CIMdata’s European PLM User Forum
Enabling innovation through the application of PLM

ANN ARBOR, Michigan, 22nd July, 2003 - Consulting and research firm CIMdata announces its European PLM User Forum 2003 which will be held on 8-9 October, 2003 at Messe Stuttgart, in Stuttgart, Germany. The PLM User Forum consists of keynote addresses about the strategic importance of PLM, user experiences that yield insight, panel discussion focused on new and critical areas, presentations that provide analyses of the PLM industry and market, and solution demonstrations presented in an exhibit hall and private meeting rooms.

The theme of the CIMdata European PLM User Forum 2003 is “Enabling innovation through the application of PLM”. Ed Miller, president of CIMdata said, “Companies throughout the world and across many industries are striving to bring continuous innovation into their product programs, differentiate themselves for competitive advantage, and increase overall business success. PLM is the strategic business initiative that is focused to support these objectives, and investments in PLM are increasingly visible around the world.” However, he added, “PLM is not thoroughly understood within most companies or throughout industry. Even though PLM investments are increasing, there is a huge amount of confusion about the scope, value, and approaches to PLM that will yield the best results.” CIMdata’s PLM User Forum 2003 is intended to reduce that confusion and provide guidance to help companies get the most from their PLM investments.

Those joining the CIMdata European PLM User Forum 2003 will be provided with a total view of the PLM picture including an industry vision, available opportunities, strategies for solution selection and implementation, roadmaps to move forward, pitfalls to avoid, and direction to help maximize the value and benefits of their investment.

"As the key pan-European PLM-specific conference, CIMdata presents the most respected PLM experts from manufacturing companies and industries across Europe. Any manufacturing company will benefit from these sessions," said Denis Senpéré, Vice-President PLM Europe, Dassault Systèmes. "The conference also gives Dassault Systèmes the unique opportunity to present our leading solutions to these top managers and executives. We see this conference as the 'Reference Point' for the PLM industry in Europe, and now even stronger with CIMdata's teaming with the CAT.PRO event.”

The CIMdata event will be held within the same timeframe as CAT.PRO, (7th–10th October) in a separate but conveniently adjacent location. CAT.PRO, the leading engineering show in Central Europe, is embracing Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) as a primary area of focus, and views the CIMdata event as a major contributor towards achieving this goal.

Commenting on this alliance, Jordi Portella, Director of European Operations for CIMdata said, “This is intended to empower the PLM market presence and strengthen both events.” Portella added, “We are working collaboratively with Messe Stuttgart, the organizers of CAT.PRO to expand the promotion of the CIMdata event and believe that this extended exposure will add value to all participants.”

Portella said that the CIMdata PLM User Forum 2003 has the support of EDS and IBM/Dassault, the largest suppliers of PLM solution. “Their commitment to work jointly with CIMdata reflects their dedication to making PLM successful for the industry. We also have the support of a wide range of additional suppliers of PLM services and technologies.”