Data is the lifeblood and foundation of product lifecycle management (PLM) solutions. In a world where data management is quickly becoming an integral part of every business, thinking about data and data management is one of the first priorities. Although earlier PDM/PLM systems made attempts to develop proprietary data management solutions, later standardization of data management and alignment with RDBMS and SQL made them de-facto standards in the industry. All established PLM platforms today are running on one of the popular databases (Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, or similar open-source e ..read more

A few articles I published on the OpenBOM blog about organizing data before starting PLM implementations and navigating single source of truth concept in the digital age, triggered an interesting discussion about Single Source of Truth. Thank you all for the comments and examples from the past, as well as insights about the future. Check out the conversation on LinkedIn and the comments that I found insightful. In the evolution of product lifecycle management (PLM) software, vendors used the concept of single source of truth (SSOT) as one of the leading elements of building their strategy. Du ..read more

Last year, I published the article 5 Steps To Break up Monolithic PLM Architecture. Please check it out. In the article I’ve been sharing my thoughts about the transformation of existing PLM platforms into a scalable set of interoperate serivices. Here is a passage: While the discussions about how to break monolithic PLM architectures are not surprising these days, I found that most companies are struggling with the implementations. On the side of industrials, a programmatic strategy and specific technology roadmap is missing. On the side of PLM vendors, I can see how leading PLM vendors are ..read more

Back many years ago I had a customer who challenged me to develop a “single button” application. It was long time ago when I developed AutoLISP applications for AutoCAD. At the beginning, I thought is is a joke. A few hours later in the conversation, I appreciate the importance of simple approach in designing user experience in data management. It was a turning moment in my life. In the world of AutoCAD, simplicity and intuitiveness was defined by ease and power of AutoCAD command line user experience combined with 2D drafting capabilities of AutoCAD. Many applications I did back in those day ..read more

The complexity of products has grown enormously for the last decade. The growing number of manufacturing companies are moving their business models from selling product to selling services (and renting the equipment), modern products are blend of mechanical, electronic, and software components, many products are require maintenance, also products can change their configurations and feature using software components. This is just a few examples. I’m sure you can bring more. With this evolution comes a cascade of challenges, particularly in managing the vast array of data layers throughout a pr ..read more

I’m continue to digest what I learned at CIMdata Industry Forum 2024 last week. The main theme of the forum was Digital Twin and its applications for Lifecycle Performance. CIMdata analysis took the Digital Twin topic much far that you can think about. While a typical association of Digital Twin is about simulation of product performance, CIMdata is expanding its beyond the typical scope. The Lifecycle Twin is a way to model a product in a perspective of its development across the entire lifecycle. Here is the initial passage from CIMdata website. Digital Twins: Enhancing Lifecycle Performanc ..read more

Earlier this week, I published the article Beyond Adoption: Rewiring Organizations to Dominate in the Digital Age speaking about how embracing digital technologies and mindset can change the way engineering and manufacturing companies can outcompete organizations that are stuck in the old way of doing business. The article sparked an interesting discussion online that brought a question of “why” companies need to digital transform their operation and activities. Here is an interesting passage from that discussion: Working in the field with companies as an inspirator and motivator for digital ..read more

Last week, I had the opportunity of attending the CIMdata Industry and Market Forum in Ann Arbor, MI. This annual gathering, organized by CIMdata, brings together leading PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) vendors to discuss the state of the industry, the economy, and major threads shaping the future. This year’s theme revolved around the concept of Digital Twin, a topic that warrants separate discussion. I’m waiting for CIMdata to share slide decks, so I will be able to share more data points, Meantime, I had some time to digest the information and gather some of my thoughts. In this article ..read more

I’m heading to CIMdata Industry and Market Vendor Forum 2024 in Ann Arbor later this week. The annual forum is usually a great place to catch up with PLM professionals. CIMdata usually gathers PLM software and service vendors for this annual event to share information about industry performance and discuss topics that on the top of PLM industry vendors and professionals. Check the notes from CIMdata 2023 Forum here. Last year, the forum was about digital thread and digital transformation. The topic of this year forum is Digital Twin. As anticipation builds for the CIMdata 2024 PLM Market & ..read more

Combining multiple systems in manufacturing sector to work together is always a complex thing to do. In the engineering and manufacturing world, PLM and ERP software integrations is a greatest example of complexity. Combining complex business processes and engineering disciplines including mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, electronic design, software and applying them to complexity of business management software system multiplied by complexity of supply chain management. In my my article today, I’d like to discuss how modern computer engineering disciplines such as an advanced ..read more