CIMdata’s PLM Enterprise Value & Integration Workshop: The Politics of Enterprise Software: Getting and Keeping Support for a Sustainable PLM Initiative, is the must-attend event for industrial organizations and solution providers who are interested in the importance and value of an enterprise-based PLM initiative. It will provide attendees with independent experiences from industrial companies and a collaborative networking environment where ideas, trends, experiences, and relationships critical to the industry germinate and take root.

Enterprise programs, such as PLM, are not a “one and done” event, but should enable an evolving and adaptive approach to the delivery and support of the entire product lifecycle—from concept through end of life. Whether a PLM environment (i.e., processes, organizational responsibilities, and enabling tools) is in need of a refresh or just has not performed up to expectations, it is critical that it is maintained as a living part of the organization. Common PLM program issues and solutions that often result in the sub-optimization of the organization and its ability to survive and thrive will be presented by industry experts in this workshop.

This workshop is designed to help PLM leaders and program managers communicate the importance and value of an enterprise-based product lifecycle management (PLM) framework that obtains and maintains the necessary executive support to ensure the appropriate funding, staffing, and attention required to create and sustain a PLM ecosystem that supports corporate business objectives. PLM solution providers will also benefit from attending as they will gain an understanding of the issues faced by their clients, thus, enabling them to help in the justification process and become a trusted advisor.

At this workshop you will learn more about:

• How to make your executives say YES to your PLM initiative.
• The key activities and deliverables that keep an initiative moving forward.
• Ways to effectively describe and present a PLM program to different stakeholders.
• How Return on Investment can be used to support a PLM program justification.
• What to do when a PLM program “goes off the rails.”
• Proven remedies to issues experienced by other companies implementing PLM.

We will also cover the following issues:

• Competitive nature of your industry: does it allow real IT strategy or just spot-solution reaction?
• Current company performance and its effect on management behavior and decision making Awareness of PLM related issues, and the negative impact they can have on the bottom line
• Is your company stable enough to be strategic with an IT- supported initiative like PLM and how that can change
• New management gestation vs existing management longevity Company business objectives: attainable or fantasy driven by what the board needs to hear?
• Past experience with enterprise software deployment: victory lap or a hangover
• Parent company culture: ex: EU vs US based companies and comparative philosophies
• Departmental agendas and bias – what are the items that are really the top priority ERP as a priority without PLM: garbage in / garbage out, rework, and waste

Topics for discussion include:

• Methodology for a successful PLM program implementation
• Restarting a stalled PLM program
• Real life issues and remedies
• Using an ROI model to support a PLM program justification

What to Expect If You Attend

This will be a lively forum where participants will discuss the real issues and opportunities and share their experiences and isights in to the discussion topics. Participants in this workshop should expect to gain a solid understanding of current best practices and the work that is being undertaken. At this workshop you will experience a lively forum in which to discuss the real issues. You will also have the opportunity to have your voice heard and get answers to your questions and concerns. This event also provides the chance to network with other professionals, CIMdata’s subject matter experts, and members of the CIMdata PLM Enterprise Value and Integration Knowledge Council. There will be plenty of time for open (and private) discussions.