The results for the last opinion poll are:

CIMdata’s latest poll continued to explore the need for, and use of PLM analytics. In the latest poll, the first question asked was what PLM analytics would be most useful. Responses to this question were evenly divided across all options. Providing visibility to outstanding changes and resource dependencies were the two most requested needs (27% of respondents each). Such visibility would enable designers, engineers, project managers, and others to understand the number of changes pending incorporation and in development, as well as the number of completed changes. Visibility into the cost, schedule, and use/availability of resources helps identify risks and bottlenecks in the development process and enables managers to be proactive in addressing these issues.

The third most requested need (22%) was for information related to scheduling so that managers can quickly review the status of development projects and programs. Cost information was identified by 14% of responders as another need for analytics. The status of project cost (over/under/on budget) is important in managing overall budgets to ensure that funding is available when needed.

When asked how frequently users would like to get analytics, the overwhelming majority (71%) indicated that real-time delivery and access is preferred. This reflects the continuing pressure to make decisions faster and to continually shorten the product development process.

Finally, most respondents (59%) indicated that they would like to see PLM analytics delivered in multiple ways, e.g., email, automated phone calls, and pop ups within other applications as well as via standard reports.

These responses continue to reinforce the need for more status about the development process—from cost to schedule to resources as well as information about ongoing tasks and changes—to be available online and in real-time.

NOTE: The results of these polls are anecdotal, not scientific.
If you have a suggestion for a poll you'd like to see contact us at info@cimdata.com.