IDC's PLM Strategies Predictions For 2014

IDC Manufacturing Insights hosted a web conference “IDC Manufacturing Insights 2014 Predictions: Product Lifecycle Management and Aftersales Service Strategies” highlighting the top 10 predictions for the year ahead. Featuring analysts Kimberly Knickle, Sheila Brennan, and Amy Rowell, the session provided organisations with insight and perspective on long-term industry trends along with new themes that may be on the horizon. The Predictions web conference series is designed to help company leaders capitalise on emerging market opportunities and plan for future growth.

The Top 10 Predictions are:

Prediction #1: Manufacturers will increasingly place a strategic focus on Product Economics and Servitisation

Prediction #2: Product lifecycle strategies will focus on PLM value realisation and innovation

Prediction #3: Most will hone Service Excellence initiatives to bolster technician “service readiness”

Prediction #4: Leading manufacturers increase investment in Connected Service Platforms

Prediction #5: Products will become increasingly “software-driven," and will require systems engineering to manage growing product and process complexity

Prediction #6: Modernised PLM and service strategies will necessitate integration between enterprise IT, “Smart“ Product technology, and leveraging pillar technologies

Prediction #7: PLM analytics will grow in importance as manufacturers seek to leverage product data to make more informed decisions

Prediction #8: Manufacturers increasingly emphasise Design-for-Serviceability practices to fulfill SLAs on future “products-as-service-platforms”

Prediction #9: Service Provider use will increase for augmenting capabilities and for select engineering and aftersales service functions

Prediction #10: Additive manufacturing/3D Printing begins to transform the way that manufacturers design and deliver products

“In 2014, manufacturers’ product and service strategies will become increasingly global, multidisciplinary, innovation-based, and customer-focused. As a result, PLM strategies and tools need to evolve to support this transformation,” said Amy Rowell, research manager, IDC Manufacturing Insights. “Manufacturers will place increasing emphasis on the value realisation of PLM investments and invest in the services that will be core to future profitable revenue growth.”