5 Ways PLM Can Save Your Company Millions

Written By: Modelcam technologies

Date:- 20 March 2024



product lifecycle management software

Introduction

In today's competitive business landscape, every dollar counts. Companies are constantly seeking ways to streamline processes, reduce costs, maximize productivity and improve efficiency. This is where the role of Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) starts.

There is one powerful tool that can address these challenges and that is Product Lifecycle Management Software. PLM software facilitates the management of product-related data, processes, and collaborations throughout the entire lifecycle, from concept to disposal.

In this context, you would love to read our blog on “How Windchill PLM software Revolutionizes Product Lifecycle Management?” so that you can understand its benefits.

PLM is a strategic approach that manages a product's entire lifecycle, from conception to disposal. It creates a single source of truth for all product information, fostering collaboration and streamlining workflows. While the initial investment in a PLM system might seem daunting, the long-term benefits can translate into significant cost savings for your company.

5 Ways Plm Can Save Your Company Millions

Here are 5 key ways PLM can save your company millions:-

1. Reduced Development Costs

Developing a new product is a complex process with numerous moving parts. Traditional methods often rely on siloed information and outdated documents, leading to errors, rework, and wasted resources.

Waste and rework are major contributors to unnecessary expenses in product development and manufacturing. PLM helps companies minimize waste and rework by promoting better collaboration, version control, and change management. By capturing and documenting design decisions, tracking revisions, and ensuring that everyone is working from the latest information, PLM reduces the likelihood of errors and rework. Additionally, PLM facilitates the reuse of existing designs, components, and processes, further minimizing waste and driving down costs. By eliminating waste and rework, PLM can save your company millions in production expenses and lost productivity.

PLM centralizes product data, drawings, bills of materials (BOMs), and engineering revisions in a single platform. This allows for improved collaboration between teams, design, engineering, manufacturing, eliminating communication gaps and the need for duplicate efforts. Studies show that companies can achieve cost reductions of 10-30% in product development by utilizing PLM effectively.

2. Improved Change Order Management

Product changes are inevitable throughout the development process. However, managing these changes using spreadsheets or paper trails can be chaotic and expensive. Inaccurate or delayed communication regarding changes can lead to production errors, scrapping of materials, and delays in product launches.

PLM provides a centralized platform for managing change orders. All stakeholders have access to real-time information on proposed changes, their impact on other parts of the product, and the associated costs. This transparency allows for informed decision-making and minimizes the risk of costly errors during production.

3. Streamlined Manufacturing and Product Development Processes

Manufacturing relies on accurate and up-to-date product data. PLM ensures that the latest BOMs, drawings, and assembly instructions are readily available on the shop floor. This eliminates the need for manual data entry, reduces the risk of errors, and improves overall production efficiency.

Additionally, PLM allows for simulation and optimization of manufacturing processes. By virtually testing different scenarios, manufacturers can identify potential bottlenecks and areas for improvement. This proactive approach can lead to reduced production costs and improved product quality.

One of the most significant advantages of PLM is its ability to streamline product development processes. By centralizing data and documentation, PLM eliminates the inefficiencies associated with siloed information and disparate systems. This streamlining not only accelerates the product development cycle but also reduces errors, rework, and associated costs. With PLM, teams can collaborate seamlessly, share real-time updates, and make informed decisions, resulting in faster time-to-market and significant savings in development costs.

4. Enhanced Supply Chain Collaboration

Today's globalized supply chains require seamless communication and collaboration between manufacturers and suppliers. PLM facilitates this by providing a platform for sharing product data, specifications, and inventory information. Suppliers can access the latest design changes and receive clear instructions for parts manufacturing, leading to fewer errors and reduced lead times.

The supply chain plays a critical role in the success of any business, and PLM can significantly enhance supply chain efficiency. By providing visibility into supplier relationships, inventory levels, and production schedules, PLM enables companies to optimize their supply chain operations for maximum efficiency and cost savings. With real-time insights into supply chain performance, companies can identify bottlenecks, mitigate risks, and capitalize on opportunities to reduce costs. Whether it's through better inventory management, demand forecasting, or supplier collaboration, PLM empowers companies to achieve substantial savings across the supply chain.

Furthermore, PLM can be used to manage supplier performance and identify cost-saving opportunities. By analyzing supplier data and tracking on-time delivery rates, companies can make informed decisions about sourcing materials and components.

5. Improved Product Quality and Reduced Warranty Costs

Defective products can be incredibly damaging to a company's reputation and bottom line. PLM helps to ensure product quality by providing a central repository for quality control data and procedures. It facilitates easier identification and resolution of quality issues throughout the product life cycle.

Maintaining high product quality is essential for preserving brand reputation and customer satisfaction. PLM helps companies ensure quality and compliance throughout the product lifecycle by providing robust quality management tools and regulatory compliance tracking capabilities. By enforcing standardized processes, managing specifications, and monitoring compliance with industry regulations, PLM reduces the risk of defects, recalls, and associated expenses. Investing in PLM can help your company avoid costly quality issues, protect your brand, and ultimately, save millions in potential losses.

By proactively addressing potential problems during the design and manufacturing stages, PLM helps to reduce the risk of defects and subsequent warranty claims. This results in a noticeable amount of cost savings.

Here is one more interesting blog for you to explore and that is, “Breaking Boundaries: Choosing PTC Windchill Over Autodesk Vault”! This blog highlights the advantages of using PTC Windchill over Autodesk Vault.

Case-Study On PLM

General Case Study: Indian Success Story with PLM

  • Company: Godrej Appliances (reference for Indian PLM success)
    Godrej Appliances, a major Indian appliance manufacturer, reportedly achieved significant benefits through PLM implementation. While specific figures are unavailable, here's a general outline:

  • Challenge: Godrej might have faced challenges managing complex product designs, streamlining manufacturing processes, and ensuring efficient communication across geographically dispersed teams.

  • PLM Solution: Implementing a PLM system likely provided a centralized platform for product data, designs, and manufacturing processes. This would have fostered collaboration and potentially reduced errors and rework.

  • Results: News articles suggest Godrej achieved improved product development efficiency, potentially reduced costs, and potentially enhanced product quality through PLM implementation.

The Bottom Line

PLM is not just about managing data, it is about transforming your entire product development process. While the initial investment in a PLM system may seem significant, the potential cost savings are undeniable. By streamlining processes, improving communication, and ensuring product quality, PLM can help your company save millions of dollars over the lifecycle of your products.

Modelcam technologies implement PLM services and PLM solutions for different companies so that they can transform their businesses. Our support to companies include everything, from creating the initial strategy to training end users!

We, at Modelcam, are a PLM consultant. We can help you resolve a wide range of common challenges that may be driving your PLM needs.

Ready to learn more about how PLM can benefit your business? Contact a PLM solution provider today and discover how this technology can help you achieve your strategic goals. Modelcam Technologies Pvt. Ltd. is expert in providing PTC Windchill PLM services and solutions.


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