AI is everywhere these days—from the apps we use daily to the advanced systems that power industries worldwide. In fact, just the other day, a potential client reached out to us at xLM Solutions because they had asked an artificial intelligence (AI) tool to “recommend PLM consultants to me.” It turns out, the AI knew exactly where to send them! 

This little anecdote perfectly captures how AI is beginning to influence every aspect of our lives, including how businesses connect with the right partners. But beyond these everyday examples, AI’s real transformative potential lies in how it’s reshaping complex systems like Product Lifecycle Management (PLM).   

As this blog focuses more on PLM data management, it goes without saying that AI can be an incredibly powerful tool for business analytics, generative design and other complex simulation tasks, to name a few. More to come on that in future posts!

AI: The Catalyst for Smarter PLM

Traditionally, PLM systems have been the backbone of product development, focused on organizing and tracking data to ensure that the right information is available to the right people at the right time. With AI, PLM systems can evolve from being mere data repositories to intelligent systems that offer predictive analytics, enhanced collaboration, and automation of routine tasks.

For instance, Dassault Systèmes highlights how AI, particularly through their “virtual twin” technology, can simulate, predict, and optimize the entire lifecycle of products. Their 3DEXPERIENCE platform uses AI to turn data into actionable insights, driving innovation and operational excellence by enabling more informed decision-making and facilitating collaboration across global teams.

Similarly, Aras emphasizes the practical application of AI in digital engineering through model-based systems engineering (MBSE) and digital thread. Aras Innovator®, their open and flexible PLM platform, is designed to integrate AI and machine learning (ML) technologies seamlessly. This integration allows the platform to function as an interactive engineering “co-pilot,” providing insights based on comprehensive historical data, simulations, and IoT inputs.

Enhancing Collaboration and Innovation

Collaboration is critical in PLM, especially in today’s globalized and complex product development environments. AI-powered tools can enhance collaboration by providing real-time insights and recommendations, ensuring that all stakeholders are aligned. This can lead to more innovative solutions, as AI can surface relevant information that might otherwise go unnoticed.

The Role of AI in Predictive Maintenance

Predictive maintenance is another area where AI is making a significant impact in PLM. By analyzing data from sensors and other sources, AI can predict when equipment is likely to fail and recommend preventive actions. This proactive approach can help companies avoid costly downtime and extend the lifespan of their assets.

Automating Routine Tasks

One of the most immediate benefits of AI in PLM is the automation of routine tasks. Many aspects of PLM involve repetitive processes, such as data entry, report generation, and document management. AI can take over these tasks, freeing up valuable time for engineers and other professionals to focus on more strategic and creative activities.

Aras has been particularly vocal about the potential of AI to transform PLM from a passive tool into an active co-pilot for engineers. By automating repetitive tasks, AI allows PLM systems to become more than just data managers—they become enablers of creativity and innovation, providing engineers with the insights they need to design the next generation of products.

Data Migration and Data Cleanup

When doing a data migration, you’re likely dealing with thousands, if not millions, of objects that must be loaded into PLM. There may be times when your data needs to be transformed and cleaned before the process can occur, but in many cases the rules for doing so are unknown or difficult to define. This is an excellent use case for AI where predictive functionality and “fuzzy” rules can identify and even fix data ahead of time, potentially eliminating manual tasks and streamlining your data migration process. 

Part Re-Use and Cost Optimization

In many cases engineers will recreate or design “new” parts even though the same part already exists or has been approved within the organization. This occurs because users cannot easily find existing or similar parts. With AI, engineers can feed part characteristics into the system and receive suggestions back that correspond to existing parts. 

AI can also make recommendations and help teams select the best part to use based on cost, reliability, maintainability, manufacturability, lead times, etc. The use of AI in this way can dramatically reduce design time and expense. 

Unique Takeaways and Future Outlook

While both Dassault Systèmes and Aras are leading the way in integrating AI into PLM, their approaches highlight different aspects of how AI can be utilized. Dassault focuses on the holistic optimization of the product life cycle through virtual twins and collaborative platforms, while Aras emphasizes the transformation of PLM systems into interactive, AI-driven tools that enhance the design process.

For organizations looking to leverage AI in their PLM systems, the key takeaway is to focus on practical, value-driven applications of AI. This involves not just adopting the latest technologies but strategically integrating them into existing processes to enhance collaboration, innovation, and operational efficiency. As AI continues to evolve, so too will its role in PLM, offering ever-greater possibilities for transforming the way products are developed and brought to market.

The future of PLM lies in its ability to adapt and integrate AI in ways that go beyond data management. By embracing AI as a partner in the design process, companies can unlock new levels of efficiency and innovation, paving the way for the next era of product development.

Ready to explore how AI can elevate your PLM strategy? Connect with xLM Solutions to discover tailored solutions that drive real value for your business.