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PLM selection for very large organizations
Return to PLM selection
- SMBs
Deciding on a major PLM purchase can be both intimidating and fun. If you
have the time and patience, you can do your own analysis, examining and ranking
literally hundreds of attributes for dozens of PLM products.
There are many consulting organizations that will sell you a list of selection criteria
(whether a report or a spreadsheet), as well as offer their expert judgment of how various
vendors rank on those criteria.
While these sources can be quite valuable, there are a few caveats:
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Most organizations that go to major PLM consulting shops can
afford to pay big bucks, because a mistake will cost them big bucks. This
implies that the PLM project itself will be in the hundreds of thousands, if
not millions, of dollars. So, large PLM consulting groups tend to know a lot
about "aircraft carrier" sized PLM suppliers, and not as much
about PLM solutions for small- to mid-sized projects. And, if you happen to
need only a small PLM solution for your large company, be cautious about buying
beyond your needs.
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Large consulting groups assess PLM solutions to a great
level of detail; probably more detail than you'll care to go into unless
you're spending the previously-mentioned big bucks. So, you can end up
either consuming a huge amount of time examining the consultants' data, or
just hoping that the consultant knows what's right for you. Either way,
you'll be left with the responsibility for the PLM decision long after the
consultant's gone. Be comfortable with the consultant, but really spend time
understanding the recommended PLM solution.
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Working through a PLM assessment with a consultant is inherently
time-consuming; you have to determine whether the delay is worthwhile and,
in the long run, more efficient than doing the work yourself.
As always, keep project scope as limited as possible while still meeting the
strategic goals. Going live with an adequate, scaleable solution is far better
than making a career out of being "almost done".
PLM0037 Rev
2007-08-24 16:46:34 -0700
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