The new standard process PLM Max covered the processability of a broad product line for the entire corporation. This was also applicable to relatively new types of products for which no appropriate fast variants exist. PLM fast variants with a precise fit can be derived quickly from experience utilizing the standard model. In this case, the PLM Fast process focuses on a maximum reduction of the throughput of projects by means of standardization and simplification of decision-making procedures for known products and price models. The development of PLM projects using the “Fast” model included about 90% of all projects and represented the usual case. PLM Fast projects are oriented to workflow and require only a low knowledge level. Making procedures and decision-making processes leaner through the application of PLM Fast variants led to an improvement in time-to-market.

The fuzzy gate concept was implemented in addition to the process variants to enable a lean decision-making process through the right balance among the objectives of time and risk management. Faster decision-making processes thanks to contingent gate decisions (“Conditional Go”) enabled rapid continuation of the course of the project.

As a consequence of the implementation of a “best practice” PLM process, it was possible to realize important advantages for the company in the areas of product development, marketing and strategy. The shortening of the product launch times by as much as 25% for various product groups and the efficient cutting of costs along the PLM process by up to US$170 million annually in the product realization phase are especially worthy of mention. 
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