Product lifecycle management (PLM) systems help organizations manage the engineering information required throughout hardware product development. Product requirements, bills of materials, CAD files, approved manufacturer parts, engineering changes, supplier information, and design revisions are maintained in a centralized environment, allowing teams to collaborate more effectively and reduce version control issues.
Quality management system (QMS) processes help ensure products meet customer, regulatory, and manufacturing requirements before and after production begins. Document control, corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs), nonconformance management, supplier quality, audit readiness, and change management support consistent product quality throughout the development lifecycle.
When PLM and QMS are connected, engineering and quality teams work from a shared source of truth. This improves traceability, streamlines collaboration, strengthens change control, reduces rework, and helps manufacturers move more efficiently from product design to full-scale production.
Hardware product development is the end-to-end process of designing, testing, manufacturing, launching, and improving physical products throughout their lifecycle.
Typical stages include concept development, product requirements, engineering design, prototyping, testing, supplier selection, manufacturing preparation, production, and ongoing product improvements.
Engineering changes affect product performance, manufacturing processes, suppliers, costs, and compliance. Effective change management helps ensure revisions are reviewed, approved, documented, and communicated before implementation.
PLM and QMS help manage product data, engineering changes, quality processes, supplier collaboration, compliance documentation, and product traceability, improving collaboration and supporting efficient product development and manufacturing.
Arena PLM software streamlines product development so you can deliver products under budget and ahead of schedule.
Arena QMS helps you ensure regulatory compliance and faster delivery of life-enhancing products to your customers.