The essential value of PLM lies in innovative cross-functionality; PLM integrates, from product ideation, concept, trials, simulations, manufacturing, labeling, global regulatory compliance to the finished product. It creates and manages a continuous flow of ideas, and intellectual property which unites the necessary documents and data workflows for the entire supply chain management process.
Innovative product lifecycle management process solutions adapt perfectly with ERP systems. PLM manages the innovation of products, enriches the data in the ERP and adds functionality.
Most organizations purchase an ERP and try to expand functionality and functions – this sometimes works to a degree, but the process will never work as well as if the functionality had been built into the solution from the beginning. Even when 90 percent of the data is compatible, the ERP cannot support 10 percent variants, nutritional values, or product statuses.
Food and beverage manufacturers need a comprehensive process solution that has the flexibility and capability to integrate, end-to-end and provide the transparency that will allow them to optimize and employ their data as a valuable, strategic asset.