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A software PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) softwaresoftware product lifecycle managementis used to centralize, organize and track all information and processes linked to the creation, evolution and management of a product, from design to end-of-life.

To better understand, imagine...

You work in a food company that makes pizzas. To design a new recipe, a new reference, you have to :

• A brief, specifications or invitation to tender
• Select raw materials, packaging
• Formulate products and manage testing
• Managing costs and deadlines
• Collaborate with several teams (engineers, designers, production...)
• Comply with standards and regulations
• Track changes and improvements over time

A PLM software software centralize everything in a single tool :

✅ Store and organize files related to products and their components (data sheets, certificates, photos, analysis bulletins, cutting formats, 3D visuals, etc...)
✅ Ensure collaboration between different teams, internally and externally
✅ Monitor modifications and avoid errors or duplication
✅ Guarantee compliance to standards and regulations
✅ Optimize costs and lead times with greater visibility

In short, PLM is a digital conductor that allows a company to manage its products from the initial idea to its end of life, while improving efficiency and reducing errors .

Visit PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) andERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) are two types of software that help companies manage their activities, but they have very distinct and complementary roles.

Main differences between PLM and ERP :

How do they complement each other?

Visit PLM andERP work together to ensure a smooth transition from design to production :

1️⃣ PLM creates and structures product data

• It manages design, trials, tests and modifications.
• It defines the nomenclature (list of components: raw materials, primary, secondary and tertiary packaging; labeling information; logistics cluster).
• He keeps the product sheets

2️⃣ ERP then takes over for manufacturing and resource management

• It uses PLM nomenclature to calculate costs and manage inventory.

• He plans production and takes care of purchasing and deadlines.

🚀 Case in point:
A food company uses a PLM to design a new pizza. Once validated, theERP takes information from PLM to order raw materials and packaging, manage production and organize distribution.

In short PLM creates and optimizes the productwhile theERP takes care of manufacturing and sales management. They are inseparable in a successful industrial company.

PLM and GS1 data pools ( such as Equadis, AGENA 3000, TX2, etc.) have very distinct but complementary uses.

Main differences between a PLM and a GS1 data pool :

🤝 Complementarity between PLM and GS1 data pool :

1️⃣ PLM allows you to develop and structure the product internally.
2️⃣ Once the product is finalized and validated , the essential information (EAN, dimensions, composition, allergens, nutritional values, etc.) is exported from the PLM to the GS1 data pool .
3️⃣ The GS1 data pool then distributes this information to distributors, marketplaces and logistics partners.

🚀 Concrete example:
A yogurt manufacturer creates a new recipe in its PLM , entering the ingredients, nutritional values, allergens, etc. Once the product is ready to be marketed, it sends its data to Equadis or AGENA 3000 , which transmits it to supermarkets for shelf placement and online sales.

💡 To sum up:

• Visit PLM managesinnovation and creation.
• The GS1 data pool is used for and distribution of information information to distributors.

Set up a PLM software software in a food company may seem complex, but if you choose a plm specifically designed for the food industryand break it down into simple, logical stepsit becomes clearer.

1️⃣ Clearly defining your company's needs

Before choosing software, you need to understand why you need it.

• 📢 Marketing Marketing: improve product information management (ingredients, packaging, nutritional claims, etc.), distribute up-to-date data to data pools and e-commerce sites.
• 🥼 R&D : formulate faster, manage testing, ensure regulatory compliance.
• ✅ Quality Quality: guarantee traceability of modifications (history), manage allergens and avoid mislabeling, facilitate audits.

💡 Objective: Identify where current difficulties lie and how PLM can help better manage product data.

2️⃣ Identify priorities

PLM is a corporate project, and it's best to start with the most start with the most important.

• Which department needs it most? R&D to accelerate product development? Marketing to secure projects? Quality to manage compliance?
• What are your objectives? Reduce time-to-market? Reduce labeling errors? Save time managing product data sheets?
• What return on investment (ROI)? Fewer errors = fewer product recalls = savings.

💡 Tip : Take a first concrete case where PLM will quickly bring added value. added value.

3️⃣ Define scope

Trying to manage everything at once is often discouraging, so you need to define where to start :

• 🌱 Which product range? A specific type of product (e.g. yoghurts, ready meals...).
• 🏢 Which entity? A specific subsidiary, a particular production site...

💡 Better to start smalltest, then expand.

4️⃣ Define project schedule

A realistic realistic schedulewith several phases (lots):

• 📌 Needs analysis workshops
• 📌 Integration and configuration
• 📌 Testing and team training
• 📌 Progressive deployment

💡 Don't underestimate the training time essential for successful adoption.

5️⃣ Building a project team

A good project needs the right people :
👨‍💻 IT project manager : in charge of technical aspects and integration.
👩‍🔬 Business project manager Leads key-users and liaises with IT project managers to adapt PLM to their needs.
👥 Key-users Those who will test and use PLM on a daily basis.

💡 A successful PLM project project project is a collaborative !

6️⃣ PLM implementation and integration

Keendoo Team Keendoo team works with theproject team to install, configure and adapt PLM to the company's needs.

• Software setup
• Connection with other systems (ERP, GS1 data pool, etc.)

💡 This phase requires regular exchanges with the editor and investment by the project team to avoid unpleasant surprises.

7️⃣ Key-user tests and hands-on experience

Before using PLM on a large scale, you need to test !

• Check that data is well organized
• Test product data entry and use
• Adjust if necessary before official launch

💡 Key-users play a key role key role They are the ones who will train their colleagues.

8️⃣ Production start-up

This is the official launch PLM becomes the reference tool for product management.

• Monitoring team adoption
• Technical support in case of problems
• Progressive evolution (addition of other product ranges, other sites...)

💡 A PLM project never completely stops: it evolves with the company's needs.

✅ In short: a progressive, structured approach

🔹 Define your needs and priorities
🔹 Start with a reduced scope (a range, a subsidiary)
🔹 Involve the right people
🔹 Test before the big launch
🔹 Train teams to ensure success

With this methodology, the implementation of Keendoo PLM in food and beverage companies is simple and effective ! 🚀