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

PLM is the system that governs:

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

It is used to ensure that all information remains consistent throughout the entire product lifecycle.

If your PLM is SolidRules, you can:

• manage data and documents in continuity with the PDM
• control bills of materials and revisions
• manage approval workflows
• manage projects and orders (in terms of resources, time, costs, and revenue)
• handle the project dossier
• integrate commercial configuration (CPQ) and engineering
• track quality, compliance, and changes

A PLM system addresses typical challenges in manufacturing companies, such as:

• information scattered across different departments
• misaligned versions of files and documents
• changes that are difficult to track
• commercial configurations disconnected from the actual product
  long approval and release times
• difficulty in reconstructing the product history
• difficulties in managing project/order documentation
• complaints and non-conformities not immediately reaching engineering

With a PLM integrated with PDM and CPQ:

• data becomes single and reliable
• processes are traceable
• engineering, sales, and production work in continuity

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 relationships
• PMS manages projects and orders
• CPQ connects configuration and product definition

SolidRules is PDM, PLM, CRM, PMS, and CPQ. That’s a lot, actually quite a lot, but it is not an ERP. Rather, it complements ERP systems by covering what ERP systems are not designed to handle effectively.

No.

SolidRules is a broader system compared to a traditional PLM: it is a Company System that allows you to manage not only the product lifecycle, but also many other business processes.

With SolidRules you can cover:

• engineering department
• order/project 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)

PLM is used in industries that develop complex products:

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

Yes.

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

The main benefits are:

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

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 gradual: PLM is introduced in steps, delivering progressive benefits.

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

With SolidRules you can:

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

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

Yes.

With SolidRules you can:

• manage planned maintenance for machines and plants
• handle on-site service interventions
• capture intervention signatures from PC, tablet, or smartphone
• manage spare parts and documentation for each machine
• manage project/site operations
• track intervention costs
• manage project-based warehouse inventory

Yes, the most advanced PLM systems can integrate artificial intelligence capabilities to improve efficiency and information management.

AI can be used, for example, to:

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

A key aspect is where data is processed.

In industrial contexts, there is a growing need for AI solutions to operate in controlled and local environments, without relying on external services that could expose sensitive information.

In architectures such as SolidRules, AI integration can be implemented while maintaining full control over data, ensuring security, confidentiality, and consistency with business processes. All of this comes without additional costs.

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

The main factors to consider are:

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

An effective PLM must be truly usable within the company, not just complete from a technical standpoint.

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

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

The cost of a PLM system depends on several factors:

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

It is important to distinguish between:

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

Looking only at the licence price is limiting: the value of a PLM is measured by the efficiency it generates over time.

Platforms such as SolidRules are designed to reduce adoption times and enable a return on investment already in the early phases of the project.

In addition, SolidRules offers a highly flexible licensing model: perpetual licence with maintenance, subscription, named users, concurrent licences, etc.

Finally, SolidRules can be deployed in a private cloud or on-premise environment.

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

Typical warning signs include:

• excessive use of Excel files and shared folders
• difficulty managing changes and revisions
• inconsistencies between engineering, production, and sales departments
• configuration or production errors
• 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 organisation.

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

This integration is essential to avoid data duplication and inconsistencies.

In particular:

• the PDM connects the PLM to CAD systems
• the PLM manages processes and revisions
• the 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 such as SolidRules (InCentro PDM + Desk PLM) make it possible to create continuity between technical data and business processes, eliminating information silos.

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

The main benefits are:

• consistency between the offer and what can actually be produced
• fewer configuration errors
• continuity between sales and engineering departments
• faster order and project management

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

In architectures such as SolidRules, this integration is native and enables full continuity between configuration, engineering, and production.

Not adopting a PLM system leads to several critical issues:

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

Over time, these issues result in delays, rework, and increased costs.

Introducing a system such as SolidRules makes it possible to structure processes, while maintaining control over data and activities throughout the entire product lifecycle.

A PLM project is more likely to fail due to approach-related mistakes than technological limitations.

The most common causes are:

• overly complex, non-iterative projects
• poor user adoption
• lack of involvement from different departments
• rigid system architecture
• a non-consultative implementation approach

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

Flexible platforms such as SolidRules are designed specifically to support this type of gradual adoption.