Technological challenges and enablers for successful PLM implementation within Engineering to Order industries

Implementing Product Lifecycle Management is recognised as a technologically complex and knowledge-intensive task, that is critical to achieving the functionality and benefits required by the business. This paper identifies technological challenges and enablers to PLM implementation, encapsulated within a framework that was developed from thematically analysing interview data from 27 experts from across Europe, North America, and Oceania. The developed framework supports effective PLM implementation, providing guidance to align with business priorities, reduce process complexity, and support ETO programmes through life by integrating information and improving Digital Thread architecture and interfaces for enhanced information quality and user interaction. Expert appraisal indicated broad perceived relevance and usability of the framework. The research contributes a new conceptual relationship between the characteristics that define ETO product development programmes, and empirically assessed and targeted PLM challenges and enablers, helping contribute to the reduction PLM implementation failures.