PLM helps manufacturers manage product data, streamline collaboration and accelerate development. However, without strong adoption across your organisation, PLM cannot deliver its full value. Companies must do everything possible to ensure their teams fully adopt and use their PLM systems.
In this article, we’ll share ten tips to help you boost PLM adoption across your manufacturing company. Let’s get started.
1 – Get executive buy-in
The leadership in your company must fully support the PLM rollout – and be visible about it. If they set the tone and treat PLM implementation as a priority, the employees will follow.
2 – Show the value
People have a higher resistance to change when they can’t see the benefits.
PLM makes employee’s lives easier by saving time and reducing errors. So, when talking about PLM, present it in a way that shows everyone ‘what’s in it for them’.
3 – Define success from day one
How do you know what PLM success looks like?
Set clear success metrics from the start with robust, measurable KPIs. Then, aim for the small wins first. This will build momentum, demonstrate the value of PLM to the rest of the company and secure wider buy-in.
4 – Involve PLM users from the beginning
For PLM to succeed, it must work for its users. Include employees across the relevant functions – engineering, manufacturing and more – as early as you can.
Gather feedback on the challenges they face with PLM. Use that feedback to address those pain points and build a system that genuinely meets their needs and improves business outcomes.
5 – Empower champions to lead change
Identify ‘project champions’ in your organisation to set the tone for their teams and accelerate adoption.
If someone strikes you as enthusiastic about PLM and seems to carry influence in their team, bring them on board as early as you can. Train them as a ‘super user’ and give them the power to support their colleagues, give feedback to the implementation team and advocate for the new system.
6 – Invest in training and support
The people who will use PLM every day need to feel confident using it. Invest in training programmes that are:
- Role-specific – showing how PLM benefits them personally
- Hands-on – with real-world examples
- Flexible – use multiple formats, including online sessions and in-person workshops
You also need to consider support for users after the initial rollout. Helpdesks, FAQs and discussion forums give users a place to ask questions and solve problems quickly.
7 – Communicate often
Keep your employees engaged with frequent and effective communication. Create a structured communication plan to build awareness before the rollout. Use as many channels as you can, including email, videos and in-person events like ‘lunch and learn’.
Once PLM is up and running, continue communicating with users to reinforce the benefits. Celebrate milestones to share in the success. If there are challenges, acknowledge them and talk about how you’re working to overcome them.
8 – Phase your rollout
Don’t try to do everything all at once. A step-by-step approach reduces risk and allows for continuous improvement, leading to a smoother full transition when the time is right.
Consider rolling out your PLM starting with specific teams, product lines or geography.
9 – Track progress and improve over time
To ensure the continued success of PLM, companies must monitor usage and measure impact. Tie them to the KPIs you have already defined. Then, if adjustments need to be made, make them.
Metrics to check should include:
- System usage
- Data quality
- User feedback
Of course, the most important indicator will be improved business outcomes across your organisation. Can you demonstrate PLM’s genuine business impact?
10 – Incentivise adoption
Make it clear that PLM is a must rather than a ‘nice to have’ by linking adoption and data quality metrics to individual and departmental incentives. You could even include it when calculating individual compensation.
When employees see that PLM matters, they’ll be more committed to using it effectively.
Get started
PLM isn’t just a piece of software. It requires a company-wide shift. The key to driving adoption is to make it about your employees and the people who will use it every day. Focus on their needs and you’ll achieve long-term success.
Want to learn more? Check out our PLM white papers on our resources page.