PLM systems, like ERP and MRP systems, have several benefits for manufacturing since they are responsible for improving and controlling the life cycle in a cooperative way and storing each data. In this blog, you will learn about a PLM system, its benefits, and its characteristics.
What is a PLM system?
A PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) is a system that manages the products, from the idea to their recycling. It is used to develop new products or to improve existing ones and manage their life cycle until their disposal.
A PLM system is divided into 3 stages:
BOL (Beginning of Life)
The beginning of life phase begins with the manufacturing designs, with its conceptualization, sketches, bills of materials, the construction of prototypes, and tests generated for its improvement. The phase ends when the product with your specifications is ready for manufacturing, with its process established and the list of necessary supplies.
MOL (Mid of Life)
The second phase begins after the creation process and during the distribution process, at this stage, the product reaches the hands of the end-user, where information can be collected for immediate solutions and future growth of the product.
EOL (End of Life)
This last stage begins when the user no longer needs the product, for which the company must recover and recycle parts that are useful, as well as dispose of what is leftover from the product at the end of its life cycle.
Why should you use a PLM system?
A PLM system works to keep information, processes, feedback, bill of materials, records, and instructions centralized.
They are very useful in the manufacturing industry since they allow managing the entire production environment, from its conceptualization to its disposal, reducing the time of introduction of new products and controlling the useful life, maximizing the value and increasing the profitability of each product.
Characteristics of a PLM system
A PLM system contains several features to manage the products until their final stage, among them are:
Storage of documents and processes
From sketches, images, bills of materials, product designs, production orders, reports, and production plans.
Bill of Materials Management
It allows the management, storage, and configuration of several lists of materials with their different versions.
Access configuration
It allows the configuration of which departments or collaborators can view and edit documents or life cycle processes.
Traceability reports
Extensive reporting capabilities that allow visualizing the progress of projects.
Integration with other systems
They integrate with other business processes, such as an Enterprise Resource Management (ERP) system.
Benefits of Odoo PLM
Manage engineering changes with real-time communication.
Everyone follows only what they need, approvals are easy, and discussions on documents are centralized in real-time.
Centralization of documents
Attach the documents directly to your BOM's, routes, or anywhere else.
Easily manage multiple versions of your documents
You will be able to maintain several versions of your documents (Improved processes, updated material lists, etc.)
Link with the other Odoo modules
Send information to manufacturing with alerts triggered on worksheets or work center dashboards.
A PLM system will allow you to manage your products by concentrating all the data in a single system, which translates into higher quality and savings in both material and human resources.