Sustainable PLM through a cloud-based solution

Why Cloud PLM is the more sustainable choice

The Paris Agreement has a clear objective: limiting global temperature rise to below two degrees Celsius. To achieve this goal, companies must reduce their carbon footprint significantly. One promising way to enhance the resource efficiency of the employed Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) system is by utilizing cloud services. The shift to the cloud can be likened to carpooling, where the company’s on-premises server is akin to one’s own vehicle. In this example, it consumes substantial resources in the form of power to remain constantly operational. Cloud service providers act as carpools, sharing resources with multiple parties, eliminating the need for individual companies to operate extensive infrastructures. This not only saves resources but also enhances efficiency.

Discover why PLM in the cloud is the more sustainable choice compared to on-premises PLM software in this blog post.

On-premises versus cloud operation of PLM systems

On-premises or in the cloud – the operating models of PLM systems exhibit significant differences:

In on-premises operation, an internal server of the company hosts the PLM software, requiring capital-intensive investments in proprietary hardware and software. Local infrastructure is subject to a fixed capacity, potentially leading to bottlenecks during peak demand. Companies bear the responsibility for managing, maintaining, securing, and upgrading the PLM system themselves. Implementing new features or updates also requires a considerable lead time.

In contrast, cloud operation relies on an external provider to supply the server infrastructure. The cost structure is typically based on regular licensing fees. Cloud PLM systems are scalable, allowing resources to be flexibly adjusted based on demand. Management, maintenance, security, and system updates are the responsibility of the cloud provider. Compared to the companies using the PLM system, cloud providers possess more comprehensive expertise and state-of-the-art security technologies. New features or updates are implemented faster, given the external management of infrastructure and automatic updates.

3 Factors enable sustainable PLM in the cloud

Efficient resource utilization through cloud technology:

Server capacity, storage space, and network bandwidth can be efficiently managed in Cloud PLM software. The scalable cloud infrastructure allows PLM systems to adapt to specific requirements, such as adding or removing users. Scaling ensures optimal resource utilization while preventing energy waste.

Cloud providers also invest in efficient data centers and employ technologies like virtualization to maximize energy efficiency. This enables multiple virtual systems, operating systems, and applications to run on a single server. Consolidating servers and sharing hardware reduces energy consumption compared to decentralized software deployment. Advanced cooling technologies and intelligent energy management systems contribute to efficient resource utilization in data centers.

Using cloud services also reduces the need for local hardware such as servers, storage devices, and network equipment, resulting in less electronic waste and reduced demand for raw materials for new devices.

Dynamic load distribution in the cloud also contributes to overall efficiency. Traffic management flexibly adjusts to the performance needs of PLM applications to avoid network overloads.

Selection of sustainable cloud providers:

PLM in the cloud is particularly sustainable when chosen cloud providers use renewable energy sources. By leveraging solar power, wind energy, or hydropower, these companies reduce their ecological footprint.

Centralized updates and maintenance:

Cloud PLM providers centrally perform automated software updates and maintenance. This reduces the need for manual interventions at customer sites, which saves time, resources, and travel expenses.

Conclusion

In comparison to the local deployment of PLM software, the cloud enables more efficient resource utilization through flexible scaling, increased energy efficiency, and a reduced carbon footprint. Operating PLM systems in the cloud is more sustainable than on-premises when companies choose a cloud provider that uses renewable energy. Learn more about PLM and sustainability on our website.

CIM Database Cloud can be flexibly scaled up or down and is hosted on Amazon Web Services (AWS), which aims to operate entirely on renewable energy by 2025.

The importance of user experience for Cloud PLM

Factors and features improving usability

In an increasingly digitalized world, cloud-based solutions for Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) play a crucial role in efficiently managing product data and processes. A number of providers develop Cloud PLM software. Apart from functionalities and pricing, the user experience (UX) holds particular importance as it significantly influences user acceptance.

In this blog post, you will learn why selecting user-friendly Cloud PLM software is essential and what considerations you should keep in mind.

Why UX is important

When it comes to software, a well-designed user experience is not just a nice-to-have but a crucial factor that significantly influences how users perceive a tool, adapt and use it. Here are 5 reasons why you should prioritize user-friendliness when choosing Cloud PLM software:

  1. User satisfaction: A well-conceived user experience increases user satisfaction. When users intuitively understand a software and find interacting with it pleasant and rewarding, they are more inclined to use it again.
  2. Efficiency and productivity: A compelling user interface and meaningful interaction options enable users to complete tasks faster and more effectively.
  3. Error reduction: A thoughtful UX helps minimize errors. Clear instructions, easy navigation, and consistent design elements lead to users making fewer mistakes and finding solutions faster when errors do occur.
  4. Accessibility: A good UX takes into account the diversity of the user base and includes people with different abilities and limitations. Accessible designs allow everybody to work with the software without barriers.
  5. Cost-Efficiency: Software with an intuitive UX can save costs in the long run, as users make fewer mistakes and the need for support and training decreases.

Cloud PLM and the challenges of user-friendliness

Cloud PLM systems enable centralized management of product information in real time, promoting collaboration and efficiency. Nevertheless, they initially pose some challenges for new users: they have to familiarize themselves with a new user interface, learn how to use complex functions, and handle data from a variety of sources. A sophisticated UX helps overcome these challenges:

Intuitive user interface: The user interface should be simple and intuitive to enable quick familiarization. A clean design and well-placed features help users navigate easily.

Customized dashboards & charts: Custom dashboards and time schedules allow users to see information and functions relevant for their tasks at a glance. Gantt charts, for example, provide a clear overview of project progress, aid in identifying task dependencies, and simplify resource planning.

Collaboration tools: A high-quality Cloud PLM platform should offer seamless collaboration features. Comment functions, real-time collaboration, and shared editing options are crucial for facilitating communication and information exchange.

Search and filter functions: Efficient search and filter functions, including an enterprise search, help users quickly access needed information. This is especially crucial with large datasets.

Integration with other systems: Seamless integration with other enterprise systems like ERP or CAD dissolves data silos and ensures all relevant data are linked.

User guidance and training: Well-structured tutorials and training materials assist users in utilizing the software to its full potential. A carefully crafted onboarding strategy is crucial to achieve a flat learning curve.

Feedback mechanisms: Users should be able to provide feedback for continuous software improvement. A dedicated community serves as an ideal platform for an open dialogue between developers and users.

Conclusion

For Cloud PLM software, an excellent user experience is not an option but a necessity. It enhances productivity, cost-efficiency, and user satisfaction. The entire team, including members with disabilities, can effortlessly and efficiently work with the tool. User-friendly Cloud PLM systems offer intuitive interfaces, customizable dashboards, collaboration tools, search and filter functions, training and feedback options, as well as integrations with third-party systems.

CIM Database Cloud provides state-of-the-art PLM features combined with an intuitive user interface and a flat learning curve.

MES and MOM – A clarification of terms

Digitalization in manufacturing

Production is one of the most heavily optimized industrial sectors, and for good reason. Avoidable scrap or machine downtimes not only consume time and nerves but, above all, a significant amount of money. To prevent this, companies organize use digital systems to organize and execute their manufacturing processes. For this purpose, they often rely on Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES). Recently, another term has gained increased attention: Manufacturing Operations Management, abbreviated as MOM.

This blog post explains how MES and MOM are related and what to consider when choosing an MES.

What is MES?

MES is software that helps manufacturing companies organize their production. Initially, sales planning is carried out and corresponding production orders are created in the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system. Subsequently, the production department uses the MES to execute these orders.

In the MES, it is determined who will execute which production order and which resources and tools they will use. During production, employees manually enter operational data into the system and therefore supplement the automatically collected data from machine controls and sensors. To ensure product quality, the MES enables planning and documentation of quality inspections.

The MES thus creates transparency within the production department. Finally, employees report completed orders back to the ERP system, triggering logistical and commercial follow-up processes.

What is MOM?

Manufacturing Operations Management (MOM) is a holistic concept with the goal of optimizing the overall value chain process. Companies achieve this by digitally managing their manufacturing processes and transparently providing manufacturing-related information across multiple departments. Production processes are considered an integral part of cross-departmental business processes. To ensure seamless communication from the manufacturing to the management level, information exchange between different IT system domains is essential. This includes, for example:

  • Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) for product development and planning work steps in production,
  • Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) for sales planning and commercial order processing,
  • Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) for executing production orders,
  • Quality Management Software (QMS) to ensure product quality,
  • Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) platform to consolidate data from machine controls and sensors and monitor manufacturing processes in real-time.

The interaction of IT systems makes collaborating between different departments and teams more efficient, positively impacting the entire value chain process. Production operates at lower manufacturing costs and can ensure shorter delivery times and high product quality. By integrating production processes into the overall value chain process through the holistic MOM approach, companies can adapt quickly and flexibly to changing market situations.

How do MES and MOM differ?

MES is an important component of the MOM approach. As shopfloor software, it primarily focuses on executing tasks and processes within production. MOM, on the other hand, describes the overarching concept that integrates production processes into the business processes of the overall value chain. The approach aims to optimize the value chain by coordinating information across various departments. The concept includes not only the execution level (MES functions) but also adjacent functions from areas such as ERP, PLM, QMS, and IIoT.

What to consider when choosing an MES?

The challenge in selecting MES software is ensuring that it fits the company’s manufacturing structure and corresponding needs. For example, process manufacturing often requires recipe management, while discrete manufacturing involves working with bills of materials.

Furthermore, it is crucial to focus on the seamless integration of the system into the current IT infrastructure, encompassing elements such as PLM, ERP, QMS, and IIoT platforms. Following the MOM approach, maintaining cross-departmental information consistency significantly improves overall efficiency.

Companies should consider the following aspects:

  • Expandability
    Depending on the project scope, initially rolling out some basic MES functions minimizes project risks. Subsequently, it is possible to gradually add further functional areas until all relevant processes are integrated. For this approach, a modular software that grows step by step with the company’s needs is recommended.
  • Scalability
    In addition to the functional expansion of an MES to cover more areas, it is relevant whether the solution can scale to all manufacturing locations. This requires support for the relevant languages and the ability to centrally consolidate and analyze local information. Ultimately, the MES provider must also be able to conduct implementation projects on a global scale.
  • Customizability
    Production processes are as individual as the manufactured products. The better the MES supports the company’s processes and information needs, the greater the benefit.
  • Future-proofness
    The economic resilience of the MES provider and their affinity to integrating new technologies, such as IIoT and artificial intelligence (AI), are crucial factors for the system’s long-term development.
  • User Experience (UX)
    If the software is intuitive and well-designed, it avoids acceptance issues and the need for extensive training measures. The most feature-rich system might be worthless if end users do not use it correctly.

If you are looking for an MES for discrete manufacturing and want to follow the MOM approach, CONTACT Elements for IoT could be the right solution for you. This holistic manufacturing management system combines traditional MES functions with advanced maintenance management, energy monitoring, and seamless IT integration. The result: cost savings through reduced scrap and downtime and the integration of manufacturing into the overall value chain process.