PLM: definition, specific features, differences and examples

What is PLM software?

PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) is a solution dedicated to managing the lifecycle of a product, from its design to its withdrawal from the market. It centralizes all technical, industrial, and collaborative data related to the product, enabling companies to optimize their processes, accelerate innovation, and reduce costs.

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This system is primarily intended for industrial sectors such as fashion, luxury goods, agri-food, and automotive, where collaboration between teams, traceability of changes, and regulatory compliance are essential. By integrating 3D modeling, artificial intelligence, and project management tools, PLM facilitates coordination between R&D, production, and supply chain departments, while improving quality and responsiveness.

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PLM differs from PIM (Product Information Management), which focuses on distributing and enriching product data for sales channels. Together, these two solutions form a strategic duo: PLM manages design and manufacturing, while PIM the consistency and performance of the information distributed to customers. This complementarity is key for brands wishing to master their omnichannel strategy and offer a unified customer experience.