Product Lifecycle Management (Volume 1)

This fifth edition of “Product Lifecycle Management” updates and adds to the successful fourth edition, the most frequently cited PLM publication. It gives the reader a thorough explanation of Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) and provides them with a full understanding and the skills to implement PLM within their own business environment. This new and expanded edition is fully updated to reflect the many technological and management advances made in PLM since the release of the fourth edition. “Product Lifecycle Management” will broaden the reader’s understanding of PLM, nurturing the skills needed to implement PLM successfully and to achieve world-class product performance across the lifecycle.

Among the components of PLM described are product-related business processes, product data, product data management (PDM) systems, other PLM applications, best practices, company objectives and organisation. This book also describes the relationships of PLM with the Internet of Things, Industry 4.0, Digital Twins and Digital Threads. “Product Lifecycle Management” (5th edition) explains what  PLM is, and why it is needed. It describes the environment in which products are ideated, developed, manufactured, supported and retired, before addressing the main components of PLM and PLM Initiatives. Key activities in PLM Initiatives described include organisational change management (OCM) and project management. The final part of the book addresses the PLM Initiative, showing the typical steps and activities of a PLM project or initiative.

Dr. John Stark, a recognised PLM expert, started working in product development in 1979. In the 1980s, he worked in computer-aided design, product data management and business process improvement. He has worked as a consultant to companies in the product development and support area since the mid-1980s; first for Coopers & Lybrand, then as an independent consultant after setting up his own business in 1991. Over the last 30 years, he has helped over 100 companies implement PLM. He has written numerous highly successful books on PLM. He's also developed and delivered PLM courses for executives, people working in the product lifecycle, PLM professionals and university students.