System interoperability is the ability of different information systems, software applications, and technologies to communicate, exchange, and accurately use data across platforms without requiring extensive manual effort. It ensures that systems, even if developed by different vendors or for different purposes, can seamlessly work together to support business processes.
For product manufacturers, interoperability is critical for maintaining efficiency, compliance, and innovation. Key systems like product lifecycle management (PLM) and quality management systems (QMS) must operate in sync. When PLM and QMS platforms are interoperable, product design, engineering changes, regulatory documentation, and quality processes are fully connected. This allows organizations to manage the entire product lifecycle — from initial design through development, manufacturing, and post-market surveillance — while ensuring that quality standards and compliance requirements are continuously met.
Without system interoperability, companies often face issues like duplicated data, inconsistent product information, slower time-to-market, and increased regulatory risks. Strong interoperability reduces these risks by enabling real-time information sharing between departments, suppliers, and partners, creating a more agile and connected enterprise.
System interoperability allows critical tools like PLM and QMS to work together, enhancing collaboration, improving data accuracy, and supporting faster, more compliant product development and supply chain operations.
Learn how Arena’s unified Cloud PLM and QMS keeps product and quality records in a single source of truth, enabling faster product development processes.