Chapter 8: Project Management

Title: From PDM systems to integrated project management systems: A case study

Author(s): G. Pol, C. Merlo, G. Jared, J. Legardeur

Address: LIPSI - ESTIA Technopole Izarbel, 64210 Bidart, France (SIMS, Cranfield University Cranfield, Bedfordshire, MK43 OAL, UK) | LIPSI - ESTIA Technopole Izarbel, 64210 Bidart, France | SIMS, Cranfield University Cranfield, Bedfordshire, MK43 OAL, UK | LIPSI - ESTIA Technopole Izarbel, 64210 Bidart, France

Reference: International Conference on Product Lifecycle Management 2005 pp. 451 - 460

Abstract/Summary: This paper deals with the introduction of a PLM system into an SME. The main objective is to evaluate how such a system is able to help actors and especially project managers to improve their product development process. This work results from a case study realized in an innovative company where a PDM system prototype has been developed. We demonstrate that it is necessary to take into account not only product data structuring and management, but also project co-ordination. We propose a model that allows the integration of organizational aspects as well as actors' skills and product development process management. A second PLM prototype is then developed and compared to the proposed model objectives. We discuss the pertinence of this prototype and future work to fully implement this model. We conclude on the correlation between the functionality of PLM systems and the needs of management of product development in SMEs.

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