Example of main phases for a PLM Implementation Program

1. Define your high level vision for your organisational change.

2. Select a PLM solution and a Technical implementation partner.

3. Create a Blue Print of the Core PLM Features together with the Technology partner.

4. In parallell work with Change management aspect related to Business Processes. PLM process alignment is a success factor.

5. Break down the Blue Print, align with technology and select a high level scope for PLM Implementation Program.

6. Work with anchoring of Core PLM components toward key stakeholders. Demonstrate capabilities if needed.

7. Start organising Programs/Projects according to Best Practises.

8. Break down High level Requirements into more detailed level.

9. Use Agile Methods like Scrum with Themes, User Stories, Sprint planning etc. to deliver the capabilities.

10. Use Best Practise Test Management to secure that the Solution works in Business Processes.

11. Train users and Roll Out the solution.

12. Establish a well organised Application Mangemenent process based on DevOps principles.

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Pre req´s for PLM Implementations

PLM solutions needs to be configured to the company Processes, Scenarios, Functions and Methods. PLM Technology is often spoken about as an enabling Technology. In other words, the Technology can have major positive impact on your Business. You should be open for compromises and need to communicate carefully to important stakeholders as you move forward.

Some examples of our PLM Advisory services

- Pre Studies related to PLM program drivers and strategy refinement
- In-depth Feasibility studies of Technology and PLM capabilities
- IT related services like Cloud solutions, Digital Twin, MBOM and more.
- How to Organise and anchor PLM Programs.
- Cost models and solution/vendor selection process.

Portfolio, Program and Project Management

- Portfolio Management is the centralized management function that prioritize what Programs and/or Projects to be realized to achieve the Strategic objectives in a company.
- Program Management is the management of several related Programs or Projects to achive benefits related to the Strategy.
- Projects in a Program has dependencies in different ways and need to be aligned in the overall Road Map for the Program.
- A Project has a clear scope, requirements and timeplan to achive a specific outcome.

Development and Test

I vote for use of an Iterative approach following the overall Agile Principles for most phases of an PLM implementation. This can be done in combination with an overall "Road Map" based on milestones and Risk Management. Often this is useful for reporting purposes on higher management levels. Larger companies may have their own Project Model based on PMBOK, PPS, Prince 2 or other familiar PM models. Test management is important, but there is no idea reinventing the wheel here as this is a known separate dicipline.

Enterprise Architecture

The Open Group TOGAF Enterprise Architecture framework ADM may be a way forward (picture) for the digitalization work. Togaf covers modelling of: Business Architectures, Information System Architectures and Technology Architectures.

To do the modelling work (creating the architecture diagrams) you can use different tools and methods. Well known approaches are UML diagrams as well as the BPMN standard. Microsoft Visio or similar tools will help as well.