Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Systems Implementation

Overview

A mid-size medical device company was looking to consolidate its product development processes and implement a Product Life Cycle Management (PLM) system. The current product development processes consisted of 4 separate, diverse workflows and procedures as well as 2 manual systems for documentation and 2 rudimentary electronic systems. Product development timelines needed to be reduced in order for this firm to maintain its competitive edge in the marketplace.

Target

Harmonize disparate product development processes and provide for the implementation of a new PLM system.

Solution Delivery

A robust analysis effort was undertaken to understand and document the details of the 4 original product development processes. Through process mapping, eta one identified critical value-added steps and non-value-added steps throughout each workflow. In addition, we were able to communicate a recommended “future state” to our client. Once we received an endorsement from the executive council, an off-the-shelf, commercially available PLM system was chosen in coordination with the internal IT and Product Development Departments for implementation. This new system was carefully configured to model the new “future state” process and later pilot tested for performance and full-firm use.

Results

One product development workflow was developed which incorporated several variations but utilized the same process and procedures. The PLM system which modeled the new process was universally adopted throughout the firm and provided for intuitive navigation and use. Product development timelines were reduced by 27% through gained efficiencies and use of a single, cutting-edge, electronic system.