Secret Tips for the successful Implementation of a PLM System

1. Secret Tips for the successful Implementation of a PLM System Detlef Haesner, usb GmbH, E-Mail:hsn@usb.muc.de

2. The Challenge The implementation of an enterprise wide strategy like PLM requires an elementary change of the business processes. The Problem Procedures, work steps, communication channels, etc. well trained over the last years and a common practice suddenly run totally different.

3. Man is a creature of habit…. I hate changes Resistance to change is natural!

4. Replace “CHANGE” by “IMPROVE” ?

5. Significant Effects Companies, departments, etc. are 'social systems' • Established working and communication habits mean security and control to the system members • The intent to change established habits is considered as a disturbance and implies a potential loss of security, power and control • People are afraid of loosing security and control • Fear provokes resistance (in 90% the main problem) • General resistance due to emotional or political reasons

6. Have you ever heard something like this? Are you trying to tell me what I've been doing over the past ten years is no longer efficient? Are you trying to tell me that I am no longer Efficient?

7. Other home-Made Problems • No clear commitment from management staff to the project targets • Unnecessary sponsoring of opponents in the technical departments due to insufficient communication in respect to project targets and project history • Too few project sponsors in the technical departments • Management overestimates the flexibility of the users • Users are overextended with the design of new processes • Insufficient project marketing • The implementation is too much focused on the technical aspects • Tools are selected first, processes will be defined later

8. Common Approach PLM PLM When thinking of PLM, people tend to think of an IT-system first PLM

9. And Pretty soon…… COTS We are looking for a COTS PLM System

10. PLM ? Google: > 6,5 Million hits with various definitions and products … is an enterprise strategy, with the target to create an IT- working platform consisting out of … PDM, ERP, SCM, CRM, Cax, etc…. • Based on this platform the whole • Product creation • Sales • In use • Maintenance • Out of service • Recycling • can be executed PROCESS

11. PLM ? Wikipedia: A PLM System is due to its complexity not considered as a product which could be bought. Actually it has to be recognized as an enterprise STRATEGY. This has to be implemented with appropriate technical and organizational methods and procedures, adopted to the individual needs and facts of every company.

12. And these Guys are Looking for a Cots product? COTS We are looking for a COTS PLM System Forget it !

13. And nevertheless PLM? A foolwith a tool is still a fool

14. And now?

15. The 3 Main factors Technical Factor PLM Implementation is a Change Process ! Change Process Process Factor Human Factor

16. Change management creates security • Content of change • Concerned staff, departments, … How Does it work ? Efficient Change Management benefits from Dialogue • Appropriate Communication Methods • Implication of change • The “Why”

17. Some More secret tips • Make sure that changes are….. • transparent to and understood by anybody who might be concerned • considered as necessary or useful • Reduce complexity – enable flexibility • Engineers tend to fall in love to their systems, your solution need to be sexy • Try to make everybody who might be concerned an active participant • Make sure that top management is committed …. • Managing change is a leadership task • Only top management is beyond departmental barriers • Sometimes it is necessary to persuade people who cannot be convinced

18. Not to forget Changes require a learning organization Promote culture of success seekers: Avoid culture of failure avoiders: Actively committed people Passive people without commitment Organized responsibility Organized irresponsibility [meeting excess] Errors are tolerated as something normal Errors are punished as careless Mutual blaming Mutual support

19. Conclusion First, PLM is not just a system, it is a strategy, a concept, a tool, … only with motivated and committed users it will be possible to bring PLM to a commercial success. User acceptance will make or break your PLM project.

20. Actually Happens….. Efficient Change Management guarantees the success of your PLM

21. The Real Secret … Why are these meanwhile well-known Procedures, tips and hints notoriously ignored by the Management ?

22. Thank You!