Product lifecycle management (PLM) includes all of the processes and activities associated with managing a product, from its initial concept and design through its manufacture and distribution, to its eventual retirement and disposal.
PLM is a continuously evolving concept, and the specific processes and activities that are included can vary depending on the company and the product. However, there are some common elements that are typically included in most PLM systems.
These elements include product data management (PDM), which is the process of managing all of the data and information associated with a product throughout its lifecycle; product lifecycle management (PLC), which is the process of managing the different stages of a product's lifecycle; and change management, which is the process of tracking and managing changes to a product during its development.
Other common PLM activities include collaboration and communication, configuration management, and resource management.
