The Increasing Value of SOA-Based Architectures for PLM
A New White Paper from CIMdata
ANN ARBOR, Michigan, February 22, 2011 - CIMdata, Inc., the leading global PLM consulting and research firm announces the availability of "The Increasing Value of SOA-Based Architectures for PLM." Today's manufacturing industries are under continuous pressure to deliver competitive products faster and are implementing PLM solutions to help address this issue. As PLM environments expand to encompass the complete product lifecycle, they are becoming increasingly complex with more and more functional applications being used. One of the key problems is that the number of application-to-application integrations is also increasing significantly. Additional resources, both human and financial, have to be committed to maintain and upgrade the overall environment. Simplifying the PLM environment, while providing more information and capabilities to the individual worker, is an important factor in the overall success of PLM programs.
To address these issues, companies desire to deploy their PLM environment by using applications and solutions built on common technologies, with common data models and importantly, having a common user interaction paradigm. One approach to this problem has been the selection of unified PLM solutions suites built on a Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) provided by a core PLM solution provider. SOA-based unified PLM architectures provide the ability to expand the level of functionality available, improve the users' experience even as more and more diverse users work within the PLM solution set, and reduce the overall cost of maintenance, support, and enhancement.
This paper presents the challenges that companies are currently facing, defines a SOA-based unified PLM architecture approach, describes the benefits that it can deliver, discusses the factors companies should consider in evaluating whether to transition to a unified architecture, and describes approaches to such a transition. This paper is not a review of any specific architecture. Rather it is intended to provide an overview of such architectures, their potential value, and issues to consider in making a transition decision.
About CIMdata
CIMdata, a leading independent worldwide firm, provides strategic management consulting to maximize an enterprise's ability to design and deliver innovative products and services through the application of Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) solutions. Since its founding more than 25 years ago, CIMdata has delivered world-class knowledge, expertise, and best-practice methods on PLM solutions. These solutions incorporate both business processes and a wide-ranging set of PLM enabling technologies.
CIMdata works with both industrial organizations and suppliers of technologies and services seeking competitive advantage in the global economy. In addition to consulting, CIMdata conducts research, provides PLM-focused subscription services, and produces several commercial publications. The company also provides industry education through PLM certificate programs, seminars, and conferences worldwide. CIMdata serves clients around the world from offices in North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific.
To learn more about CIMdata's services, visit our website at www.CIMdata.com or contact CIMdata at: 3909 Research Park Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48108, USA. Tel: +1 (734) 668-9922. Fax: +1 (734) 668-1957; or at Oogststraat 20, 6004 CV Weert, The Netherlands. Tel: +31 (0)495 533 666.
