10 tips for choosing the right cloud PLM provider
How to make a future-oriented decision
Flexibility and agility are crucial for companies in today's dynamic business world. This also applies to Product Lifecycle Management. Accelerated product development and a shorter time-to-market are essential to remain competitive. While a traditional on-premises PLM solution was the only option in the past, digitalization brought about an alternative – cloud PLM. Today, PLM system providers offer agile and rapidly deployable cloud solutions for managing the entire lifecycle of your products.
There are numerous companies in the market offering various functionalities and packages. But how do you find the provider that perfectly meets your specific requirements?
This blog post provides you with 10 essential tips to consider when choosing a cloud PLM provider.
#1 Understanding your requirements:
As a first step in your search for the right cloud PLM provider, define your specific requirements and goals. What do you expect from a cloud PLM solution? Which functions and features are important for your company? Make sure your requirements cover both short-term and long-term needs. Answer the following questions:
- What type of products do you develop or manufacture?
- What processes need to be managed?
- What integrations with other systems are necessary?
- What is your budget?
- How many employees will be using the cloud PLM system?
Comparing your requirements list with the offered software packages will help you narrow down the selection of providers.
#2 Functionality:
Carefully examine the offered functionalities and compare them to your requirements. Can you expand the range of functions if needed? This helps prevent high time and cost expenditures often associated with changing providers.
#3 Integration and interfaces:
Check whether the cloud PLM software is compatible with the software tools and applications your company uses, such as MCAD, ECAD, ERP, MES, and CRM. Integrating data into the cloud PLM system helps you avoid data silos and consolidate all relevant information in one software – the Single Source of Truth – to enable cross-departmental access. Dr. Patrick Müller explains how to break down data silos in this interview.
#4 Scalability:
Ensure that the provider's software is scalable and can keep up with your company’s growth. It should also be possible to add or remove users without causing interruptions or incurring costs for a system change.
#5 Security and data protection:
The security of your company and product data is of utmost importance. Evaluate the provider's security measures to ensure that your data is protected from unauthorized access. It is also important to check compliance with regulatory guidelines and certifications. For more information on data security in cloud PLM systems, we recommend this blog post.
#6 Performance and service quality:
Ensure that the performance quality and availability of the software are contractually guaranteed with a Service Level Agreement (SLA). In the SLA, the provider and customer define aspects including how the provider handles outages and ensures data recovery.
#7 Costs and licensing:
Many providers offer different packages of their cloud PLM software with varying functionalities. Review the pricing structure of the provider and compare it to your budget. Also take into account the ongoing licensing costs.
#8 Customization options:
Complex processes require customized solutions. Check whether the provider allows for customizations beyond the standard PLM functions. DevOps services enable you to continuously develop and optimize your business processes even after migration and implementation.
#9 References and trial versions:
Take a look at the provider's website to see if reputable reference customers are using the software. Experiences from other customers can provide valuable insights. You can also take advantage of free trial versions to test the software in your company.
#10 User-friendliness and support:
An intuitive user interface should be an important factor in your decision. The user-friendliness of the software is crucial for the acceptance among your employees and eventually their productivity. Ensure that a personal contact is available to you for any questions or issues.
Conclusion
Choosing a cloud PLM software provider requires thorough research. Consider your specific requirements and take sufficient time to compare different providers. By taking these 10 tips into account, you will find the vendor that best suits your needs and helps you optimize your product development processes.
CIM Database Cloud provides you with all state-of-the-art PLM functionalities, adapts to your requirements, and seamlessly integrates into your existing systems.
PLM systems are of crucial importance for manufacturing companies. They not only serve as a central data source, but also as a tool for efficiently managing development processes. Due to their many advantages, an increasing number of companies are choosing cloud-based PLM software instead of on-premises installations. Learn in our white paper how companies benefit from cloud PLM and what you should consider when selecting and implementing a solution.
