I started this blog writing about the PLM Program. The short summary is:

• Create a long-term vision tied to your corporate strategy
• Pursue the vision in smaller, incremental projects

Now that my Aberdeen study on what Best-in-Class companies are doing in product innovation and PLM through 2010 is out, how does the PLM Program concept hold up?

Leaders Extend PLM
The companies that achieve higher levels of performance have put in the basics, and are leveraging them for greater value.

• The core of PLM, PDM is now much more commonplace. Adoption has continued (and is continuing) even in verticals like apparel and CPG where it was slower to be adopted.
• The primary difference between PDM and PLM is integrated processes/ workflow and collaboration capabilities. Since 2005, the Best-in-Class have increased adoption over 50%, but Industry Average companies have increased adoption by a factor of thee

So what have the leaders done to protect their lead? The most differentiating technologies for the Best-in-Class in the study include:

• Digital manufacturing (both manufacturing process planning and process simulation)
• Regulatory management / analysis
• Environmental compliance data

In short, they are leveraging the core of PLM and doing more. But the report also identifies integration to ERP, SCM, CRM and other extensions that the Best-in-Class are planning between now and 2010. My take on all of this? PLM is maturing, but we still have a long way to go. And the leaders aren't calling the PLM Programs "done" but continuing to push the limits and explore more opportunities to exploit the fundamentals.

I look forward to your comments, where does your PLM Program take your company next?