Modern PLM software - introduction
Today’s manufacturing companies operate under growing pressure for speed, quality, and regulatory compliance.
To compete effectively and launch new products faster, more cost-effectively, and with fewer errors, companies need an organized approach to managing product information. Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) is the key to integrating technical data, business processes, and teams within a single, coherent platform.
Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) is a strategy that supports all stages of a product's "life" – from the initial concept, through design, testing, and production, to servicing and market withdrawal (end of life). PLM enables efficient management of technological data, documentation, engineering changes, and product-related processes throughout the supply chain and the entire organization.
PLM is a strategy that integrates key business processes, technologies, and people to optimize product management from concept to end-of-life. This ensures every change is controlled and data is consistent and easily accessible across departments in real time.
There’s a growing trend of investing in technologies such as PLM. Remember, until around 2010, we referred to PLM as just a system.
Today’s PLM is much more – it’s the backbone of the entire Digital Thread in a company. The current product lifecycle begins as an idea on paper or as a response to a market need. Later stages include design, manufacturing, servicing, and withdrawal – and for each of these, PLM can be a pillar, collecting product data from various domains.
from an interview with Production Manager Magazine
Marek Cendrowicz
PLM Solution Architect
Transition Technologies PSC S.A.
This is the stage where a new product idea emerges. The team creates assumptions, analyzes customer needs, competition, and technological possibilities.
How does PLM help?
PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) enables the collection and evaluation of ideas, requirements management, and early collaboration between R&D, marketing, and sales.
At this stage, CAD models, BOMs (Bills of Materials), prototypes, and technical documentation are created.
How does PLM help?
PLM software enables integration with CAD systems, file version management, tracking changes (ECR/ECN), and controls the flow of approvals. This is a key moment for standardization and error elimination.
The product undergoes technical and user quality tests. Errors are detected and the project is refined.
How does PLM help?
PLM documents test results, enables change management and project updates, and connects test data with specific product versions.
The approved project moves to serial production. Verified data, up-to-date documentation, and precise BOMs are needed.
How does PLM help?
PLM provides production with a "single source of truth"—consistent data without errors or duplicates (product data management). It facilitates cooperation with ERP, MES, and quality departments.
The product reaches the customer. During use, service needs, modifications, or updates may arise.
How does PLM help?
PLM provides access to service data, technical drawings, warranty documentation, and enables the handling of reports and breakdowns.
At this stage, the product is withdrawn from the offer. It is necessary to ensure access to documentation, data compliance, and history archiving.
| Myth | Fact |
|---|---|
| PLM is only for the design department—production won’t use it. | PLM supports every department. Production has access to current BOMs, drawings, and approval statuses. Views are tailored to user needs. |
| The system is too big and complicated for our company. | We implement PLM modularly—starting with areas that bring the most value, e.g., technical documentation management. |
| Implementation takes years and paralyzes the company. | Typical implementation takes 6–12 months and is carried out in stages, without interrupting daily operations. |
| Our employees won’t cope with another IT system. | Modern PLM systems are intuitive, and end users receive simplified interfaces tailored to their roles and responsibilities. |
Our PLM offering, leveraging PTC technology and the Windchill PLM platform, supports digital transformation and streamlines the entire production process - from design and engineering to supply chain management and product quality assurance
80%
production errors*
due to problems with design data
This highlights the critical importance of accurate, accessible, and up-to-date design documentation in manufacturing environments.
40%
of engineers’ time*
is spent searching for the latest versions of documents.
This statistic underscores how much productivity can be lost due to inefficient document management and version control.
*industry data
(Examples from a Polish manufacturing company)
in R&D and design engineering teams
instant documentation retrieval, eliminating the risk of using outdated versions
of machine parts in BOMs (Bill of Materials) and faster implementation of design changes
of parts catalogs, including multi-language support, reducing catalog update time by half
seamless transfer of BOM structures, attachments, and attributes for efficient production planning and supply chain collaboration.
PLM acts as a command center for technical and business systems—collecting, organizing, and sharing product data crucial for company operations. It enables:
PLM can function independently, primarily supporting R&D and engineering departments. It provides fast access to documentation, version control, and approval workflows – simplifying product data management.
Connecting PLM with ERP systems allows seamless data flow between design, engineering, production, and sales departments. It eliminates data transfer errors and shortens production preparation times. This is particularly effective when production is staged – prototyping, initial builds, full-scale manufacturing.
Integrated into the Digital Thread
As part of the Digital Thread, PLM links design, production, service, and operational data analytics. This enables real-time lifecycle monitoring and optimization. It also supports advanced concepts like Digital Twin, predictive maintenance, and sustainable development.
PLM system is not only a tool for designers. It is a central source of product knowledge used by many departments - from the design office, production and purchasing to service and quality.
With PLM, each team works with consistent, up-to-date product data, improving risk management, reducing delays, and preventing costly downtime through better data integrity
PLM implementation is not about installing software, but transforming the way a company manages product information. At TT PSC, we guide companies through the entire process - from needs analysis to post-launch support.
What do we offer?
Our implementations are led by experienced consultants who understand the language of manufacturing and can translate technical requirements into real business value.
Product data management (PDM)- Product lifecycle management (PLM)- Advanced PLM.
PLM system works best in synergy with other solutions - together they support product lifecycle management, development, quality and efficiency. PLM improves management in an organization.
Our complementary services to PLM implementation:
Smooth flow of data on materials, indexes and bills of materials
Better coordination with production planning and execution
Management of 3D models and technical drawings
Full mapping of product structures in design, production and service contexts
With this approach, we create a cohesive digital environment with the client that supports the company at every stage of the product life cycle.
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We support companies in their digital transformation with systems tailored to their needs - with an eye on the future that starts now.
Effective deployment of PLM systems, tailored to the company’s methodology, ensuring minimal disruption to ongoing operation.
MoreAs part of our service, we offer, among other things: execution of migration projects, supervision of data quality and security
MoreSpecialists coordinate and implement integrations with ERP, MES, and other environments to ensure seamless data flow and process automation.
MoreHosting PLM systems in the cloud to increase system availability, scalability, and fast access to data.
MoreEnsuring your PLM system is always up-to-date with the latest versions, which is essential for security and efficiency. Updates are managed by specialized migration and update centers.
MoreDefine new software using RV&S from PTC – a tool recognized as one of the best on the market for application lifecycle management.
MoreLeveraging IIoT solutions to collect and use data from machines, employees, and production processes for improved decision-making.
MoreConnecting all key areas of the company within one platform, from concept through design to production, to enable efficient collaboration and data sharing.
MoreSolutions for sustainable PLM, supporting eco-friendly requirements and the entire product lifecycle from concept to recycling.
MoreAn innovative solution supporting sustainable development - download our leaflet to learn more
Check it out20+ Years of Global PLM Expertise
Proven track record in delivering PLM solutions worldwide
World-Class Experts – A global team, including top PLM specialists from Germany and beyond (200+ experts).
PTC GSI Partner Status (top level)
Recognized as a top-tier PTC partner and Partnership with PTC Professional Services – Ensuring best practices and seamless implementations
Experience with Enterprise Clients
Deep understanding of market needs and implementations and process best practices
End-to-End PLM Solutions
From installation and migration to customization, cloud, AI, and tech support.
Exclusive Collaboration with PTC R&D
Perfect allignment with the PTC road map and deep know-how on the product technical best practices
Innovation in PLM
Pioneering solutions like EcoDesign and cutting-edge digital transformation.
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across silos, enabling AI-driven insights and aligning with todays' ecological demands.
You'll read about that & more in our ebook.
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