Fostering PLM Implementation in SMEs: Modelling and Managing Verification Processes

Abstract PLM is largely recognized as the most effective business strategy by all those companies committed to deliver complex and continuously-evolving products, particularly if these operate at a multinational level. However, only a small number of these companies, the larger ones, has reached the level of maturity necessary to implement it in an effective manner. SMEs are not usually amongst these. This paper proposes a user-friendly Visualization Model (VM), that can guide the implementation of PLM philosophy in whatever scale company, provided its processes have been standardized. The model has been tested with major and smaller companies operating in the field of precision manufacturing showing encouraging results. However, as SMEs would get the greatest benefits, it is presented, in this paper, by means of a case study involving a small metrology company. A further content of novelty here, is represented by the fact that the case study's company is using this method to start operating according to the new ISO Geometrical Product Specification and Verification (GPS) standards.