The PLM Debate
As part of our ongoing research programme, Cambashi is running a debate on product lifecycle management (PLM) and how it interfaces with the supply chain. Various IT vendors were invited to respond to a discussion paper : "In 2004, will PLM and SCM still be recognisable TLAs?" (a version of which was first published in the FT)

Peoplesoft PLM

Interview with John Webb, Vice President, March 2003

Peoplesoft partners with Agile to provide a combined PLM, ERP, CRM and SCM solution. We've chosen to focus on high tech and life science industries and have created advisory boards to help us understand those industries.

We've several common customers; several key Agile executives are Peoplesoft alumni who will cement the relationship needed to make our two best of breed products inter-operate as effectively as a single suite.

Our integration is a "work in progress". To build a two way interface you have to choose applications and identify all the touch points. Bill of Materials is a key interface but it is one of a number that are seen in a different way from different points in the organisation. We've initiatives to look at improving processes to provide visibility and cost management when dealing with high volumes of Engineering Change Orders that you find in some industries. We're also looking at downstream field service as an area where manufacturers can improve performance.

In the future we'll extend our co-operation step by step to cover more applications. High on our agenda are applications to support sourcing components with a consistent view of preferred parts and suppliers for engineering, procurement, field service and logistics.

To find out more about Peoplesoft PLM, see their website at www.peoplesoft.com

If you have any feedback to add to this debate, please email plm@cambashi.com with the subject "PLM debate".