Эксперты предсказывают светлое будущее рынку PLM технологий
Topping the list of reasons manufacturers are investing in Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) applications is their increasing concern about growing profitably. The Product Lifecycle Management Applications Report, 2004-2009 forecasts that application vendor revenue from PLM software and services will reach $15B by 2009. Here’s a look at some of the results of this year’s Market Analytix Report.
CAD and non-CAD applications share strong growth in 2004
The total PLM market grew 10% in 2004, with equal growth in the Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and non-CAD application segments. CAD applications captured 60% of the total market in 2004, experiencing a resurgence in spending as manufacturers refocus on the design process of innovation. Meanwhile, investment in Product Data Management (PDM), which remains the foundation of most PLM deployments, topped the list of non-CAD application investments.
Improving the product launch team is merely one priority
Improving the flow of information to the cross-functional product launch team is the main factor in most manufacturers’ PLM investments, mainly because teams are becoming more dispersed in a world of outsourced design and manufacturing. However, there are a number of business strategies that manufacturers are looking to PLM to support, including the following:
- Speeding innovation—From early ideation to product launch, manufacturers are improving processes that ensure an accurate response to market opportunities.
- Compliance—CFR 21 Part 11, Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS), and the Transportation Recall Enhancement, Accountability, and Documentation (TREAD) Act are among the regulations demanding greater control of product information.
- Globalization—Expanding markets and sources of supply and innovation requires greater connectivity between extended design teams.
- Mergers and acquisitions—Product rationalization and capitalizing on design talent across the newly joined organization demands standardized processes and systems.
New trends emerge as the market evolves
Industries such as Automotive and Aerospace have historically led the way in PLM deployments, and continue to evolve their strategies as new industries begin to invest. Meanwhile, alternative purchasing choices are presenting new options to buyers, and vendors continue to expand their reach as they deepen expertise in processes across the product lifecycle. Some of the trends include the following:
- Industries—Apparel is a recent adopter, which sees PLM as a critical component to responsive sourcing strategies.
- Vendor footprints—As Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) vendors strengthen business support for product launch, others have been actively acquiring to extend their strengths.
- Software delivery models—Pure Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) and other hosting and on-demand choices are removing many barriers to starting a PLM deployment.
Profitable growth requires a delicate balance between product innovation and efficient operations within an increasingly regulated environment. Manufacturers are looking at a variety of process improvements to achieve this balance, including lean process design and tapping external partner expertise. As these broader business strategies lead technology investment, PLM will experience continued growth, as long as application vendors keep pace with these evolving needs.