Glossary

Product lifecycle management

Product lifecycle management is the management of product data and changes from design through production and support.

Data Integration, Security and TrustERP / MES / PLM Interoperability

Product lifecycle management is the discipline and supporting software used to manage product information, configurations, documents, and changes across a product’s life, from concept and engineering through manufacturing, service, and retirement.

In manufacturing, PLM commonly manages engineering bills of material, CAD files, specifications, approved revisions, effectivity, and engineering change processes. It provides controlled product definition data that other systems, such as ERP, MES, quality management systems, and maintenance systems, may consume for planning, execution, inspection, and traceability.

PLM should not be confused with MES or ERP. PLM primarily governs what the product is and how its definition changes. ERP typically manages business planning, purchasing, inventory, and costing. MES manages shop floor execution and production records. In integrated environments, PLM is often a key source for the digital thread because it connects product definition to downstream manufacturing and quality data.

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