Highlights from PLM Application Software Flashcards

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1. Key Vocabulary Terms (Alphabetically)

• Additive Manufacturing
  Technology (e.g., 3D printing) that rapidly produces precise prototypes or parts directly from CAD models, enhancing product development speed and accuracy in PLM.

• Application Lifecycle Management (ALM)
  Systems that manage software creation, deployment, and operation throughout its lifecycle to ensure effective software management.

• Augmented Reality (AR)
  Applications that overlay computer-generated information onto the real world to support activities and improve decision-making.

• Bill of Materials (BOM)
  Structured lists describing all materials or components constituting a product or assembly.

• Computer-Aided Design (CAD)
  Software using interactive graphics to convert concepts or requirements into detailed product designs.

• Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE)
  Applications supporting design and manufacturing engineering functions through analysis and simulation.

• Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM)
  Software supporting manufacturing engineering tasks like production planning and shop floor operations.

• Computer-Integrated Manufacturing (CIM)
  Comprehensive applications automating and integrating engineering and manufacturing processes to enhance efficiency.

• Component and Supplier Management (CSM)
  Tools providing access to approved components and suppliers, managing an approved supplier list and shared component data.

• Key Performance Indicator (KPI)
  Quantifiable metrics used to assess and manage the performance of PLM applications or related activities.

• Manufacturing Resource Planning (MRP 2)
  Systems that plan and manage manufacturing resources such as equipment and materials to optimize production.

• PLM Application Architecture
  A structured representation covering the IS components of PLM applications, their positioning, relationships, and their business support roles within a company.

• PLM Application Strategy
  Guidelines and plans addressing value, configuration, priorities, customization, security, maintenance, and technology considerations for PLM applications.

• Product Data Management (PDM)
  Systems functioning as electronic vaults for product data, ensuring protection, indexing, and controlled access.

• Project Management Applications
  Software aiding in organizing, planning, and tracking resources to meet project goals within PLM.

• Simulation Applications
  Tools that analyze the performance of systems via virtual modeling before actual physical implementation.

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2. Key Concepts and Ideas

Overview of PLM Application Software

• The chapter introduces the role of application software in Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), emphasizing the necessity of PLM applications for effective participation in product development and lifecycle activities.
• PLM applications support specific activities by automating tasks, increasing precision, managing large data, and ensuring continuous operation.

Importance and Characteristics of PLM Applications

• Essential for developing complex products globally with high precision.
• Key attributes include speed, reliability, cost efficiency, data capacity, precision, and consistent availability.

Categories of PLM Applications

Generic PLM Applications

• Applicable across all companies and products.
• Examples: Data Management, Document Management, Product Management, Process Management, Collaboration, and Infrastructure Management.

Specific PLM Applications

• Tailored to specialized functions such as compliance, idea generation, portfolio management, manufacturing management, and intellectual property.

Functional PLM Software Examples

• CAD, CAE, CAM: Cover design, engineering analysis, and manufacturing support.
• BOM Management: Organizes product components data systematically.
• Additive Manufacturing: Accelerates prototype and part creation.
• AI and AR Applications: Enhance automation, decision-making, and user interaction with real and virtual worlds.
• ALM Systems: Manage software involved in PLM processes.
• CIM and MRP 2: Facilitate integrated manufacturing and resource planning.
• PDM Systems: Secure and manage product data repositories.

PLM Application Management

• Grouping applications simplifies management into generic and specific categories.
• A well-defined PLM Application Architecture clarifies application roles and data organization.
• A PLM Application Strategy addresses customization, security, business priorities, and technology considerations.
• Many companies establish dedicated PLM Applications Groups for application governance amid complexity, cost pressures, and continual change.

Performance and Common Issues

• KPIs help quantify application performance and guide improvements (e.g., cost, resolution times, user counts, ROI).
• Common problems include inconsistent naming, isolated automation pockets, interface integration challenges, data overlap, differing UIs, limited OS support, and version control.

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3. Important Data, Statistics, and Formulas

• No explicit formulas or equations provided in the flashcards.

• Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) examples for PLM applications include:

  • Total Cost of Ownership
  • Average Time to Problem Resolution
  • Number of Users
  • Number of Problems per Year
  • Number of New Versions Released
  • Running Costs
  • Return on Investment (ROI)
  • Hours of Use

  These metrics allow quantitative measurement and management of PLM software effectiveness.

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4. Additional Critical Aspects

Principles and Methodologies

• Grouping of Applications: Separating PLM applications into generic and specific categories aids in system management and deployment strategy.

• Application Lifecycle Management (ALM): Emphasizes lifecycle perspective for PLM software, ensuring software evolves effectively with business needs.

• Integration and Interface Needs: Highlighted as critical due to overlapping functions and the necessity for seamless communication between diverse PLM applications.

Organizational Implications

• Establishing a PLM Applications Group within companies addresses the challenges of maintaining a diverse, complex set of software with a focus on cost control, continuous improvement, and efficient service delivery.

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Summary

This flashcard set imparts foundational knowledge on PLM application software — explaining definitions, scope, and the critical role of various application types in supporting product lifecycle activities. It stresses the importance of organized application architecture, strategic planning, performance measurement via KPIs, and the need for dedicated management structures to handle complexity and drive continuous improvement.

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Formatting Key:

• Bold: Terminology and emphasis
• Italics: Clarification and examples

• Headings: Section and sub-section divisions

• Bullet points: Lists for readability
• LaTeX: No formulas present; KPIs presented as named metrics

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This comprehensive organization aids readers and practitioners in understanding, utilizing, and managing PLM applications effectively.