I come before you today with troubling news. Research has shown that a vast majority of companies in the manufacturing industries suffer from PLM Legacy Syndrome. But do not be dismayed, I also come to you today with a cure.
The symptoms:
The first symptom you might encounter if you suffer from PLM Legacy Syndrome is trying to use a PLM platform only to discover that it is nothing more than a bunch of disconnected solutions neatly wrapped in a fuzzy blanket of marketing jargon. An essential best practice for PLM is using an integrated platform of connected solutions that supports the digital thread and provides a strong foundation for a digital twin.
Without an integrated PLM platform, it will be very difficult to access current product information. Sharing product design information with the rest of the enterprise will also be difficult and you will be forced to purchase additional software to link everything together.
The second symptom of PLM Legacy Syndrome is customized PLM solutions that have not been upgraded for many years. Don’t blame yourself, it is not your fault that these upgrades did not happen. Most PLM solutions are not very customizable, and once they are customized, the day will come when they cannot be modified or upgraded. CIMdata has done a lot of research on the importance of an open, flexible, scalable, and upgradable product innovation platform to support your business.
When old solutions cannot be upgraded, a new solution is deployed and the old solution must be kept to manage the proprietary data. This creates additional silos of information that will require constant maintenance, cost, and care.
The final symptom of PLM Legacy Syndrome (there are more, I could go on) is purchasing what you think is a sophisticated low-code solution and then realizing that you have yet another silo of disconnected information. Sure, the resulting data may look good, but it cannot be easily updated, and this information is only a snapshot view of what is happening within your PLM system. Actually, a simple approach to low-code development promotes PLM Legacy Syndrome by allowing almost anyone to easily create a large number of legacy solutions.
The remedy:
What can you do if you test positive for PLM Legacy Syndrome? The first step is to drink plenty of fluids and stay hydrated (that’s always the first step!). The second step is to find a PLM platform that:
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Offers a data model at its core that can be used to manage all information and connect all data seamlessly
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Integrates resulting low-code applications with other PLM solutions
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Supports complex PLM use cases
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Provides a solution that is customizable and includes support for creating your own processes and workflows
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Includes a more robust PLM low-code solution that provides industrial applications that become a permanent part of the PLM platform, and not a separate program with another data silo
As a non-licensed medical person, I would recommend a detailed look at the Aras PLM Platform. Aras provides an integrated PLM platform that is flexible, supports customization, and delivers sophisticated low-code solutions that become part of your PLM infrastructure, not separate applications.
Follow my prescription and you will not need to worry about PLM Legacy Syndrome. I can promise that your PLM solution will have a long and healthy life and successfully support any future product design and manufacturing goals. There will also be fewer visits to the PLM doctor and greater health overall for your business.
Learn more about how Aras can help you modernize your PLM and avoid PLM Legacy Syndrome.