬──────────┬──────────┬──────────┐
│ Design │ Purchase │ Quality │ Production│
└──────────┴──────────┴──────────┴──────────┘
│
Common Database
All departments access the same product information.
Example
Agricultural Drone Development
Design Department
Creates CAD models
Purchase Department
Procures motors and batteries
Manufacturing Department
Plans assembly operations
Quality Department
Conducts inspections
Management
Monitors project progress
Using ePDM, all departments work from the same product database.
Advantages
Improved Collaboration
Departments can share information instantly.
Reduced Errors
Everyone uses the latest approved data.
Faster Product Development
Less waiting between departments.
Better Change Control
Engineering changes are automatically communicated.
Enterprise Integration
Supports ERP and supply chain systems.
CPC (Collaborative Product Commerce)
Definition
Collaborative Product Commerce (CPC) is a business strategy and technology platform that
enables manufacturers, suppliers, customers, partners, and distributors to collaborate and share
product information throughout the product lifecycle using the internet and web-based
technologies.
Simple Explanation
CPC allows all stakeholders involved in a product to work together
and share information in real time, regardless of their
geographical location.
Why CPC Was Introduced?
Traditional PDM and ePDM mainly focused on internal departments.
Modern products require collaboration with:
Suppliers
Vendors
Customers
Distributors
Service Providers
CPC enables this extended collaboration.
Evolution
EDM
↓
PDM
↓
ePDM
↓
CPC
↓
PLM
EDM
Manages engineering documents.
PDM
Manages product data.
ePDM
Manages enterprise-wide product data.
CPC
Extends collaboration beyond the enterprise.
PLM
Manages the complete product lifecycle.
CPC Architecture
Customer
│
│
Supplier ─────── CPC Platform ─────── Manufacturer
│
│
Distributor
│
Service Team
All participants access the same product information through a collaborative platform.
Key Features of CPC
Web-based Collaboration
Supplier Integration
Customer Involvement
Real-Time Information Sharing
Product Change Management
Global Team Collaboration
Faster Product Development
Example: Agricultural Drone Development
Design Team
Creates drone design.
Supplier
Provides motors and batteries.
Customer
Provides performance requirements.
Manufacturing Team
Plans production.
Service Team
Provides maintenance feedback.
Using CPC:
All participants access the same product information.
Design changes are instantly visible.
Collaboration becomes faster and more effective.
Benefits of CPC
Reduced Time-to-Market
Faster communication and approvals.
Improved Product Quality
Early feedback from suppliers and customers.
Better Collaboration
Global teams work together.
Reduced Product Development Cost
Fewer design iterations and errors.
Enhanced Customer Satisfaction
Customer requirements are incorporated earlier.