The Implementation of a PDM/PLM System: Case Study in an Industrial Process Cooling Company

The contemporary industrial scenario places significant emphasis on the efficient reduction of the time to market for new products, underscoring the necessity for companies to stay agile and competitive. Concurrently, the demand for product customization has become a defining characteristic, requiring companies to offer bespoke solutions that cater to diverse customer needs. Within this context, the implementation of a Product Data Management (PDM) and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) system emerges as a strategic imperative. This research reports an extensive study in an industrial process cooling company in Tuscany, Italy. The study implemented a PDM/PLM system to improve and streamline the management of product data. The main goal was to optimize the processes for developing, producing, and delivering new products. This was achieved by integrating SolidRules Incentro software into the company’s operations. This software improved research and archiving of product data, management of bills of materials and document retrieval. Consequently, the time to market for new products and customizations was significantly reduced. The initial phase of this project involved acquainting with the new system, gaining a comprehensive understanding, initiating its integration into the company, and providing training for future users. Simultaneously, meetings and seminars were conducted to thoroughly explore the capabilities of the PDM/PLM system. The benefits of implementing this were subsequently evaluated using key performance indicators, forming a comprehensive approach aimed at assessing and quantifying the positive impact on the company’s overall operational efficiency and productivity.