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Green PLM in focus: Proven strategies for sustainable product development

Technical contribution

December 4, 2024

In today's world, it is crucial for manufacturers not only to develop sustainable products, but also to make the entire development process sustainable. This also applies to companies that develop innovative technologies to promote sustainability. Even if a product promises sustainable energy, for example, this does not automatically mean that the development process is sustainable throughout. This is where we come in with our Green PLM approach.

Our experience in the Green PLM approach

We have integrated three key experiences into our Green PLM approach:

Variant and complexity management
Integration of processes and applications
Introduction of PDM systems

The challenges posed by entering new markets and technological and regulatory changes require effective variant and version management. From over 25 years of project experience, we have developed the DC InMediasP Traceability Concept, which is based on processes, methods and solutions.

Ensuring continuity and consistency

In order to ensure consistent data flows, it is necessary to break down data silos. This is eclearly defined product structure that takes all phases of the life cycle into account. In addition to the engineeringBoM (Bill of Materials), Production BoM and Maintenance-BoM should also a Recycling-BoM should also be considered in a Green PLM. This is the only way to ensure a consistent database over the entire life cycle.

Central role of the PDM system

At the heart of a company is the product, and therefore also the product data management system (PDM system). In this system, all data on components and assemblies is maintained, changes are documented and made available for digital development. The implementation of such a system requires close cooperation between departments in order to coordinate their requirements and responsibilities.

Insights from the Green PLM Conference 2024

We presented our approaches at the Green PLM 2024 conference in Berlin. A key question was whether a Green PLM approach can be implemented at the same time as the introduction of a PDM system. Our recommendation: Start with the basic requirements for PDM processes. These basics are crucial for the maintenance of sustainability data in Green PLM. It is important that the various departments involved in data maintenance are trained in the processes in order to achieve the necessary data quality. The specific areas include:

Product development
Parts list and production planning
Transfer of product data to ERP systems
Change management
Version and variant management

Technological basis for sustainability

The technological basis for data maintenance should already be taken into account in the PDM solution. It is also important to involve the sustainability manager in the project at an early stage to ensure a smooth transition to integrated sustainability management.

The efficiency of the product-based approach has already been demonstrated in previous projects in aspects such as cost, weight or functional safety. We also see a clear benefit for sustainability management through the Green PLM approach:

Provision of sustainability data for components
Consistent data flow
Common understanding of sustainability management and construction
Option-based variant management

Future outlook and other topics

In further blog articles, we will dive deeper into the Green PLM approach, the Dataciders InMediasP traceability concept and other aspects of our PDM experience.

If you are already faced with a mountain of regulations and don't know where to start, we offer you a Green PLM Assessment for you. Together, we develop a clear vision and roadmap for integrated sustainability management in PDM. In doing so, we combine our best practices with over 25 years of experience in PLM consulting.

Now is the right time to start your journey to a more sustainable product life cycle!