Fundamentals -- Product lifecycle management systems -- Product structures -- Integration of the PLM system with other applications -- Deployment of the PLM system -- Business benefits of a PLM system -- Challenges of product management in manufacturing industry -- The role of product information management in collaborative business development -- Understanding the product lifecycle -- Product and product management strategy as a part of business strategy -- e-Business — electronic business and PLM -- Digest -- Epilogue.

In today`s industrial manufacturing Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) is essential in order to cope with the challenges of more demanding global competition. New and more complex products must be introduced to markets faster than ever before. Companies form large collaborative networks, and the product process must flow flexibly across company borders. This first book on Product Lifecycle Management in English language is designed to introduce the reader to the basic terms and fundamentals of PLM and to give a solid foundation for starting a PLM development project. It gives ideas and examples how PLM can be utilized in various industries. In addition, it also offers an insight into how PLM can assist in creating new business opportunities and in making real eBusiness possible.