How To Choose Product Data Management Software

Automating your business is a better way than getting all work done manually. One of the key requirements for a successful business is having access to data and information on all the products or services offered by the business. Product data management software enables companies to manage their product offerings, right from the design and creation stage to managing the marketing and sales lifecycle. Listed below are some of the data management software programs which can help in managing your company’s products and/or services.

• PDXpert PLM is a complete product lifecycle management program that can be adapted as per specific business needs.
• Wrench Suite – useful for companies dealing in products such as auto components, industrial machinery, construction and engineering.
• Accept Planner – useful in tracking and managing multiple product data along with required market information.
• Agile PLM – useful for enterprise businesses to manage product data and investments.
• ChainReaction – targeted towards companies in the footwear, clothing, fashion, handicrafts and jewelry industries.
• CMC Workbench – for pharmaceutical product development and management
• Datastay PLM – Process-driven product creation, design and marketing support for the full product lifecycle.
• Workflow Analyzer – Java-based client program with graphical representation of the product lifecycle.
• Web PDM – helps in reducing the product development cycle and thus decreasing costs; for use by clothing and fashion companies.
• TouchBase PLM – A suite of several software packages which manage the complete product development cycle.
• SightDSC – software for document and product development management, useful for enterprise businesses.
• SG Benchmarker – specifically aimed at facilitating product innovation for enterprise businesses.
• Product Lifecycle Management – self-explanatory.
• Product Manager Edition – assists in organizing and managing product development and product lifecycle activities.

In several of the software packages listed above, the term PLM is used as opposed to PDM. PLM or product lifecycle management is basically an extension of PDM or product data management. While the latter helps in creating and designing new products, PLM takes a step further and assists in launching, promoting and selling products, i.e. the full lifecycle of the product.

Using PDM and PLM software helps a company or business in tracking expenses and resources required for creating and launching new products. Using PDM software provides several advantages to a business. These include cost rationalization, tracking and managing all information related to product development and marketing, saving time and increasing productivity and finally, allowing for easy coordination and collaboration within the different divisions/departments of the company.