PLM Software from SCM Perspective

Abstract

This thesis was made on request of the Raisio corporation. The objective was to find challenges and figure out improvement ideas for Agile PLM for Process - program. The focus was on the product data management in supply chain management from user’s point of view. PLM is used as a data bank for product data and to support product development. Program hasn’t been very user friendly so far and therefore improvement ideas were necessary. Research was based on a questionnaire that revealed user experiences of application users. These experiences were taken into account when finding out development ideas for the program. Research method was qualitative, because all the questions were open questions without numerical options.

Generally the program users had negative user experiences of PLM Agile. It was considered complicated and inconsistent to use. Many procedures in the program could have been done simpler. User interface was seen unclear and uncomfortable for a longer use. However some users had positive experiences as well. PLM Agile was seen as a good tool for product data management.

The recommendations included the simplification of application in several steps in PLM Agile. Many features could be removed and replaced with new procedures. Raisio should organize a new training for PLM users, which would improve their skills and increase attractiveness to use the program. System improvements are delivered to the vendor of the program, Oracle, who hopefully takes the feedback into account in forthcoming version updates.