Effectively Employing a PLM Strategy

An effective PLM strategy can make an astounding difference in today’s product lifecycle environment, and today’s guest has over 30 years of experience in both engineering and information technology to prove it.  In this episode, Craig Brown and Thom Singer welcome Aerospace & Defense Product Lifecycle Management Strategist and Architect Jim van Oss.  Jim emphasizes the value of employing a PLM strategist in companies and outlines the importance of taxonomies within engineering as well as the potential reach of PLM when properly employed.  He also shares the value of  participating in working groups and the positive effect it can have on your network and career.    On today’s podcast, you will learn: How to effectively employ a PLM strategist  Simply installing software is not the career-defining work that a PLM strategist does.  A PLM strategist works to transform engineering by utilizing model-based definition, eliminating the data chase and managing intellectual property. Resistance to change can be overcome by utilizing builder information and breaking down the value system of the bills of information and material.    The importance of taxonomies within engineering Are the bill of information, bill of design and bill of manufacturing all the same taxonomy?  One bill of material should rule all of the bills available for any one product.   A manufacturing bill of material should be a version of the engineering bill of material.    The reach of PLM  PLM should go all the way through the product life cycle and to the retirement of the product. Properly implemented PLM has the potential to explain and preserve all product design and decisions.  New designs will benefit from initial PLM documentation as well, resulting in saved time and increased value.    The value of involvement in working groups  Jim highlights his role in materials compliance and the aerospace working groups.   Connecting common threads and sharing benchmarking information will positively impact all involved parties. Actively participating in working groups can help define company requirements.  Taking an active role in groups can help shape the information that you’re trying to influence.  Involvement in working groups has the potential to expand your professional horizons.    Advancing your career Pay attention to company culture — a good company culture has the potential to create a good long career. Look for opportunities for job variety within a company to expand your skills.  Follow your passions and strategize to find a way to make a job out of them.   Do you have an example of extraordinary efforts or innovation during these unprecedented times? We would love to hear your story and possibly interview you for an upcoming episode. Please reach out to us at www.DigitalEnterpriseSociety.org