R.M.K.

Engineering College
(An Autonomous Institution)
R.S.M Nagar, Kavaraipettai, Gummidipoondi (Tk.), Tiruvallur (Dt.) -
601206

Department of Mechanical Engineering

BASICS OF PRODUCT

Prepared By Dr.Vinoth Kumar K, Associate Professor, Dept of Mechanical Engineering, RMKEC

 UNIT III COMPONENTS OF PRODUCT LIFECYCLE MANAGEMENT

Functional and System Components overview, Different phases of

product lifecycle and corresponding technologies, product development
processes and methodologies. Foundation technologies and standards (e.g.
visualization, collaboration and enterprise application integration),
Information authoring tools (e.g., MCAD, ECAD, and technical publishing), Core
functions (e.g., data vaults, document and content management, workflow and
program management), Product organizational structure, Methodologies,
Processes, System components in lifecycle, slicing and dicing the systems,
Interfaces, Information, Standards, Vendors of Product lifecycle management
Systems and Components, Examples of Product lifecycle management in use.

1. How does the product organizational structure impact PLM?

A product organizational structure can impact Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) by
providing the foundation for many of the system's basic functions. A product organizational
structure is a framework where a business is divided into separate divisions, each focusing on
a different product or service.
2. What are the key benefits of PLM?
1) ‘Single Source of Truth’ (Centralisation)
2) Reduced Development Cycle
3) Decreased Compliance Risks
4) Reduced Costs
5) Drive Innovation
6) Enhanced Product Quality
7) Increased Productivity
8) Business Scalability
9) Improved Customer Loyalty
10) Supplier Collaboration & Integration
3. What is the difference between functional and system components of PLM?

The main difference between functional and system components of Product Lifecycle Management
(PLM) is that functional components are the modules that manage specific aspects of a product's
lifecycle, while system components are the software that integrates data, processes, and business
systems to manage the product's lifecycle

• Functional components
These modules manage specific aspects of a product's lifecycle, such as product data, quality, and
change management. For example, a product data module might include a bill of materials, engineering
drawings, and routing data. A quality module might include corrective action processes and metrics to
measure product quality. A change management module might automate the approval process for
changes to products.

Prepared By Dr.Vinoth Kumar K, Associate Professor, Dept of Mechanical Engineering, RMKEC

 • System components
These are the software that integrates data, processes, and business systems to manage the product's
lifecycle. PLM systems can integrate data from CAD (computer-aided design), ERP systems, and other
sources. They can also provide visibility into external sources of information, such as customer and
analyst feedback.

4. What is the role of requirements management in PLM?

Requirements management involves the following key components:

• Gathering: Engaging with stakeholders to identify key business, market, and user needs
• Documentation: Creating detailed records that outline product requirements
• Analysis: Assessing requirements for feasibility and alignment with project goals
• Tracking: Ensuring that all requirements are monitored throughout the project
Integrates with PLM, Mitigates risk, Improves efficiency, Enhances collaboration, Reduces rework,
Improves product quality

5. How does design management contribute to PLM?

• Centralized data
PLM systems provide designers and engineers with access to critical data in real time. This data can
include CAD (computer-aided design) data, bills of materials, and other enterprise data.
• Improved communication
PLM systems can help improve communication between design, engineering, production, quality, and
supply chain departments. They can also help reduce email dependence by allowing teams to
collaborate in real-time.
• Streamlined project management
PLM systems can help streamline project management by:

• Ensuring that the correct part and build information is passed on to the manufacturing
department
• Reducing errors
• Storing valuable information with the project
• Transferring learned information to future projects
• Better design reviews
PLM systems can help streamline the design review process by providing components for:

• Document and model visualization

• Collaboration and communication
• DMU analysis
• Improved visibility
PLM systems can provide visibility into external sources of information, such as:

• Customer and analyst feedback

• Performance data on products in the field
• Limitations of downstream processes like manufacturing
6. What is the significance of manufacturing process management in PLM?
Manufacturing process management (MPM) is a key component of product lifecycle management
(PLM) because it connects product design and manufacturing processes to help businesses manage
their product development. MPM can help businesses:
Improve communication

Prepared By Dr.Vinoth Kumar K, Associate Professor, Dept of Mechanical Engineering, RMKEC

 Improve manufacturability

Improve visibility
Improve planning
Improve traceability
Bridge the digital and physical gap

7. How does supply chain management integrate with PLM?

Supply Chain Management (SCM) integrates with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) by enabling
better coordination between product design and supply chain operations. It helps ensure that
materials, components, and suppliers are aligned with product requirements and timelines, reducing
delays and costs. Integration between PLM and SCM ensures real-time data sharing across the entire
product lifecycle, from conception to end-of-life, improving decision-making and efficiency.

8. What is the role of quality management in PLM?

Quality management in PLM ensures that product designs meet regulatory and customer requirements
from the concept stage to production. It involves monitoring product performance, managing quality
control measures, and ensuring traceability and compliance throughout the product lifecycle. By
integrating quality management, organizations can reduce defects, improve reliability, and maintain
high standards.

9. How does service management relate to PLM?

Service management is essential in PLM because it deals with the product's post-sale life, including
maintenance, repairs, and upgrades. By linking service data to the PLM system, companies can monitor
product performance in real-time, collect feedback for improvements, and ensure consistent service
quality. This helps extend product life and improves customer satisfaction.

10. What is the purpose of data management in PLM?

Data management in PLM ensures that all product-related information is organized, stored, and
accessible across different phases of the product lifecycle. It supports version control, secure access,
traceability, and data integrity. Effective data management helps maintain consistency, supports
collaboration, and enables efficient decision-making.

11. How does process management contribute to PLM?

Process management ensures that the various stages of product development and lifecycle are well-
coordinated, efficient, and consistent with business goals. It defines workflows, tracks tasks, and
ensures compliance with regulations and best practices. By optimizing processes, PLM helps reduce
time-to-market, improve quality, and control costs.

12. What is the importance of collaboration tools in PLM?

Collaboration tools in PLM enable cross-functional teams to work together seamlessly, sharing real-
time information, designs, and feedback. These tools foster innovation, enhance communication
between geographically dispersed teams, and accelerate decision-making, thus improving product
development efficiency.

13. Why is integration important in PLM?

Integration in PLM is vital because it connects various systems, including CAD, ERP, SCM, and CRM, to
ensure a seamless flow of information throughout the product lifecycle. This integration helps eliminate

Prepared By Dr.Vinoth Kumar K, Associate Professor, Dept of Mechanical Engineering, RMKEC

 silos, reduces errors, and ensures that all stakeholders have access to the latest product data, improving
overall efficiency and coordination.

14. How do visualization tools enhance PLM?

Visualization tools in PLM enable users to view and interact with 3D models, simulations, and other
representations of products during the design and development stages. This enhances understanding,
enables early detection of design flaws, and supports more informed decision-making, thereby
improving product quality and reducing development time.

15. What are the key activities involved in the concept phase of the product lifecycle?
Key activities in the concept phase include market research, idea generation, feasibility studies, and the
creation of initial product specifications. This phase focuses on identifying customer needs,
determining technical feasibility, and laying the groundwork for product development.

16. What technologies are typically used in the design phase?

In the design phase, technologies such as Computer-Aided Design (CAD), Computer-Aided Engineering
(CAE), and simulation tools are commonly used. These tools enable detailed product modeling,
prototyping, and testing to optimize designs before proceeding to manufacturing.

17. What technologies are used in the development phase?

Technologies used in the development phase include Product Data Management (PDM) systems,
prototyping tools, simulation software, and collaborative platforms. These technologies help manage
data, refine product designs, and ensure collaboration between engineering teams and suppliers.

18. What technologies are used in the introduction phase?

During the introduction phase, technologies such as Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), supply chain
management tools, and marketing automation systems are used. These systems help manage
production, logistics, and distribution processes, as well as support product launch campaigns.

19. What technologies are used in the growth phase?

In the growth phase, analytics tools, CRM systems, and supply chain optimization technologies are used
to monitor product performance, manage customer relationships, and ensure efficient scaling of
production and distribution processes.

20. What technologies are used in the maturity phase?

Technologies used in the maturity phase include advanced analytics, service management tools, and
lifecycle monitoring systems. These technologies help extend product lifespan, manage product
updates, and optimize operational efficiency to sustain profitability.

21. Define slicing and dicing the systems

Slicing and dicing refers to the method of analyzing data by breaking it down (slicing) into smaller
components or segments and then examining the data from different perspectives or dimensions
(dicing). This technique is used to gain insights into different aspects of product performance, sales, or
customer behavior.

Prepared By Dr.Vinoth Kumar K, Associate Professor, Dept of Mechanical Engineering, RMKEC

22. What is the role of visualization in PLM?
Visualization in PLM helps users interact with product designs through 3D models, simulations, and
digital twins. It enhances understanding, speeds up design validation, and reduces errors by allowing
stakeholders to review and collaborate on product designs in a more intuitive manner.

23. How does collaboration technology support PLM?

Collaboration technology supports PLM by enabling teams to work together in real-time, regardless of
location. It ensures that all stakeholders, including designers, engineers, suppliers, and customers, can
share information, provide feedback, and resolve issues quickly, leading to more efficient product
development processes.

24. What is the importance of enterprise application integration (EAI) in PLM?

Enterprise Application Integration (EAI) is important in PLM because it connects disparate systems
(e.g., CAD, ERP, CRM) to enable seamless data flow across the organization. EAI ensures consistency,
reduces manual errors, and allows for better coordination between product development, supply chain,
and business operations.

25. What is the purpose of MCAD in PLM?

Mechanical Computer-Aided Design (MCAD) in PLM is used to create detailed 3D models and
mechanical designs of products. It enables engineers to simulate, test, and optimize mechanical aspects
of products before manufacturing, ensuring high-quality designs that meet functional and performance
requirements.

26. What is the role of ECAD in PLM?

Electronic Computer-Aided Design (ECAD) in PLM is essential for designing electronic components and
systems. ECAD tools help engineers design circuit boards, chips, and electrical systems, which are
integrated into the product's overall design in PLM for better coordination between mechanical and
electronic systems.

27. How are technical publishing tools used in PLM?

Technical publishing tools in PLM are used to create and manage documentation related to products,
such as user manuals, maintenance guides, and assembly instructions. These tools ensure that up-to-
date and accurate product information is available to customers and service teams.

28. What is the purpose of data vaults in PLM?

Data vaults in PLM store and manage all product-related data securely, including design files,
specifications, and documentation. They ensure data integrity, version control, and access control,

Prepared By Dr.Vinoth Kumar K, Associate Professor, Dept of Mechanical Engineering, RMKEC

 which are critical for maintaining accurate and consistent product information throughout the product
lifecycle.

29. How does document and content management contribute to PLM?

Document and content management in PLM organizes, stores, and tracks product-related documents,
such as design blueprints, specifications, and regulatory certifications. It ensures version control, data
security, and accessibility, supporting collaboration and compliance across the product development
process.

30. What is the role of workflow and program management in PLM?

Workflow and program management in PLM define and automate the tasks and processes involved in
product development. They ensure that the right tasks are completed in the correct sequence,
improving efficiency, tracking progress, and ensuring that product development stays on schedule and
within budget.

Prepared By Dr.Vinoth Kumar K, Associate Professor, Dept of Mechanical Engineering, RMKEC