Product Lifecycle Management - Introduction To Development Process

Introduction To Development Process

The core of PLM (product lifecycle management) is in the creation and central management of all product data and the technology used to access this information and knowledge. PLM as a discipline emerged from tools such as CAD, CAM and PDM, but can be viewed as the integration of these tools with methods, people and the processes through all stages of a product’s life. It is not just about software technology but is also a business strategy.

For simplicity the stages described are shown in a traditional sequential engineering workflow. The exact order of event and tasks will vary according to the product and industry in question but the main processes are:

• Conceive
  • Specification
  • Concept design
• Design
  • Detailed design
  • Validation and analysis (simulation)
  • Tool design
• Realize
  • Plan manufacturing
  • Manufacture
  • Build/Assemble
  • Test (quality check)
• Service
  • Sell and deliver
  • Use
  • Maintain and support
  • Dispose

The major key point events are:

• Order
• Idea
• Kick-off
• Design freeze
• Launch

The reality is however more complex, people and departments cannot perform their tasks in isolation and one activity cannot simply finish and the next activity start. Design is an iterative process, often designs need to be modified due to manufacturing constraints or conflicting requirements. Where a customer order fits into the time line depends on the industry type and whether the products are for example, built to order, engineered to order, or assembled to order.