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Mit PDM und ERP zu PLM
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What is PLM, what is ERP?
The interaction of PLM, PDM and ERP
1. Introduction to product life cycle management (PLM)
Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) is an integrated approach that helps companies to manage the entire lifecycle of a product from the initial idea, through development and production, to service and disposal. PLM encompasses many different disciplines and departments within a company, from research and development (R&D) to production and logistics. Implementing an effective PLM system enables optimal collaboration between different departments and ensures that all relevant information about a product is centralized and accessible to all stakeholders.
A PLM system usually connects several company functions and departments, including R&D, production, quality assurance, purchasing, sales and customer service. This interdisciplinary collaboration is supported by product data management (PDM) and enterprise resource planning (ERP), which are important sub-areas of PLM. While PDM focuses on the management and exchange of product data, ERP supports the management and integration of company resources such as finance, production and logistics.
2. Departments and sites in a PLM environment
PLM impacts a variety of departments that often work closely together to effectively manage the product lifecycle. The most important departments that are integrated into a PLM system are:
- Research and Development (R&D):
The R&D department is responsible for product innovation and development. It uses PLM to manage design data, construction plans, prototypes and tests. PDM systems enable the R&D department to store, review and share designs with other departments. - Production:
The production department is crucial to the manufacture of the product. PLM helps to optimize production processes and ensure that all necessary data on product design and manufacturing methods is passed on to the production teams. The integration of ERP systems ensures that production is optimally coordinated with company resources (such as materials and personnel). - Purchasing and procurement:
PLM supports procurement departments by providing information on the required materials and components. Purchasing departments can access the latest product data in real time and optimize their orders in coordination with production and suppliers. - Quality assurance:
This department ensures that products meet the specified quality standards. PLM systems offer functions for quality documentation, monitoring test procedures and managing certificates. - Sales and marketing:
Sales and marketing departments can use PLM to access detailed product information in order to develop targeted sales strategies. These departments can also incorporate feedback and customer requirements into the product development process to better align products with market needs. - Customer service:
The PLM systems also store information about product maintenance, repairs and recalls. This is particularly important for customer service, as they can access up-to-date data to process support requests and ensure customer satisfaction. - Location management
In addition, the location of a company plays an important role in the implementation and operation of a PLM system. Many companies have globally distributed locations, so PLM software enables global collaboration. Cloud-based PLM systems allow different locations and branches to access the same data simultaneously, improving communication and information sharing between different regions and departments.
3. Importance of PDM and ERP in PLM
PDM (Product Data Management):
PDM systems are integral components of a PLM system and focus on the management of product data and documentation. They provide a central platform for storing and managing data on product designs, prototypes, manufacturing processes and materials. PDM ensures that everyone involved - from engineers to production teams to suppliers - is working with the latest and most accurate product information. The key features of PDM include:
- Document and version control:
PDM enables precise versioning of design plans, documentation and specifications. This ensures that everyone who works with a product always uses the latest version. - Central database:
All product-relevant data, such as CAD files, bills of materials (BOMs), production plans and test reports, are stored in a central database that is accessible to all departments. - Collaboration:
PDM promotes collaboration between different departments and teams by providing an easy way to share and comment on files and data. - Ensuring compliance:
PDM supports compliance with legal regulations by managing the documentation of product tests, certificates and approvals.
ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning):
ERP systems integrate all of a company's key business processes, including finance, human resources, purchasing, production, sales and logistics. They provide a holistic view of company resources and operations, which improves efficiency and decision-making. In the context of PLM, ERP provides for the planning and management of the resources needed to manufacture a product and ensures that the company operates efficiently on a global level. The key functions of ERP in a PLM system include:
- Production planning and control:
ERP systems enable precise planning and control of production resources, including the allocation of machines, personnel and materials. - Materials management:
ERP supports the ordering and management of materials and components required for production. Through close integration with PLM systems, ERP can automatically trigger orders when material is required for production. - Cost management and accounting:
ERP systems manage the costs of manufacturing and selling products, enabling accurate costing and pricing. - Supply chain management:
ERP helps manage the entire supply chain by synchronizing suppliers and logistics processes with production and distribution. This minimizes bottlenecks and delays and ensures efficient delivery.
4. Conclusion
PLM is an important strategy for companies that develop and manufacture products. It ensures that all product-relevant data and processes are managed efficiently throughout the entire life cycle. The close integration of PDM and ERP is crucial here. PDM ensures that all product data and documentation is accurate and up-to-date, while ERP supports resource planning and the coordination of different departments to ensure optimal production and delivery. Together, these systems form the backbone of a successful PLM approach that helps companies make their products more efficient and competitive.
