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Bridging ERP and PLM

Asked on Jul 6 2007 1:41:08:000PM

Q

I am looking at the requirements for PLM and ERP integration. Can you please explain how these two applications are integrated? Is there software available for the integration?

Shweta Agrawal, Chennai, NA
AWhat each customer needs to do is define their requirements for PLM-ERP integration (these vary by company and even divisions within companies). That analysis will indicate what functionality is needed for their specific implementation and which solution area should provide that functionality and/or be the master source/control for that function and the related information. Issues to be addresses are:

  • Origin of information by type (design, cost, item master, etc.)

  • Configuration and change management control — including what needs to be passed/managed between the two domains

  • Information ownership over time (varies across the life of a product)

  • Master location (e.g., some companies master change in PLM, others in ERP — same for item information, etc.)

  • Frequency of update between the two domains — some need real time, others do not

For most requirements, either the PLM or ERP solution (or both) can support the need given some tailoring or customization of the integration between the two. Third-party solutions can be used for selected requirements but there is not a large set of them — again because the requirements are not "standard" across all implementations and it is difficult to develop a solution that is widely usable — but there are some.

Meet the expert

Kenneth B. Amann

Director of Research, CIMdata Inc

A graduate of Georgia Tech, Mr. Amann has 35 years of experience researching and working with Product Lifecycle Management and Product Data Management architectures, as well as developing computer-based engineering applications and document / information management systems. Mr. Amann has held senior positions in PLM marketing, development, and consulting. His experience includes evaluating corporate engineering and manufacturing operations, managing PLM programs, recommending collaborative and concurrent engineering and product information management solutions, implementing PLM solutions, and developing and evaluating requests for proposals. Prior to joining CIMdata, Mr. Amann was the managing director for PricewaterhouseCoopers' Technology Leadership Group, where he conducted research into and evaluated emerging PLM technologies and vendor products based on these technologies.
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