- PLM Flex – This process variant secures efficiency and effectiveness in combination with a high degree of freedom for the design of the product. This variant should be used for radical innovations with a high risk of failure. 

- PLM Max – Addresses development projects with a high level of knowledge and analysis for which special diligence is required during the concept phase. It makes use of standardized elements for the acceleration of throughput times and simplification of development processes requiring a high level of knowledge in the case of products and price models for which the framework conditions are known. 

- PLM Fast – This variant is a sensible one for the incremental advanced development of the product because it features a high degree of standardization. Simplification of the decision-making process and a shortening of the process lead time by exploiting the experience curve effect enjoy the highest priority level for PLM Fast.

Case study on the implementation of PLM processes of the next generation

One objective of PLM was to transform the previously technology-oriented view of product development, i.e., the orientation to technical product features, into a viewpoint which focused on customer benefits.

Initially, however, the approach of the PLM process could not be established. This was a consequence of the lack of revocation phases and decision gates, long T2M, and missing standards and process variants.

Within the framework of an extensive merger project, an integrated PLM approach for a telecommunications company was developed. One of the aims was to create a new effective path for the development of innovation products for the entire corporation by utilizing a PLM process with different timing. Three stage-gate process variants – PLM Fast, PLM Max, PLM Flex – were drawn up and implemented according to the PLM process construction described above to fit the broad range of the company’s product portfolio.

The development of PLM projects according to the “open model” is carried out only in cases which are, to a high degree, innovative or absolutely new for the company in terms of the PLM process and the product development goes through a number of iteration loops rather than following a linear course. Lifecycle management and quality parameters are integrated obligatorily into the projects for process consulting and quality assurance. Support during the transition of a “Flex” project to the routine processes of a PLM Standard or PLM Fast Track to secure the subsequent routine business operation was a component of this consulting project.