A modern problem requires a modern solution. PLM or “product life cycle management software” is one such example of a solution that affects every aspect of the product life cycle. From product development to the customer service aspect, PLM maintenance intensifies the working dynamics of an organization.
PLM Support and maintenance are cared for while applying it to an organizational infrastructure.
The term TPAM PLM signifies “third-party application maintenance of PLM solution”. The TPAM is responsible for maintaining the PLM by improving its operational excellence, stabilizing, and evolving its structural needs.
The maintenance tasks carried out by a third party, account for the sensitivity of the application, maintenance of technical functions, and management of critical client data.
A vital reason for the maintenance of PLM software is to keep it running smoothly to allow for streamlined business operations.
When we talk about PLM maintenance, we mean to take care of the software from the moment it is executed and take it all along the way. It could either be upgrading or customization owing to different needs and wants. The success of PLM lies in upgrading it before the system gets bugged and taking preventive measures for any potential foreseeable failure.
Let us shed some light on some of the best PLM maintenance practices in the market.
Evolve and Transform with Time:
Never underestimate the power of transitioning from one version to another. For the PLM tools and methods to run without any technical glitch, the transition of PLM services is integral.
A third party has to acquire and learn new practices, techniques, and tools for maintaining and keeping up with the latest trends. Failures in operational maintenance occur when the transition is low.
Technical difficulties arise in the system if the transition is not kept up with time.
Rectify to Upgrade:
To carry out maintenance tasks, corrective, preventive, and stabilizing services are performed. For any incorrect data, technical difficulty, solution error, and app sensitivity problems, in time rectification of the system have to be carried out.
Editor patches are used for correction purposes in the implementation phase of agile PLM.
Record Keeping and Documentation:
A vital organ of maintenance is to document every step and to maintain a history of the project and process.
Specifications of the process, catalogue services, transition journey, software configuration, and technicalities provide for record-keeping and documentation.
Lack of traceability is a significant weakness in any business because tracking any problem and getting to its root cause could become problematic.
Consideration of the Trio:
Any solution or service is dependent on three factors, maturity, stability, and performance. For maintaining the PLM, it is essential to consider usage and functional parameters of the application.
Incidents define maturity under targeted conditions.
The stability of a PLM solution is correlated and directly proportional to the upgradation tasks, and modifications, done on the application. Maintenance is highly reliant on stability parameters.
A stable PLM software would require less maintenance and effort and therefore translate into operational excellence and functional success.
Another maintenance practise is to monitor the performance of the PLM solutions. Performance is measured through the customer feedback, extent of customization, deflection or bypass from the hurdles, and rapid problem-solving.
If the trio of “maturity, stability, and performance” is cared for, maintenance efforts are reduced and increase the efficacy of the PLM solutions.
The ongoing debate for maintenance after having faced a problem is redundant. Maintenance should always be carried out as the process goes along without waiting for a glitch or technical failure to occur because prevention is still better than cure!