PLM Software : Definition
If you work in the industrial sector, you've probably come across the acronym “PLM” — but do you actually know what PLM software is and what it really means?In this article, Aletiq helps you better understand the concept of “PLM software” and how it plays a role in everyday industrial operations.
What is PLM software?
PLM (short for Product Lifecycle Management) refers to the management of a product’s lifecycle, from initial design all the way to market launch and end-of-life. PLM software is built around this concept by centralizing all product-related information.
In practical terms, it includes features tailored to each development phase: design, prototyping, manufacturing, distribution, and maintenance. Its purpose is to offer a centralized, real-time updated repository, allowing different departments to collaborate effectively on the product. The software provides access to all technical specifications (3D CAD files, BOMs, requirement documents…), helping to eliminate scattered or duplicate data.
You can think of PLM software as a single source of truth that ensures data accuracy and full traceability. Adopting a PLM system has become essential for industrial companies aiming to improve efficiency.
Such software helps accelerate product development, optimize costs and margins, and enhance final product quality.
How is PLM used in industry?
In industrial contexts, PLM starts with centralizing all product-related data through software.
Data from various departments is stored in one place, ensuring that everyone is working with the most up-to-date information, which helps avoid data discrepancies and manual entry errors.PLM software often integrates with CAD and production tools.
For example, it can sync BOMs generated during design with those used in production. Our solution, Aletiq, connects directly to leading CAD tools (SOLIDWORKS, CATIA, AUTOCAD, CREO, NX…) to easily transfer design office data into the platform. As a result, CAD BOMs are automatically synchronized, streamlining the creation of the EBOM and MBOM.
The MBOM can then be sent to the ERP via a dedicated interface. This means engineers no longer have to manually recreate BOMs in the ERP, significantly reducing errors and redundant data entry. Every version of a drawing or BOM is timestamped and validated within the system.
This ensures complete traceability: you know who approved what and when, and can easily roll back to a previous version if needed.
Ultimately, this leads to fewer errors, as every change is tracked and reviewed. In real-world use, PLM adoption also improves day-to-day collaboration.
Project teams can comment on documents, submit approvals, and check status updates in real time. Even small and medium businesses can benefit from streamlined coordination and better process synchronization. So, if you were wondering what PLM software actually is, it’s a system based on Product Lifecycle Management, designed to centralize all information related to a product and its lifecycle — with a key role to play in modern industrial operations.
Want to dive deeper into the world of PLM software? We recommend these articles from us :
• PLM Software Reviews
• Difference Between ERP & PLM
• Difference Between PLM and MDM
• PLM in Industrial Applications
• Why is PLM Necessary?
