Title: Improving product lifecycle management implementations by applying 'lean' principles

Authors: Rafael Navarro; Ashutosh Tiwari; Chris Turner

Addresses: Airbus CIMPA, BS99 7AR, Bristol, UK ' Cranfield University, Bedfordshire, MK43 0AL, UK ' Cranfield University, Bedfordshire, MK43 0AL, UK

Abstract: Manufacturers are facing increased pressure from external forces. This has led to companies competing for shorter development cycles in order to gain market share. Product lifecycle management (PLM), particularly within complex industries such as the aeronautical industry, is a business activity which may leverage stakeholders to achieve business objectives. PLM implementations however are not meeting timescales and budget expectations, therefore the need to improve efficiency and effectiveness in PLM implementations is required and the use of lean principles to do so is a potential way forward. This paper explores the use of lean principles to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of product lifecycle management (PLM) solutions. A lean PLM deployment methodology has been developed as part of this research, based on surveys of current lean PLM practice and the potential for further gains by holistic use of lean principles is outlined. From the research featured in this paper it has been found that the application of lean principles and subsequently its methods and tools, support the improvement of efficiency and effectiveness within PLM implementations.

Keywords: lean principles; aerospace industry; product lifecycle management; lean PLM; efficiency; effectiveness.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPLM.2013.063212

International Journal of Product Lifecycle Management, 2013 Vol.6 No.4, pp.357 - 380

Received: 15 Jun 2013
Accepted: 03 May 2014
Published online: 26 Jul 2014 *

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