Blog Post

Product Lifecycle Management

Elizabeth Orley - Seifert Technologies • Feb 24, 2023
Man in hardhat with pen and clipboard monitoring machinery. Seifert watermark on left

Have you heard of product lifecycle management (PLM)?


Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) is a series of integrated business systems. These business systems include collaborative creation, management, and dissemination of engineering information. This information begins during a product's conception and spans through the end of life. There are many different tools available that are beneficial for product lifecycle management. Here at Seifert, we use Microsoft tools to help manufacturers with PLM. We help them gain visibility about the products that they produce at any point in the lifecycle. Visibility is crucial, especially when it comes to sales and customer service. Let's dive a little bit deeper.


Understanding Product Lifecycle Management

Simplified product lifecycle management is the process of managing a product's lifecycle. PLM follows products through many phases of product life. These include development and introduction, growth, maturity/stability, and decline.


This system focuses on both the manufacturing of the product and its marketing. Companies create products for many reasons, but most have similar goals. They strive to create profitable products that outperform the competition. PLM gives information necessary to know if those goals are being accomplished. It's also beneficial when it comes to managing marketing strategy and engineering challenges. It's a complex process, but it can be simple when you have help. It involves using technology to create, capture, manage, and leverage your products. If utilized, PLM will help your company maximize profits.


The Benefits

The biggest benefit of PLM is simplifying things for manufacturers and businesses. The software makes it easy to track and share data along the product value chain, from initial design through manufacturing, supply chain management and operations, and asset maintenance. There are so many other benefits that product lifecycle management offers alongside simplification. PLM can help companies put out higher quality products and get products out to the market faster. It also improved product safety and increases sales opportunities. A huge benefit is the reduction of errors occurring. This saves both time and money. Computer software is also available to assist with product lifecycle management. Document management, design integration, and process management are possible functions for help.


Other benefits include:

  • Improved product quality and reliability.
  • Reduced prototyping costs.
  • More accurate and timely requests for quote (RFQ), i.e., solicitations from suppliers.
  • Quick identification of sales opportunities and revenue contributions.
  • Savings through the reuse of original data.
  • A framework for product optimization.
  • Reduced waste.
  • Improved ability to manage seasonal fluctuation.
  • Improved forecasting to reduce material costs.
  • Maximized supply chain collaboration.


Microsoft Tools and PLM

Blue computer key graphic with the letters PLM on it and some small gears. Seifert Companies logo bottom right.

Microsoft has integrated multiple business lines to a new PLM platform, letting companies achieve strategic business objectives faster than with traditional approaches to PLM.


Here are two tools Microsoft offers that can be beneficial when it comes to PLM approaches:


Microsoft Dynamics 365

Dynamics 365 is a portfolio of intelligent business applications that delivers superior operational efficiency and breakthrough customer experiences enabling businesses to become more agile and reduce complexity without increasing costs. Dynamics offers so many benefits to users. It allows you to adapt and thrive with a digital supply chain. This will enhance your supply chain visibility. It allows you to create a digital supply chain twin. You can unify disparate data sources, improve multi-tier supplier collaboration, and remove stockouts. This reduces risks. It helps improve equipment effectiveness and reduce downtime. You're able to innovate with mixed reality and advanced technology. You can also automate order fulfillment with AI. Finally, you're able to predict disruptions. This helps you overcome them before they happen. Doing this will help meet customer demand. It will also help you stay profitable.


Microsoft Intune

Microsoft Intune is a cloud-based endpoint management solution. It manages user access and simplifies app and device management across your many devices, including mobile devices, desktop computers, and virtual endpoints. There are many benefits of using Intune. You're able to protect access and data on both organization-owned and personal devices. You're able to deploy Microsoft 365 apps to users and devices in your organization. You can also deploy these apps when users sign in for the first time. It brings together device visibility. It also brings you endpoint security and data-driven insights. These will help you increase IT efficiency and improve user experiences.


How It Works

We've already stated above that Seifert utilizes these Microsoft tools for manufacturers. What we didn't do is explain how. Here's an example of how it works. Let's say you want to fulfill an order that came in right now on your website for 1000 widgets.


Scenario #1

Supply chain backlogs postpone production for four months. Using Dynamics 365 and other Microsoft tools, you can see the problem and alert the customer. This allows you to address kinks in production as soon as the order comes through. Without this knowledge base, you may promise an order which you can't fill. This can happen when you leave and only have the supply timeline in your head. Visibility is everything. Being able to communicate with customers as soon as possible is important. They're likely going to be understanding and appreciative of the communication.


Scenario #2 

There is a recall on a part that you must now send to every customer that bought your product containing that part. Let's give the example of airbags in cars. Through good tracking in your PLM, you will be able to see who bought the product. You'll also be able to see where you sent the products to and how many are still in your inventory. The goal is to address the issue as quickly as possible. Through PLM, you have the visibility to do that. You want to be able to reach the right customers at the right time to keep them around.


To Conclude

Chalkboard with a product lifecycle graph drawn on it, a hand is holding the chalk. Seifert logo top left.

To meet customers' needs, companies need to adapt and respond. When there are disruptions to demand and supply, the goal is to do this as quickly as possible. The best way to do this with success is through supply chain and product visibility.



Microsoft offers tools that take a unique approach to product lifestyle management. These tools can make your PLM approach more productive and efficient than others. Microsoft tools allow us here at Seifert to help you with that approach. We're able to give you the visibility you need. We can give manufacturers product visibility throughout a product's lifecycle. These approaches allow for quick adapting and response when things go wrong. This will keep your customers happy and increase your profits. The benefits of using PLM combined with unique software will set you apart. We're here to help you gain visibility and keep your customers satisfied.


Contact us today to learn more!


Students arranged in a circle. Seifert employees are giving a talk.
By Seifert Technologies 23 May, 2024
Seifert Technologies recently partnered with the Stark Education Partnership (SEP), Fairless High School and Perry High School and provided a career day for the students. The objective was to provide an insight to local area high school students on the careers and opportunities available right here in Stark County. Our presentations focused on the services which we provide to our clients related to Engineering, IT, and Staffing. We featured interactive displays on Robotics, Machine Design, 3D CAD, PLC Motion Control, IT Infrastructure, Power BI, Software Development, and Career Services. Jaecey Hudson holds the position of Career Champion at Stark Education Partnership (SEP). Her role places her within several local High Schools including Fairless and she counsels the students on their career paths. Jaecey was instrumental in scheduling the day with Fairless High School. SEP is a catalyst, engaging and collaborating with education, business, civic and community stakeholders to drive sustainable improvement and innovation to provide all students with education and career success. SEP serves education, business, and community organizations in the Stark County region as a connector and partner. SEP collaborates with local foundations to ensure a continued focus on meeting emerging needs and works in complementary fashion with other nonprofits throughout the region. Stark Education Partnership’s vision to build generations of successful individuals who fulfill their potential and grow roots in Stark County is brought to life by engaging students in real-world workplace experiences. We also worked closely with the Robotics / STEM department at Perry High School to plan the day for these students. Stephanie Laskey and her team from Perry were the high school coordinators for the event. The Perry Local Project Lead the Way classes emphasize various engineering aspects, spanning from introduction to engineering design, computer manufacturing, digital electronics, aerospace engineering, to principles of engineering. Students were enthusiastic and actively involved in witnessing engineering principles in action at Seifert Technologies. They gained insight into the structure of engineering firms and the key attributes of successful engineers. They left Seifert Technologies with new information, eager to apply their newfound knowledge in the world of engineering. To learn more details about the services of Seifert Technologies, contact us at (330) 833-2700 or sales@seifert.com. Please visit www.seifert.com for more information on our full range of capabilities. For more information related to SEP, please visit www.edpartner.org . 
3D rendering of factory floor. Pictured is conveyor belts, robotic arm, a man, and a forklift.
By Seifert Technologies 20 Mar, 2024
Manufacturing can be traced back to the Industrial Revolution. The Industrial Revolution changed the way that manufacturers worked all over the world. There were inventions of new machines and technology. The new production made manufacturing cheaper, faster, and more efficient. The Industrial Revolution changed manufacturing for the modern world. In the First Industrial Revolution, which began in the late 18 th century was a significant change in human history. It transitioned to industrial societies, fueled by innovations in textile manufacturing, steam power, and iron production. This period increased efficiency in the mass production of goods. The invention of the steam engine led to the increase of railways. The First Industrial Revolution was the first step in modernizing the world. The Second Industrial Revolution is known as the Technological Revolution. This happened in the mid-19th century and was known for the adoption of electric power. This transformed the manufacturing process in steel. It led to the invention of the telegraph, telephone, television, and radio. Advancement in transportation was drastically improved leading to increased urbanization. The Third Industrial Revolution is known as the Digital Revolution. It happened in the late 20 th century with digital technology. This was the rise of the internet and digital computers. This changed the way people interacted with each other. The World Wide Web was developed. This led to the digitalization of every known modern aspect of life. The Fourth Industrial Revolution is referred to as Industry 4.0. This revolution is known for technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), 3D printing, and robotics. The Fourth Industrial Revolution is expected to have impacts on society to increase quality, production, and drive economic growth.
Graphic of a padlock on top of a CPU chip.
By Seifert Technologies 15 Mar, 2024
Phishing, Smishing, and Vishing are all ways that people try to get sensitive information from other people. They are all done in similar ways, but they have different ways of getting this information. It is important to know the difference between the three and how it looks when someone is getting targeted. Phishing Phishing is an online scam that gets sent to email accounts. It consists of getting sent a link or attachment from an unfamiliar email domain. When a user clicks on the link or attachment that is when the sender gets access to data. There are many different types of phishing to watch out for. Some of include spear, email, and whaling. Spear phishing is when someone specifically targets one person. They do this by adding their name, job, or social life. Whale phishing is when someone targets a big target like a manager, owner, or celebrities. They target these people since they have a lot of information on companies or other people. Smishing Smishing is a scam that gets sent as a text message (SMS). Scammers send a text to a target. The text that the target receives looks like a text from a trustworthy company. The scammers make the message look like it is the real company, and they send a link that they want the target to click on. There are different ways that these messages look. It can look like you won money or a prize. It can also look like a tax report or bank statement. Vishing Vishing is a scam where the target gets called over the phone rather than receiving a text message or email. The target is selected, and they call trying to convince them to download software for their device. How To Protect Yourself from All Three There are many ways to prevent these things from happening. Most importantly, do not click on links or attachments from unknown sources. Report suspicious emails, text messages, or calls that you receive. When you report these, you protect yourself and others from getting information taken. Seifert Technologies’ IT Division is your source for cybersecurity awareness. We are a registered agent of KnowB4 Products ( www.knowbe4.com ). These products implement sate of the art programs which: Send fully automated simulated phishing attacks, using thousands of customizable templates with unlimited usage Train your users with access to the world's largest library of always-fresh awareness training content AI-Driven phishing and training recommendations based on your users' phishing and training history Use Assessments to gauge proficiency of your users in security knowledge and security culture attitudes Easy user management using Active Directory Integration Contact our IT Service Team To learn more details about cybersecurity training contact us at (330) 833-2700 or sales@seifert.com. Please visit www.seifert.com/itservices for more information on our full range capabilities.
Seifert employees holding new toys, next to two Toys for Tots boxes.
By Seifert Technologies 15 Dec, 2023
For over 10 years the team at Seifert Technologies has participated in the Toys for Tots program. Every year, our employees show their support by donating new toys which are then delivered to local area families. It is an awesome way to give back to our Stark County community. We also want to thank all of our employees for their wonderful donations. Way to go team!
Leslie Callahan next to a sign that reads
By Seifert Technologies 15 Dec, 2023
Last month we celebrated a very special evening. Leslie Callahan, who has been with our firm since the beginning years, celebrated her 30th year with the organization. Team members from both our offices in Massillon and Nashville gathered to celebrate this well-deserved accomplishment.
Someone at a laptop, a robot hand is coming out of the screen with pointer finger extended, with glowing floating cyber icons
27 Nov, 2023
At Seifert Associates, we have been meeting the challenges of hiring technical talent for decades. Finding the right candidate for the right position can be a challenge. Thus, we have put together a list of the top questions we get from HR and give ideas on how to overcome the challenges we face in today’s job market. What Are the Top Hiring Challenges Today? First, we must talk about current hiring challenges. Today, employers encounter new recruitment hurdles as the job market progresses. Employers' obstacles and difficulties arise when it comes to recruiting and hiring qualified candidates. These challenges can come in many forms, such as a shortage of skilled workers, a highly competitive job market, or a lack of diversity and inclusion in the hiring process. The rapid changes in both technology and the evolving job market also contribute to these hiring challenges. Employers must overcome these hiring challenges to attract and retain top talent, as well as build a thriving workforce to drive organizational growth and success. Here is a List of the Top Concerns for Hiring: Finding Quality Candidates Attracting the right talent for a technical position is an employer's foremost concern. The more skilled the requirements are, the more the employee is sought after. With a limited workforce and intense competition for top-tier candidates, employers struggle when it comes to finding technical talent. Along with that, employers struggle to engage with candidates who are not actively seeking a new position. We spoke about the importance of collaborating with a recruiter who has strong experience with finding technical candidates in a previous blog, which you can review HERE . Attracting the Right Technical Talent Another challenge that employers face is attracting the right talent for a technical position. Highly skilled candidates today look for more than just a competitive salary. Candidates want to collaborate with a company that has a quality work culture. But they also want to seek employment with companies who share the same values, as well as have great benefits and a good understanding of work life balance. In fact, 46% of job seekers cite company culture as very important when choosing to apply to a company, and a shocking 47% of employees cite that company culture is the driving factor when looking for a new job. Skills Gap and Training
Manufacturing floor background, with a Stark County Manufacturing logo overlaid.
09 Nov, 2023
Seifert Technologies was pleased to host the Stark County Manufacturing Workforce Development Partnership group’s monthly meeting at our office in September 2023. We were proud to showcase our skills related to Automation and Machine Design and to the more than 40 members that came to the event. Stark County Manufacturing Workforce is a group of dedicated professionals that are committed to the support of manufacturer’s growth and expansion by offering education and career pathways within the manufacturing community. Showing them what local companies are doing in the areas to accelerate excellence in both local and national companies is always wonderful. Stark County has so much to offer. Seifert Technologies Showcased 7 Different Stations for SCMWDP Member Including:
A compass over a mechanical drawing
30 Oct, 2023
Today, 2D drawings are still used in both the engineering and manufacturing arenas. While some may believe that 2D drawings are falling the way of the dinosaur, we still need them to show details in parts, components, and assemblies. They are a fundamental part of engineering documentation. Manufacturers use 2D drawings as their main communication tool. In this blog, we will explore the reasons we believe that 2D drawings will remain an important modeling tool for engineering projects. The Evolution of 2D Drawings: Before there were computers, 2D drawings were used to define component specifications. With 2D drawings, engineers were able to navigate the creation of a product, simply by referencing the 2D rendering. The 2D drawing method of production dates to the beginnings of engineering information. Today, this history speaks to the importance of 2D drawings. As 2D drawings were the sole conveyor of design information for millennia. That all changed with the introduction of computers and 3D software like Autodesk Inventor, and SolidWorks . The choice of CAD software depends on your specific needs and the industry you're working in. You may want to consider factors like your budget, the type of projects you'll be working on, and your familiarity with the software when selecting the right CAD program for your needs.  But before we look at 3D technology, let’s examine the things that are still relevant today with 2D drawings. 2D Drawings Are Better at the Details:
Website or Mobile App? What are the Pros and Cons?
23 Oct, 2023
In this blog, the team at Seifert Technologies is going to walk you through the pros and cons of websites and mobile applications.
Seifert employee with hands folded in front of him, in front of a robotic arm.
23 Oct, 2023
Thank you to everyone who attended our Cleveland Technology Symposium. In case you missed it, here’s a recap of the event. The Engineering Division Utilizes State-of-the-Art Design Tools
More Posts
Share by: