Product Lifecycle Management

Today’s businesses face greater demands for new and rapid product introduction.

For many industries, time-to-market is decisive when it comes to maintaining existing market shares and conquering new ones.

It is essential that the development (or introduction) of new products takes place in a well managed process. Experiences and competences must be effectively utilised, and the new products must be automatically incorporated into the business’ existing processes.

Maintenance and customer service must be performed flexibly, and all conditions must be fully documented using CAD systems, photos, drawings or other relevant objects. 

The phasing out of a particular product must also be performed in a well managed process in which existing customers, guaranteed orders, the sale of spare parts, etc. must be taken fully into account. 

Segmenta delivers the right solution

Segmenta has experience from several businesses in the areas of product development and production, as well as service and maintenance management. That is why, when it comes to implementing SAP Product Lifecycle Management, Segmenta is the natural choice.

Before implementing PLM, we recommend performing a thorough pre-analysis of the existing production development process and the existing data quality, so that the choice of components in SAP PLM is optimised. A pre-analysis will naturally also include a project plan proposal, milestones, distinct phases and a cost/benefit analysis.

Segmenta recommends the following overall division of a business analysis and the implementation of a product’s lifecycle.

Product and portfolio management

• Idea Bank with new products
• Project establishing and management of new product development

 Product development

• Development and prototype management
• Resource allocation (internal/external) 
• Cost management and control

 Data Management

• Product master and documentation management
• Structures, resources and management of product modifications
• Service, maintenance and spare parts management
• Internal processes

 Product audit

• Hazardous goods, employee health and safety, etc.

The abovementioned division is fully in line with SAP AG’s method, which is why it is possible to use Best Practice from SAP AG in this area.

We recommend that SAP PLM be implemented using SAP NetWeaver in order to simplify access to PLM for employees, business partners and customers via the Internet. 

Contact Segmenta if you plan on implementing SAP PLM any time soon. Good advice and proper guidance before the beginning of a project often lead to successful implementation – and not least – better cost management.