PLM (Product Lifecycle Management): what it is, what it’s used for, and how to choose the right one

What is a PLM and what is it used for?

PLM is the system that manages:

• product data
• business processes
• revisions and changes
• approval workflows

Its purpose is to ensure that all information remains consistent throughout the entire product lifecycle.

With SolidRules PLM, you can:

• manage data and documents seamlessly alongside the PDM
• control bills of materials and revisions
• manage approval workflows
• oversee projects and job orders (in terms of resources, timelines, costs, and revenues)
• manage the complete job documentation package
• integrate commercial configuration (CPQ) with engineering
• track quality, compliance, and changes

What problems does a PLM solve in a company?

A PLM solves common problems in manufacturing companies, such as:

scattered information across departments
mismatched file and document versions
difficult-to-track changes
commercial configurations disconnected from the actual product
long approval and release times
difficulty reconstructing the product history
complex job order documentation management
complaints and non-conformities not promptly reaching engineering

With a PLM integrated with PDM and CPQ:

data becomes single-source and reliable
processes are fully traceable
engineering, sales, and production work in continuity

What is the difference between PLM, PDM, and ERP?

• PDM: manages technical data, CAD files, and revisions

• PLM: connects people, processes, and data across the entire product lifecycle

• ERP: manages purchasing, production, logistics, and administration

But there are other acronyms worth knowing:

• CRM manages customer and sales relationships
• PMS manages projects and job orders
• CPQ connects product configuration and commercial offers

SolidRules is PDM, PLM, CRM, PMS, and CPQ. It’s a lot - actually, a lot - but it is not an ERP. Instead, it covers everything where an ERP is not particularly strong!

Is SolidRules a traditional PLM?

No.

SolidRules is a broader system than a traditional PLM: it is a Company System that manages not only the product lifecycle, but also many other business processes.

With SolidRules you can cover:

engineering department
job order management
quality management
service and after-sales support
suppliers and documentation

In addition, it can also be used as:

• CMS (Content Management System)

• PIM (Product Information Management)

How does a PLM manage changes?

A PLM manages the change process (ECM – Engineering Change Management), which typically includes:

• ECR (Engineering Change Request)
• ECO (Engineering Change Order)
• ECN (Engineering Change Notice)

With a PLM you can:

• track every change request
• assess its impact
• approve it through structured workflows
• maintain a complete historical record

With SolidRules, all of this becomes highly practical and is fully integrated with your productivity tools.

In which industries is PLM used?

PLM is used in industries with complex products, such as:

• mechanical engineering and plant engineering
• electronics and high-tech
• automotive and aerospace
• medical devices
• energy sector

Is PLM suitable for SMEs as well?

Yes.

Today, PLM is also accessible to SMEs thanks to scalable solutions.

The main benefits are:

• reduced errors
• greater process control
• improved job order management
• more effective collaboration between departments

How long does it take to implement a PLM?

The answer depends on several factors:

• process complexity
• required integrations
• number of users
• scope of objectives
• commitment to continuous improvement

The most effective approach is a gradual one: PLM is implemented step by step, delivering progressive benefits over time.

Does PLM help with quality?

Yes, a PLM supports quality and compliance management (e.g., ISO 9001).

With SolidRules you can:

• manage non-conformities
• track complaints and returns (RMA)
• handle quality documentation
• monitor certification processes
• manage assets

Those who choose SolidRules benefit from the experience of a company that prioritizes quality and security, having obtained the ISO 27001 certification for information security management.

Does PLM also manage service and after-sales?

Yes.

With SolidRules you can:

• manage scheduled maintenance for machines and plants
• handle on-site service interventions at the customer’s site
• collect intervention signatures from PC, tablet, or smartphone
• manage spare parts and documentation for every machine
• manage job site operations
• track intervention costs
• manage job order warehouse and inventory

Can PLM use artificial intelligence? And where is the data processed?

Yes, the most advanced PLM systems can integrate Artificial Intelligence to improve efficiency and information management.

AI can be used, for example, to:

support intelligent document and data search (semantic search)
analyze technical and historical information
assist users in decision-making processes
automate repetitive tasks

A key aspect is where data is processed.

In industrial environments, it is increasingly important for AI solutions to operate in controlled, local environments, without relying on external services that could expose sensitive information.

In architectures like SolidRules, AI integration can be implemented while keeping full control of the data, ensuring security, confidentiality, and alignment with company processes, all without additional costs.

How do you choose a PLM system?

Choosing a PLM system means evaluating not only its features, but also its ability to adapt to company processes.

The main key factors to consider are:

• integration with CAD, ERP, and other systems
• scalability over time
• ease of adoption for users
• coverage of business processes (not only engineering)
• flexibility and configurability

An effective PLM must be truly usable in a real business environment, not just technically complete.

In industrial contexts, it is also important to assess whether the system supports integration with advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, while still maintaining full control over company data.

Solutions like SolidRules enable a progressive PLM adoption approach, starting from concrete needs without introducing unnecessary complexity.

How much does a PLM cost?

The cost of a PLM system depends on several factors:

• number of users
• process complexity
• required integrations
• level of customization

It is important to distinguish between:

• software cost
• project cost (analysis, configuration, training)

Looking only at the license is reductive: the value of a PLM is measured by the efficiency it generates over time.

Platforms like SolidRules are designed to reduce adoption time and enable a return on investment already in the early stages of the project.

In addition, SolidRules offers a highly flexible licensing model: perpetual license with maintenance, subscription, named licenses, concurrent licenses, and more.

Finally, you can deploy SolidRules in a private cloud or on-premise environment.

When does it make sense to introduce a PLM?

A PLM becomes necessary when a company loses control over data and processes.

Typical signs include:

• excessive use of Excel and shared folders
• difficulty managing changes and revisions
• inconsistencies between engineering, production, and sales
• errors in product configuration or manufacturing
• difficulty monitoring resource workload as well as design time and costs

In these cases, adopting a PLM system helps structure the product lifecycle.

With an approach like SolidRules, it is possible to introduce PLM gradually, without disrupting the existing organization.

Does PLM integrate with ERP and CAD systems?

Yes, a PLM system is designed to integrate with ERP and CAD systems.

This integration is essential to avoid data duplication and inconsistencies.

In particular:

• PDM connects the PLM to CAD systems
• PLM manages processes and revisions
• ERP uses the data for production and operational management

Beyond traditional integrations, more advanced platforms also extend these capabilities to Artificial Intelligence, while maintaining data consistency and control.

Integrated solutions like SolidRules (InCentro PDM + Desk PLM) enable continuity between technical data and business processes, eliminating information silos.

Why integrate PLM and CPQ?

Integrating PLM and CPQ makes it possible to connect commercial configuration with the technical product structure.

The main benefits are:

consistency between the offer and the producible product
reduced configuration errors
continuity between sales and engineering
faster job order management

When CPQ, PDM, and PLM work in an integrated way, the entire business process becomes smoother and more reliable.

In architectures like SolidRules, this integration is native, enabling full continuity between configuration, engineering, and production.

What are the risks of not having a PLM?

Not adopting a PLM leads to several critical issues:

• loss or duplication of information
• errors in file versions and documentation
• difficulty managing engineering changes
• lack of traceability
• inefficiencies between departments

Over time, these problems generate delays, rework, and increased costs.

Introducing a system like SolidRules allows companies to structure their processes, while maintaining full control over data and activities throughout the entire product lifecycle.

What mistakes should be avoided in a PLM project?

A PLM project can struggle more due to approach-related mistakes than to technological limitations.

The most common causes are:

• overly complex, non-gradual implementations
• poor user adoption
• lack of involvement from key departments
• system rigidity
• a non-consultative implementation approach

The most effective approach is to introduce PLM progressively, starting from real business needs and consolidating results over time.

Flexible platforms like SolidRules are designed precisely to support this kind of gradual adoption.