Short for
Product Lifecycle Management, it refers to
a set of
software tools used for mechanical design,
analysis and manufacturing to support products from when they are first
conceived through distribution and retirement. *PLM is assembled from various
software programs, rather than purchased outright as a single commercial
off-the-shelf product. Once assembled, a well-designed PLM system will manage
product specifications and formulas, provide production histories, create
complete product genealogies, and track total product quality.
[* Adapted from
EnteGreat]