Doc. PLMV-KB · 54 articles · Rev. 2026.10
Knowledge base
Reference articles on product lifecycle management, the wider product data stack, EU product regulation and AI. Every article opens with a direct answer, cites primary sources where available and is reviewed with the vendor register.
Series · 12 articles
PLM Foundations
Definitions, system boundaries and core processes: BOMs, change control, deployment models and industry variants.
- 001Start with · What Is PLM? Product Lifecycle Management ExplainedWhat is PLM? Product lifecycle management explained: the data it governs, core capabilities, who uses it, how it fits with ERP and PIM, and 2026 trends. · 4 min read
- 002PLM vs PDM: Scope, Users and When You Need EachPLM vs PDM explained: scope, users and data side by side, whether you need both, a checklist for moving from PDM to PLM and how the two connect in practice. · 4 min read
- 003PLM vs ERP: Where the Bill of Materials Should LivePLM vs ERP explained: what each system owns, where the EBOM and MBOM should live, how engineering changes reach ERP and what breaks when the boundary blurs. · 4 min read
- 004EBOM, MBOM and SBOM: Managing Bills of MaterialsEBOM, MBOM and SBOM explained: what each bill of materials view contains, how they relate, worked examples, variant handling and how PLM keeps them in sync. · 4 min read
- 005Engineering Change Management: ECR, ECO and ECNEngineering change management explained: how ECR, ECO and ECN work, change board roles, impact analysis, effectivity and metrics for change control. · 4 min read
- 006Cloud PLM vs On-Premise PLMCloud PLM vs on-premise PLM compared: SaaS, vendor-managed and self-hosted models, cost, customisation, security, the EU Data Act and 2026 licence shifts. · 4 min read
- 007PLM for Food, Beverage and CPG: Formulas and SpecificationsPLM and recipe management software for food, beverage and CPG compared: formulation, specification and compliance scope of nine systems, unranked and by fit. · 4 min read
- 008Fashion PLM Software Compared: Centric, FlexPLM, Lectra and MoreFashion PLM software compared: nine systems by deployment, design-tool links, supplier collaboration and brand size, plus tech packs, compliance and the DPP. · 4 min read
- 009Digital Thread in Manufacturing: Definition and PLM SupportThe digital thread in manufacturing explained: what it connects, the standards behind it and how PLM suites from Siemens, Dassault, PTC, SAP and more compare. · 4 min read
- 010PLM Total Cost of Ownership: Cost Elements and RangesPLM total cost of ownership explained: licence, implementation, integration, migration, operations and AI costs over five to seven years, with estimate ranges. · 4 min read
- 050PLM for Electronics and Hardware: BOMs and SourcingPLM for electronics and hardware companies: AML and AVL, component lifecycle, ECAD links and part-level compliance data compared: Arena, OpenBOM, Propel. · 4 min read
- 054PLM for SolidWorks and Inventor Users: Options ComparedWhich PLM works with SolidWorks or Inventor? CAD connectors, PDM coexistence and fit for mid-size discrete manufacturers, compared across nine vendors. · 4 min read
Series · 13 articles
Regulation & Compliance
EU product regulation translated into the data your PLM and PIM systems must hold: PPWR, ESPR, DPP, CSRD, REACH, EUDR.
- 011Start with · PPWR Explained: EU Packaging and Packaging Waste RegulationPPWR explained: what Regulation (EU) 2025/40 requires from 12 August 2026, which packaging rules follow in 2028-2040 and what it means for PLM data. · 4 min read
- 012PPWR Data Requirements: Product and Packaging Data You NeedPPWR data requirements explained: the packaging attributes, substance data, conformity records and EPR volumes your PLM and PIM must hold under EU 2025/40. · 4 min read
- 013Digital Product Passport (DPP): Requirements and TimelineDigital Product Passport (DPP) guide: ESPR rules, the July 2026 registry launch, first product groups and which PLM vendors document passport support. · 4 min read
- 014ESPR: The Ecodesign for Sustainable Products RegulationESPR explained: Regulation (EU) 2024/1781, the 2025-2030 working plan product groups, the unsold goods destruction ban and the PLM data ecodesign requires. · 4 min read
- 015EU Battery Passport: Requirements, Data and DeadlinesEU battery passport guide: which batteries need one from 18 February 2027, the data required under Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 and the status of delegated acts. · 4 min read
- 016CSRD and Product Data: What Sustainability Reporting NeedsCSRD and product data after Omnibus I: new scope thresholds, simplified ESRS from FY2027 and the PLM data behind Scope 3, circularity and substance reporting. · 4 min read
- 017REACH and RoHS Compliance in PLM: Data and ProcessesREACH and RoHS compliance in PLM: substance rules, 0.1% thresholds and SCIP, plus PLM compliance modules and specialist tools compared, unranked. · 4 min read
- 018Product Carbon Footprint and LCA Data in PLMProduct carbon footprint (PCF) in PLM: ISO 14067, GHG Protocol and PACT methods, EU rules that require footprints, and the BOM and supplier data a PCF needs. · 4 min read
- 019EUDR: Deforestation Regulation and Product TraceabilityEUDR guide: Regulation (EU) 2023/1115 applies from 30 December 2026 after the 2025 amendment. Scope changes, due diligence and the traceability data needed. · 4 min read
- 020Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and Product DataExtended producer responsibility (EPR) explained: PPWR producer registers, eco-modulated fees, textile EPR and the product data manufacturers must manage. · 4 min read
- 021GS1 Digital Link, Data Carriers and the DPPHow GS1 Digital Link, QR codes, Data Matrix and RFID act as data carriers for the EU Digital Product Passport, and what Sunrise 2027 means for 2D barcodes. · 4 min read
- 022Product Compliance Software in the PLM StackProduct compliance software explained: substance screening, REACH, RoHS, SCIP, PPWR and DPP data, and how compliance tools integrate with PLM and ERP. · 4 min read
- 051PLM for Medical Devices: FDA QMSR and EU MDR Data NeedsPLM for medical devices: how the FDA QMSR and EU MDR shape product records, which PLM and eQMS records live where, and how Arena, Propel and others compare. · 4 min read
Series · 8 articles
Product Data Stack
How PLM connects to PIM, DAM and MDM, and the standards and governance that keep product data usable.
- 023Start with · What Is PIM? Product Information Management ExplainedWhat is PIM? Product information management explained: core functions, data model, users, integration with PLM, ERP and DAM, and how to select a PIM system. · 4 min read
- 024PLM vs PIM: Different Systems, Connected DataPLM vs PIM compared: scope, users, data ownership and lifecycle stage, plus how to integrate PLM and PIM so product data flows cleanly from design to sale. · 4 min read
- 025What Is DAM? Digital Asset Management ExplainedWhat is DAM? Digital asset management explained: core functions, metadata, rights, renditions, integration with PIM and PLM, and how to choose a DAM system. · 4 min read
- 026DAM and PLM Integration: Connecting Media and Product DataDAM and PLM integration explained: packaging artwork workflows, CAD-derived renders, shared identifiers, lifecycle status and common integration patterns. · 4 min read
- 027PLM vs PIM vs MDM vs ERP: How the Product Data Stack FitsPLM vs PIM vs MDM vs ERP compared: what each system owns, when you need PLM, how product data flows from release to channels and where the systems overlap. · 4 min read
- 028Product Data Syndication: GDSN, Marketplaces and RetailersProduct data syndication explained: how GDSN data pools, retailer portals and marketplace feeds distribute product data, and how PLM and PIM prepare it. · 4 min read
- 029Product Classification Standards: ETIM, ECLASS, GPC and UNSPSCProduct classification standards compared: how ETIM, ECLASS, GS1 GPC and UNSPSC structure product data, current versions, and how to apply them in PLM and PIM · 4 min read
- 030Product Data Quality and Governance: Rules, Roles and MetricsProduct data quality and governance explained: quality dimensions, ownership roles, metrics and controls that keep PLM, PIM and compliance data fit for use. · 4 min read
Series · 6 articles
AI & Automation
Where AI produces measurable results in product data work today, and the governance the EU AI Act expects.
- 031Start with · AI in PLM: Use Cases That Deliver TodayAI in PLM explained: which use cases deliver value today, which remain experimental, what major vendors announced in 2025-2026, and the governance required. · 4 min read
- 032Generative AI for Product Content: Uses, Limits and ControlsGenerative AI for product content: how teams use language models for descriptions, translations and attributes, where errors arise, and the controls to apply. · 4 min read
- 033EU AI Act and Product Data Software: Dates and DutiesThe EU AI Act for PLM, PIM and product data software: application dates after the 2026 Digital Omnibus, risk classes, GPAI rules and what buyers must do. · 4 min read
- 034Generative Engine Optimisation (GEO) for Product DataGenerative engine optimisation for product data: how AI search engines read product information and which data and governance improve accurate citation. · 4 min read
- 035AI Agents in Product Data Operations: Uses and GuardrailsAI agents in product data operations: what agentic AI can do in PLM and PIM today, vendor announcements from 2025-2026, risks, and the guardrails required. · 4 min read
- 036AI-Assisted Compliance Screening for Products and MaterialsAI-assisted compliance screening: how AI reads supplier declarations, checks substances against REACH and RoHS lists, and where human review stays essential. · 4 min read
Series · 15 articles
Selection & Implementation
A practitioner sequence from requirements and scripted demos to migration, adoption and the business case.
Guided route: PLM selection path
- 037Start with · How to Select a PLM System: A Six-Step Selection ProcessHow to select a PLM system in six steps: business case, requirements, longlist, compare, scripted demos and implementation, with sourced durations. · 4 min read
- 038What a PLM RFP Should Include: Sections and RequirementsWhat a PLM RFP should include: the sections in order, example requirements per section, how to score them and how scripted demos follow the written responses. · 4 min read
- 039PLM Vendor Demo Scenarios: Running Scripted DemosHow to run scripted PLM vendor demos: 6 to 10 scenario examples, sample data packages, scoring scales and evaluator roles that make vendor fit comparable. · 4 min read
- 040PLM Implementation Roadmap: Phases and How Long It TakesPLM implementation roadmap: how long projects take according to named service firms and vendors, the phases with outputs and risks, and a phased rollout plan. · 4 min read
- 041PLM Data Migration: Scope, Process and EffortPLM data migration explained: what to migrate or archive, a 7-step process, CAD migration risks, typical effort as share of project cost and migration KPIs. · 4 min read
- 042PLM User Adoption: Change Management That WorksPLM user adoption and organisational change: resistance by role, a structured change model, key user networks, role-based training and adoption KPIs. · 4 min read
- 043PLM Integration with CAD and ERP: SAP and Dynamics 365How PLM connects to CAD tools and ERP: data ownership, release and change flows, SAP S/4HANA integration options, Dynamics 365 and pre-go-live tests. · 4 min read
- 044PLM Business Case: Benefits, Costs and Financial ModelHow to build a PLM business case: baseline metrics, benefit categories with estimate ranges, 5 to 7 year costs, NPV, payback and benefit tracking. · 4 min read
- 045PLM Vendors in Europe: Benelux, DACH and Machine BuildingPLM vendors in Europe by headquarters and documented Benelux and DACH presence, with buying factors for Dutch manufacturers and German machine builders. · 4 min read
- 046Oracle Agile PLM Alternatives: Support Dates and OptionsOracle Agile PLM alternatives compared: Aras, Arena, Fusion Cloud PLM, Propel, Teamcenter and Windchill, with Oracle's support end dates and migration steps. · 4 min read
- 047PLM Software Compared for 2026: Who Each System FitsPLM software compared for 2026: fourteen systems from the vendor register in an unranked table by deployment, CAD ecosystem and company size, plus fit lines. · 4 min read
- 048Enterprise PLM for Global Manufacturers: Suites ComparedEnterprise PLM for global manufacturers: 3DEXPERIENCE, Aras, Oracle, SAP, Teamcenter and Windchill compared on multi-plant BOMs, change, ERP and deployment. · 4 min read
- 049PLM for Small Manufacturers and Startups: Options ComparedWhich PLM suits a small engineering team? OpenBOM, Arena, Duro, Fusion Manage and Propel compared on deployment, published pricing, CAD links and trials. · 4 min read
- 052How Much Does PLM Software Cost? Licences and ImplementationPLM software cost for a mid-size manufacturer: licence and implementation parts, and prices OpenBOM, Propel, Delogue and Onshape publish (checked 4 Nov 2026). · 4 min read
- 053Common PLM Selection and Implementation MistakesCommon PLM selection and implementation mistakes, from checklist-only selection to late data migration, with early signs, fixes and the articles for each. · 4 min read
Compliance calendar
EU deadlines that depend on product data
Application dates for regulations covered in the knowledge base.
EU Digital Product Passport registry live
Registry operating rules under Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1778; six harmonised DPP standards cited.
EU AI Act general application
Most provisions apply, including Article 50 transparency duties. Annex III high-risk obligations moved to December 2027.
PPWR applies
Regulation (EU) 2025/40 general application. The Commission ruled out a postponement.
EUDR applies to large and medium operators
Deforestation-free due diligence and geolocation data for covered commodities.
CSRD: FY2027 reporting year starts
Companies above 1,000 employees and EUR 450m turnover report on financial year 2027 under the simplified ESRS.
EU battery passport mandatory
EV, LMT and industrial batteries above 2 kWh need a digital battery passport.
EUDR applies to micro and small operators
Second application date after the 2025 amendment.
AI Act: Annex III high-risk systems
Postponed obligations for high-risk AI listed in Annex III.
Dates as published in EU law and Commission communications, checked 16 October 2026. Later amendments can move them; each entry links to the article with sources.
Show compliance deadlines on this page
EU Digital Product Passport registry live
Registry operating rules under Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1778; six harmonised DPP standards cited.
EU AI Act general application
Most provisions apply, including Article 50 transparency duties. Annex III high-risk obligations moved to December 2027.
PPWR applies
Regulation (EU) 2025/40 general application. The Commission ruled out a postponement.
EUDR applies to large and medium operators
Deforestation-free due diligence and geolocation data for covered commodities.
CSRD: FY2027 reporting year starts
Companies above 1,000 employees and EUR 450m turnover report on financial year 2027 under the simplified ESRS.
EU battery passport mandatory
EV, LMT and industrial batteries above 2 kWh need a digital battery passport.
EUDR applies to micro and small operators
Second application date after the 2025 amendment.
AI Act: Annex III high-risk systems
Postponed obligations for high-risk AI listed in Annex III.
Dates as published in EU law and Commission communications, checked 16 October 2026. Later amendments can move them; each entry links to the article with sources.