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Companies are seeing firsthand the impact of integrating their product lifecycle management (PLM) solution with other enterprise business systems. From improving quality and optimizing processes to maintaining compliance, integrating enterprise software delivers high-performing efficiency. By way of caution, if not managed effectively, PLM software integration issues could impede or even reverse these advantages.
To ensure a well-executed PLM deployment, here are the most common integration issues and practical solutions.
Your PLM system should integrate seamlessly with the rest of your tech stack as global supply chains, compliance regulations, and products become more complex. Integration features guarantee that your teams aren’t wasting time on manual data transfers or switching between unrelated platforms. When your PLM is integrated, it becomes a hub rather than a silo, whether that integration is with computer-aided design (CAD) tools, enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, quality databases, or compliance platforms.
Choose a PLM platform with a solid reputation for integration. To increase integration flexibility and scalability, select products with pre-built connections and an open application programming interface (API). Perform a thorough assessment of your current systems as well to determine which ones require direct integration with the PLM solution.
Incomplete or inconsistent product information often arises from a lack of data sharing between departments or systems, leading to data silos. Departments like design, engineering, procurement, operations, and manufacturing can be greatly affected if important information does not flow between them. This can lead to a lack of visibility, delays, and costly errors.
PLM software centralizes product information and permits real-time data sharing across the organization to dismantle data silos. To ensure that all stakeholders have access to the same, correct information, PLM software integration capabilities should include tools for automatic synchronization and standardization.
The ability of various software platforms to interact and cooperate without any problems is known as system interoperability. Without it, even well-meaning integration attempts may lead to data transfer problems and malfunctioning workflows.
Consider PLM platforms that prioritize interoperability. The best solutions can easily interact with your computer-aided design (CAD), enterprise resource planning (ERP), customer relationship management (CRM), manufacturing execution systems (MES), and other vital business platforms. When comparing platforms, vendor support and system interoperability documents are crucial considerations.
Integrating PLM with other software systems impacts everyday workflows. People within the organization may be resistant to disrupting existing data structures; there may be concerns about data migration challenges, system compatibility, increased complexity in workflows, or lack of technical support and resources.
Create a solid change management strategy that incorporates early stakeholder involvement, thorough training, and transparent communication. Emphasize that the new PLM integration will enhance the employees’ work, not replace it. System integrations are designed to speed up processes, ensure accurate information, and make work easier.
Excessive customization in PLM software can create major technical and organizational challenges when integrating with other enterprise systems like ERP, CRM, or MES. From increased integration complexity and cost to limitations on operability and scalability, these are just a few challenges.
Emphasize configuration rather than customization. Start with clear business objectives, define goals, focus on measurable outcomes. Map workflow processes and leverage available tools to reduce custom development. Implement incrementally and expand as you demonstrate success. Establish metrics, monitor, optimize, and continuously refine.
The lack of a well-defined and documented integration strategy is one of the most neglected elements of PLM integration deployment. Without this strategy, the project may suffer from scope creep, missed deadlines, and misplaced expectations.
Create a phased integration roadmap with objectives, deadlines, system touchpoints, and success milestones. To guarantee alignment, work together with the impacted teams including supply chain, engineering, manufacturing, and IT. This strategy will encourage a more seamless system integration PLM rollout with fewer unanticipated events.
Despite the perceived intricacy of PLM software integration, smart organizations can transform possible roadblocks into tactical benefits. Organizations can effectively use PLM solutions that support long-term growth and innovation by focusing on robust and modern integration capabilities, breaking down data silos, and ensuring system interoperability.
Knowing these typical problems and fixes will enable your team to handle integration with assurance and effectiveness, regardless of whether you are upgrading your present system or deploying PLM for the first time.
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