Theme 2015: The Perfect Storm for PLM – The Product Innovation Platform
PDT Europe 2014 addressed “the PLM Platform of the Future.” Attendees reacted with great interest to the concept of a Product Innovation Platform, as presented by CIMdata and Gartner. Most PLM software providers now talk about their offerings as platforms with new subscription-based delivery models and added functionality that addresses emerging business requirements in this age of smart products, digital business, through life support and the circular economy.
Much of what has been missing to realize the PLM vision is becoming available and, as many key technologies are about to mature simultaneously, this could well be the Perfect Storm for PLM. The Product Innovation Platform includes building blocks like Cloud, Mobile, Social, Big Data, IoT, Analytics, Standards and Systems-based approaches to defining, developing, delivering and supporting products. These are all important for the end-to-end data and process connectivity that is required to stay competitive. Also, roles outside of engineering increasingly need access to PLM content.
The key to success is openness. No single application or vendor can deliver all what is needed for the Product Innovation Platform to work across all of the business roles that will use it and across the supply chain. We will discuss what openness really means. What are the most important standards for PLM openness? And what else do we need for users to gain control and maximize the return on PLM related investments over time.
PDT Europe 2015 looks to investigate and report on the status of the Product Innovation Platform and its components. What is it and how to use it short and long term. We will do so by using examples of which of the building blocks the industry is using today and planning to use next. What are the trends in 2015 that will deliver real value to PLM within the next 5 years? What are the critical PLM decisions you should take now or at least in 2016? How can you gain control and be proactive and less reactive? We will look into technology readiness and, equally important, the organizational and people readiness.
PDT Europe 2015 should help you understand where to focus your PLM efforts for the next 3-5 years and to survive and thrive in the Perfect Storm.