Title: Viewpoint: Bertil Turesson on PLM

Authors: Gahl Berkooz

Addresses: Technical Leader for Systems Engineering and Product Creation Information Complexity Reduction, Ford Motor Company, USA

Abstract: |Viewpoint| presents current trends, research directions, end user perspectives, and vendors| strategies that are shaping PLM today. |Viewpoint| brings a pragmatic perspective focused on the |what|, |why| and |how| of PLM. In this first edition of the column, Bertil Turesson, PLM Strategist, Volvo Car Corporation is interviewed to give his perspectives on PLM. Bertil|s perspective on PLM is unique because he has a historical perspective dating back to the introduction of 3D CAD, through the development of CAD data management, and PLM at Volvo, while at the same time being a part of the evolution of |PLM theory|. Bertil emphasises PLM as a holistic business approach with aspects of Process, Methods, Information and Tools, as well as the importance of corporate culture as determining the success of PLM initiatives in corporations. Such an approach to PLM is particularly challenging to corporations with a strong functional-hierarchical structure as found in large traditional manufacturing companies. Related to this is the challenge in creating academic PLM programmes with the appropriate cross functional scope that spans engineering, computer science, business and organisational behaviour.

Keywords: product lifecycle management; automotive PLM; automobile industry; Volvo Car Corporation; organisational culture; PLM strategy.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPLM.2007.012877

International Journal of Product Lifecycle Management, 2007 Vol.2 No.1, pp.104 - 107

Published online: 20 Mar 2007 *

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