How Arena’s New AI Assistant Empowers PLM Users at Every Level

If you’re like most professionals, you rely on a mix of technologies and applications to get your work done. But when software functionality changes or new systems are introduced, the learning curve can be steep. I’ve spent more hours than I care to admit in training sessions or combing through documentation just to get up to speed—time that could have been better spent on strategic, high-value tasks.

Thankfully, generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools are reshaping this experience. They are helping users become proficient faster, reducing the friction that comes with adapting to new systems or functionality, and enabling more efficient workflows.

Arena by PTC is advancing its cloud product lifecycle management (PLM) and quality management system (QMS) software with the addition of an AI assistant designed to help make experiences smarter, faster, and more intuitive. This new capability is part of Arena’s broader vision to embed intelligence across its platform, enabling users to quickly find answers, easily navigate updates, and stay productive.

We recently spoke with Arena Product Manager Jonathan Cohn to unpack how this assistant works, what it means for users, and what enhancements are coming next.

Describe the Key Capabilities of Arena AI in This Latest Software Release.

Jonathan: The Arena AI Assistant transforms how users obtain PLM, QMS, and supply chain intelligence (SCI) help content and system guidance. Instead of relying on keyword-based search, users can now ask natural language questions—like “How do I submit a change request?”—and get context-aware answers. It’s even more powerful if you give it a bit of information about your role and use case, like “As a Change Manager, how can I incorporate Quality world to enhance our processes?” The AI assistant’s conversational interface understands intent and instantly delivers relevant help resources or guidance in any language.

You can configure the assistant to suit your workflow: dock the AI prompt window at the corner of your screen or adjust its size and position while navigating Arena with guided steps. The assistant also provides reference links to related support articles to deepen your understanding.

Whether you’re just getting started, use Arena occasionally, or are a seasoned pro, the assistant streamlines your experience.

Are There Any Data Privacy Concerns With Using Arena AI?

Jonathan: Protecting customer data is our top priority. Arena AI adheres to PTC’s Responsible AI policies. For this initial PLM and QMS software iteration, the AI assistant draws solely from Arena Help and does not extract customer-specific information.

How Do Users Access the Arena AI Assistant?

Jonathan: Users can launch the AI assistant from any page in Arena. With a click of a button, they can enter a new query and quickly get the information they need. We also provide starter prompts featuring questions inspired by trending topics.

Which Product Teams (Or Users) Are Most Likely to Use This New Capability? How Will It Impact Their Daily Work Routine?

Jonathan: The assistant is valuable for users at any skill level. It’s a game-changer for onboarding and continuous learning. Functional users, suppliers, and administrators get instant answers to pressing questions without having to dig through documentation or consult with customer support. Experienced administrators and superusers get clear guidance as they learn new or advanced features such as Automations.

What Future Updates to Arena AI Are Expected Following This Release?

Jonathan: AI continues to be a major focus at Arena, and we are committed to delivering new AI capabilities with every release. In December 2025, we plan to introduce several new features, including AI-powered Document Summarization and a File Redline Comparison tool. We also plan to introduce improved admin controls, such as the ability to toggle AI features on or off, giving teams more flexibility and control.

What Kind of Feedback Have You Received From Customers Regarding the AI Assistant?

Jonathan: The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. We are using Anthropic’s state-of-the-art reasoning models and AWS infrastructure, and teams really appreciate the assistant’s ability to parse complex queries and surface relevant help articles.

Final Thoughts: What Excites You Most About Arena AI?

Jonathan: I’m excited by how Arena AI helps users work smarter. It’s not just about answering questions, it’s about transforming how people interact with the system. We’re building a foundation for intelligent workflows, proactive guidance, and seamless collaboration.

This is just the beginning. As we expand Arena AI’s capabilities, we’re opening the door to a more intuitive, responsive, and intelligent PLM and QMS experience. I can’t wait to see how our customers use it to drive more innovation and efficiency in their organizations!