PLM Systems
PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) Systems are software platforms that manage the entire lifecycle of a product from conception, design, and manufacturing to service and disposal. They integrate data, processes, business systems, and people to provide a central repository for product information, enabling collaboration across departments and with external partners. PLM systems help organizations streamline product development, reduce costs, improve quality, and accelerate time-to-market.
Developers should learn PLM systems when working in manufacturing, engineering, automotive, aerospace, or consumer goods industries where complex product development requires coordination across design, engineering, supply chain, and compliance teams. They are essential for managing product data, version control, bill of materials (BOM), change management, and regulatory compliance, particularly in environments with global teams and outsourced manufacturing.