This is one of a series of posts suggesting where to start implementing PLM. Many companies start by getting their product data under control. But what's next? And how should you decide?

Collaborate with a Friend
Today's product innovation environment is global for most companies. They are selling in global markets, procuring from global sources, and manufacturing across the globe. Today, manufacturers are more frequently than before designing in global teams or a "global supply chain." Participate in a global design survey. In these environments, day to day interaction needs to be replaced with formal processes for collaboration. Aberdeen's "Global Product Design" benchmark shows that leading companies are enabling globalization through collaboration:

• Best-in-Class companies are more likely (81% vs. 65% for all respondents) to have formal collaboration capabilities, whether leveraging an automated collaboration infrastructure or document-based collaboration

Pick a Friend Close to Home
Even if your company is not global, there are plenty of opportunities to improve. Let's face it, many companies don't collaborate well. The classic example is the relationship between Engineering and Manufacturing. Despite initiatives such as DFM (Design for Manufacturability) and DFMEA (Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis) - there is still a two-way communication gap between these organizations. There are some pretty compelling opportunities to improve interaction between design and production resources, which could start as simply as clearer communication of design intent to the shop floor. More advanced companies may be able to address the opportunity that most companies ignore to get real-world feedback from the plant. Getting these departments to collaborate, even in a small way, can produce significant value.

For more ways to collaborate with a friend, download a free Aberdeen report on extending 3D data beyond Engineering.

Collaboration is just one more option to choose in finding your path to PLM, we'll suggest a few more in future posts. One caution, however, is that our research shows that to gain the most benefit from PLM, even the first step should be a part of a bigger strategy (see previous posts on the PLM Program).

I look forward to your comments.