PLM DICTIONARY CHEAT SHEET
A Design for Manufacturing (DFM): Designing products that are optimized for efficient
AI-Enhanced PLM: Refers to the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies
into Product Lifecycle Management systems to improve efficiency, decision-making,
and innovation throughout the product lifecycle.
Approval Group: A designated team responsible for reviewing and authorizing
requests within an organization. In PLM, approval groups play a crucial role in
ensuring that changes, decisions, and activities related to product development,
manufacturing, and service adhere to established processes and standards. They
contribute to maintaining transparency, accountability, and control over the evolution
of products from conception to disposal.
B
Bill of Materials (BOM): A comprehensive list of the components, parts,
and materials required to manufacture a product. PLM software often i
ncludes tools for creating, managing, and versioning BOMs.
C
Change Approval: Refers to the process of reviewing and approving proposed
changes. This involves assessing the potential impact of the change, evaluating risks,
considering resource requirements, and ensuring alignment with organizational
objectives. Change Approval is typically carried out by designated individuals or
groups with the authority to approve or reject change requests.
Change Control Board (CCB): A group of stakeholders, such as project managers,
engineers, and quality assurance professionals, who review, evaluate, and approve or
reject proposed changes to a project or product. The CCB ensures changes are
systematically managed, documented, and implemented without compromising the
product's integrity or project goals.
Change Impact (CI): Refers to the potential consequences of a proposed change on a
product, process, or system. It involves analyzing how the change could affect
functionality, performance, cost, schedule, quality, and stakeholders, helping
decision-makers assess risks and benefits.
Change Management: Processes and systems for proposing, evaluating, approving
and implementing changes to product designs or processes.
Change Notification: A communication sent to relevant stakeholders to inform them
of approved changes. It typically includes details such as the nature of the change, the
reason for the change, the expected impact, and any actions required by
stakeholders. Change Notifications help ensure that stakeholders are aware of
changes and can adapt their processes or activities accordingly. They can be sent to
the change notification group members via e-mail.
Change Order (CO): A formal document authorizing a change to a product, process, or
project. It is issued after a change request (CR) has been approved and typically
includes details such as the scope of the change, the rationale, any associated costs or
schedule adjustments, and instructions for implementation. Change Orders serve as a
formal record of approved changes and provide guidance for executing the change.
Change Order Approval Group: A Change Order Approval Group is similar
to a Change Request Approval Group but specifically focuses on reviewing
and approving Change Orders. This group ensures that approved changes
are properly documented, authorized, and communicated to relevant
stakeholders. The Change Order Approval Group may include individuals
with the authority to assess the impact of changes on project scope,
schedule, budget, and quality, and to authorize adjustments accordingly.
Change Request (CR): A Change Request is a formal proposal to modify a product,
process, or document. It typically includes details such as the reason for the change,
the scope of the change, potential impact, and any supporting documentation.
Change Requests are typically submitted through a formal process and evaluated for
approval before implementation.
Change Request Approval Group: A designated group of individuals responsible for
reviewing and approving or rejecting change requests. This group may include
representatives from various departments or functions, depending on the nature of
the change and its potential impact. The Change Request Approval Group ensures
that proposed changes are thoroughly evaluated and aligned with organizational
objectives before approval.
Closed-Loop PLM: Integrating product performance data back into the design and
development process for continuous improvement.
Cloud-Based PLM: Refers to Product Lifecycle Management software that is hosted
and accessed over the internet via cloud computing infrastructure. It offers benefits
such as scalability, accessibility, collaboration, and cost-effectiveness compared to
traditional on-premises PLM solutions.
Collaboration: Enabling cross-functional teams to work together on product design,
engineering, and other lifecycle activities.
Computer-Aided Design (CAD): 3D modeling software tools used for the design and
documentation of product geometry and features.
Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE): Simulation and analysis tools used to validate
product designs and performance. It performs structural, thermal, and other
simulations to validate performance.
Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM): Software used to control and automate
manufacturing processes like CNC machining.
Computer-Aided Quality (CAQ): Integrating quality processes and data management
into the product development lifecycle.
Concurrent Engineering: An approach to product development that emphasizes
parallel and collaborative work among cross-functional teams throughout the
lifecycle. It involves integrating design, engineering, manufacturing, and other
functions early in the process to reduce time to market and improve product quality.
Configuration Management: Process of identifying, controlling and tracking changes
to a product's configuration over its lifecycle.
D Version Control: Managing and maintaining different versions of product data,
Data Security: Refers to the protection of data from unauthorized access, disclosure,
alteration, or destruction. It involves implementing security measures, protocols, and
technologies to safeguard sensitive information and prevent data breaches or
cyberattacks.
Design for Assembly (DFA): Designing products that are optimized for efficient
assembly.
Digital Thread: Refers to the seamless flow of digital information and data throughout
the lifecycle of a product, from design and development through manufacturing,
operation, and maintenance. It provides a connected and integrated view of product
information across different stages and functions.
Prepared by Serdar Akman - PLM & Configuration Engineer | MSc. PLM
PLM Software: A digital solution designed to manage the entire lifecycle of a
manufacturing.
Design for Serviceability: Designing products that are optimized for efficient
maintenance.
Digital Twin: A virtual representation or model of a physical product, process, or
system. It is created using real-time data, simulations, and analytics to mirror the
behavior and performance of the physical counterpart. Digital Twins are used for
design optimization, predictive maintenance, and performance monitoring.
Document Management: Involves the storage, organization, retrieval, and sharing of
documents and files related to products, projects, and processes. It includes features
such as version control, access control, document indexing, and document lifecycle
management.
E possible combinations and options of features or components within a product. It
Engineering Change Management (ECM): Features in PLM software facilitate the
tracking and management of changes to product designs, documents, and processes.
This includes change requests, approvals, and notifications.
Engineering Change Order (ECO): A formal document used to authorize
and detail changes to the design of a product or system. The ECO
specifies the nature of the change, the reasons behind it, and the
impact on existing components, assemblies, and documentation. It
serves as a control mechanism to manage modifications and ensure that
all relevant parties are informed and agree to the changes.
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP): Integrated system for managing business
operations, including production planning, inventory, and financials. Some of the
most commonly used ERP software solutions are SAP S/4HANA, Oracle ERP Cloud,
and Microsoft Dynamics 365.
F decommissioning, recycling, reusing, or disposing of products in compliance with
Functional Specification: Defining the product's intended functionality and technical
characteristics.
I materials. It is used to communicate product details to stakeholders, customers,
Implementation: Putting a plan or strategy into practice. In the context of PLM,
implementation involves deploying and configuring PLM software, establishing
processes and workflows, training users, and transitioning from existing systems to
the new PLM solution. Implementation may also include customization, data
migration, testing, and ongoing support and maintenance activities. Successful
implementation of PLM requires careful planning, coordination, and stakeholder
engagement to achieve the desired objectives and realize the benefits of the PLM
system.
Integration: Combining different systems or technologies to work together
seamlessly. In the context of PLM, integration involves connecting the PLM system
with other enterprise systems, such as ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning), CAD
(Computer-Aided Design), CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing), or MES
(Manufacturing Execution System), to enable data exchange, process
synchronization, and collaboration across different functional areas of the
organization. Integration helps streamline operations, improve efficiency, and
ensure consistency and accuracy of information throughout the product lifecycle.
L Product Retirement: Planning and executing the end-of-life disposal or recycling
Lifecycle Phases: The key stages a product goes through, including concept, design,
prototyping, production, service, and retirement.
License of Administrator: Grants users elevated privileges to configure, manage, and
administer the PLM system. Administrators have access to advanced features and
settings, such as user management, security settings, workflows, and system
configurations.
License of Analyst: An Analyst License provides users with access to advanced data
analysis and reporting capabilities within the PLM system. Analysts can perform data
queries, generate reports, and analyze product performance metrics to support
decision-making and optimization efforts.
License of Author: Provides users with the ability to create, edit, and modify product
data, documents, and information within the PLM system. Authors may include
engineers, designers, and other team members involved in product development
and documentation.
License of Collaborator: Enables users to participate in collaborative activities within
the PLM system, such as reviewing, commenting, and providing feedback on product
designs, documents, and processes. Collaborators may include external partners,
suppliers, or customers involved in the product development process.
License of Concurrent: Provides shared access to the PLM system for multiple users,
with a limited number of simultaneous users allowed at any given time. Concurrent
licensing helps optimize resource utilization and accommodate fluctuating user
demand within the organization.
License of Integration: Allows users to integrate the PLM system with other software
applications, systems, or platforms within the organization's IT infrastructure.
Integrators may include IT professionals responsible for configuring and managing
data exchange between PLM and other enterprise systems.
License of Mobile: Enables users to access and use the PLM system on mobile
devices, such as smartphones and tablets, through dedicated mobile applications or
web-based interfaces. Mobile users can perform tasks, access information, and
collaborate remotely while on the go.
License of Viewer: Grants users the ability to view product data, documents, and
information within the PLM system but typically does not allow for editing or
modifying data. Viewers may include stakeholders who need access to product
information for reference or review purposes.
License Type of PLM User: Refers to the different levels or types of access and
permissions granted to users of PLM software. License types are viewer, author,
administrator, collaborator, analyst, integration, mobile, concurrent.
M
Mobile PLM: Refers to Product Lifecycle Management applications or solutions that
are designed to be accessed and used on mobile devices such as smartphones and
tablets. It enables users to access product information, collaborate, and perform
PLM tasks on the go.
O
Obsolescence Management: Identifying and mitigating risks from component or
technology obsolescence.
P
PLM Admin: Short for Product Lifecycle Management Administrator, refers to the
individual or team responsible for managing, configuring, and administering the PLM
system within an organization.
product from inception, through engineering design and manufacturing, to service
and disposal. It centralizes all product-related data and processes, enabling
efficient collaboration, version control, and process automation. PLM software
integrates various business systems, including CAD, CAM, ERP, and more, to
streamline workflows, improve data accuracy, and enhance decision-making. By
providing a unified platform for managing product information, PLM software
helps organizations accelerate product development, reduce costs, ensure
compliance, and drive innovation. some of the most commonly used PLM
software solutions are Siemens Teamcenter, PTC Windchill, Dassault Systèmes
ENOVIA, and Autodesk Fusion Lifecycle.
Product Certification: Validating the product meets all necessary safety, quality
and regulatory standards.
Product Configuration: Refers to the process of defining and managing the
allows for the creation of customized product configurations based on customer
requirements or market demand.
Product Customization: Involves tailoring a product to meet specific customer
requirements or preferences. It allows customers to personalize features, options,
or configurations of a product to better suit their needs.
Product Data: Refers to the structured data and information related to a product,
such as part numbers, descriptions, dimensions, materials, and pricing. It is used
for managing and tracking product information throughout the lifecycle.
Product Data Management (PDM): Centralized management and control of all
product-related data documents throughout the lifecycle, including CAD files,
BOMs, specifications, and other technical documents.
Product Disposal: Refers to the process of properly managing the retirement or
disposal of a product at the end of its lifecycle. It includes activities such as
environmental regulations and sustainability goals.
Product Information: Refers to the data and content related to a product,
including specifications, features, attributes, images, documents, and marketing
and partners.
Product Lifecycle Analytics: Collecting, integrating, and analyzing data to gain
insights and make informed decisions about products.
Product Lifecycle Management (PLM): A systematic and integrated approach to
managing all aspects of a product's lifecycle from its conception, through design
and manufacture, to service and disposal.
Product Metadata: Additional descriptive information or attributes associated
with product data, such as last-modified date, and whether the file is currently
checked out. Metadata provides context and enhances the understanding and
usability of product data.
Product Modularization: A design approach that involves breaking down a
product into modular components or modules that can be easily combined,
interchanged, or upgraded. It enables greater flexibility, scalability, and
customization in product design and manufacturing.
of a product.
Product Variant: A version of a product that differs in certain features or
attributes from other versions of the same product. Variants are typically created
to meet specific customer needs or market requirements, such as different sizes,
colors, configurations, or options.
R
Release: Refers to the process of making a product, component, or system
available for production or market. This involves completing final testing, ensuring
compliance with quality standards, and officially launching the product. A release
can include new versions or updates to existing products, following a defined
process to ensure readiness and adherence to specifications.
Requirements Management: Capturing, documenting, and managing customer
and stakeholder requirements.
Revision Control: Systematic approach to manage and track incremental changes
and updates to product designs and documentation.
S
Simulation and Analysis: Using digital tools to test product designs before
physical prototyping.
Supplier Collaboration: Engaging suppliers early in the product design process to
optimize for manufacturability and cost.
T
Task: A specific activity or assignment that needs to be completed as part of a
larger project or process.
Technical Specification: A detailed document that defines the requirements,
specifications, and standards for the design, development, and manufacturing of a
product. It includes technical details such as dimensions, materials, performance
criteria, and testing requirements.
Traceability: Maintaining a record of all changes, decisions, and approvals
throughout a product's development.
V
Validation and Verification: Using digital tools to validate and verify product
designs before physical prototyping.
designs, and documentation.
Virtual Prototyping: Simulating and validating the product design digitally before
physical prototyping.
W
Workflow Automation: Involves the use of technology to automate and
streamline repetitive tasks, processes, and workflows within an organization. It
helps improve efficiency, reduce errors, and accelerate the pace of work by
automating routine tasks and decision-making.
Workflow Management: Defining, executing and monitoring the series of tasks
and approvals required for product development.
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