--- title: The Top 14 PLM Requirements & Features --- # The Top 14 PLM Requirements & Features Last Reviewed: March 6, 2026 19 min read [2 comments](https://www.selecthub.com/plm/plm-requirements/?noamp=mobile#comments) [ ![Christina George](https://www.selecthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/cropped-Christina-Headshot-96x96.png) ](https://www.selecthub.com/author/christina-george/) [Written by Christina George](https://www.selecthub.com/author/christina-george/) Technical Content Writer [ ![Dianna Dragonetti](https://www.selecthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/cropped-Dianna-Headshot-96x96.jpg) ](https://www.selecthub.com/author/dianna-dragonetti/) [Edited by Dianna Dragonetti](https://www.selecthub.com/author/dianna-dragonetti/) Content Editor [ ![Rohit Dutta Mazumder](https://www.selecthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/cropped-Rohit-Dutta-Mazumder-96x96.jpg) ](https://www.selecthub.com/author/rohit-dutta-mazumder/) [Technical Research by Rohit Dutta Mazumder](https://www.selecthub.com/author/rohit-dutta-mazumder/) Senior Analyst [ ![Mark Fong](https://www.selecthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/cropped-Mark-Fong-96x96.jpg) ](https://www.selecthub.com/author/mark-fong/) [Contributions by Mark Fong](https://www.selecthub.com/author/mark-fong/) Expert Contributor Table of Contents * [Top PLM Requirements Checklist](#Top%5FPLM%5FRequirements%5FChecklist "Top PLM Requirements Checklist") * [1\. Bill of Materials (BOM) Management](#1%5FBill%5Fof%5FMaterials%5FBOM%5FManagement "1. Bill of Materials (BOM) Management") * [2\. Change Management](#2%5FChange%5FManagement "2. Change Management") * [3\. Compliance Management](#3%5FCompliance%5FManagement "3. Compliance Management") * [4\. Design Management](#4%5FDesign%5FManagement "4. Design Management") * [5\. Document Management](#5%5FDocument%5FManagement "5. Document Management") * [6\. Packaging and Label Management](#6%5FPackaging%5Fand%5FLabel%5FManagement "6. Packaging and Label Management") * [7\. Part Management](#7%5FPart%5FManagement "7. Part Management") * [8\. Platform Capabilities](#8%5FPlatform%5FCapabilities "8. Platform Capabilities") * [9\. Project Management](#9%5FProject%5FManagement "9. Project Management") * [10\. Quality Management](#10%5FQuality%5FManagement "10. Quality Management") * [11\. Recipe Management](#11%5FRecipe%5FManagement "11. Recipe Management") * [12\. Reporting](#12%5FReporting "12. Reporting") * [13\. Requirements Management](#13%5FRequirements%5FManagement "13. Requirements Management") * [14\. Supplier Management](#14%5FSupplier%5FManagement "14. Supplier Management") * [How To Conduct an Effective PLM Evaluation](#How%5FTo%5FConduct%5Fan%5FEffective%5FPLM%5FEvaluation "How To Conduct an Effective PLM Evaluation") * [What the Experts Have To Say](#What%5Fthe%5FExperts%5FHave%5FTo%5FSay "What the Experts Have To Say") * [FAQs](#FAQs "FAQs") * [Next Steps](#Next%5FSteps "Next Steps") Ever sit back and ask yourself: Why are our PLM workflows mediocre? Or why are we still working with the same outdated [PLM software](https://www.selecthub.com/c/plm-software/)? Sounds like you need a new system with updated PLM requirements. Say no more! We’ve got the full rundown of recommended features, primary benefits and the best PLM evaluation techniques to jumpstart your search. Let’s get started! [Get our PLM Software Requirements Template](https://pmo.selecthub.com/plm-requirements-template-tool/) ## Top PLM Requirements Checklist [Bill of Materials (BOM) Management](#group%5F660) Maintain consistency by connecting your BOM data to CAD metadata, creating assemble-to-order processes and building a bill of process. Manage multi-level BOM processes, define BOM usage and visualize BOM structures in 3D. [Learn more](#1%5FBill%5Fof%5FMaterials%5FBOM%5FManagement) [Change Management](#group%5F224) Set up a change approval process using change management templates and track change-related data using a dashboard and change history. Communicate with your design, engineering and manufacturing teams via change orders, notices and requests. [Learn more](#2%5FChange%5FManagement) [Compliance Management](#group%5F674) Keep your ducks in a row with built-in CAPA and NCMR, FDA, REACH and RoHS, conflict materials and WEEE compliance. Meet sustainability standards using carbon footprint analysis and monitoring sustainability metrics. [Learn more](#3%5FCompliance%5FManagement) [Design Management](#group%5F655) Create artwork and VR models that meet engineering, product and ingredient information. Compare 3D models, manage eCAD items, add feedback to CAD drawings using annotations and set up a review process for CAD models. [Learn more](#4%5FDesign%5FManagement) [Document Management](#group%5F592) Organize your documents using a hierarchical table with clearly defined relationships. Classify, collaborate on, search for and markup documents. Create new documents from built-in templates, from scratch or by dragging and dropping certain elements. [Learn more](#5%5FDocument%5FManagement) [Packaging and Label Management](#group%5F829) Streamline labeling by creating allergen statements, label sets, ingredient statements and label templates. Standardize your packaging with a consolidated database, approval workflows, detailed packaging components and defined target weights. [Learn more](#6%5FPackaging%5Fand%5FLabel%5FManagement) [Part Management](#group%5F596) Make it easier to build ingredient statements with a part catalog and part classification and search capabilities. Automate parts numbers, track lots or batches and manage parts. [Learn more](#7%5FPart%5FManagement) [Platform Capabilities](#group%5F951) Ensure your overall needs are met with the best of the basics including audit trails, custom fields, multiple currencies and languages, notifications and a UX responsive to any device. [Learn more](#8%5FPlatform%5FCapabilities) [Project Management](#group%5F466) Build and manage projects using templates and tools like Gantt charts, task management and work breakdown structures, scheduling and planning. Analyze costs, set cost targets and centralize products and processes. [Learn more](#9%5FProject%5FManagement) [Quality Management](#group%5F497) Implement quality control measures across the shopfloor using the 8D methodology, Six Sigma and root cause analysis. Access quality issue insights, use APQP and FMEA tools and quality process templates and assign scores for risk scoring. Review product quality actions and processes and use built-in risk mitigation to minimize defects. [Learn more](#10%5FQuality%5FManagement) [Recipe and Formula Management](#group%5F449) Manage a catalog of recipes efficiently by creating and editing recipe formulas, recipe testing and templates. Ensure consistency even with ingredient substitution. [Learn more](#11%5FRecipe%5FManagement) [Reporting](#group%5F366) Get real-time insights with reports and dashboards that highlight KPIs. Spot trends in production efficiency, inventory and finances to make smarter decisions. [Learn more](#12%5FReporting) [Requirements Management](#group%5F790) Apply product configurations to requirements, edit requirements concurrently, and analyze and capture requirements from multiple sources. Manage your requirements by planning, tracing, verifying and reusing requirements. [Learn more](#13%5FRequirements%5FManagement) [Supplier Management](#group%5F893) Access approved vendor lists, manage Supplier Corrective Action Requests (SCARs) and view global supply chain data and supplier risk assessments. Add product data, collaborate with suppliers and view their information using the supplier portal. [Learn more](#14%5FSupplier%5FManagement) **Here’s what you’ll get from this post:** * A handy checklist to ensure you don’t miss any essentials. * A free PLM software requirements template to get started. * Tips from PLM experts to get the most out of your requirements-gathering process. We’ve onboarded over 100,000 users into our software selection platform, and, in the process gained a wealth of insights into their usage patterns based on industry, company size and user persona. By leveraging this data, we’ve identified key features you should consider to minimize the risk of selecting the wrong software. Our goal is to empower you to benefit from the collective experience of your peers who’ve embarked on the same journey before you. You can use this guide as a template for deciding what your business needs from its next system. ![PLM Requirements Project Summary in SelectHub Express App]() Create a custom PLM requirements checklist to find the right fit for your business needs. ![PLM Requirements]() Review our thorough, though not exhaustive, list of must-have PLM requirements. ### 1\. Bill of Materials (BOM) Management Having a common source of information across your company is incredibly important during product development. That’s why a bill of materials (BOM) is vital to include in your list of PLM requirements. At the very least, your system should provide a single definition of a particular product and its components. More advanced options include features specifically designed for designers, engineers and other professionals who frequently collaborate. Mark Fong, a manufacturing expert and CEO of [Siltoll](http://www.siltoll.com), said BOMs help in “avoiding errors, streamlining processes, and maintaining consistency throughout the product lifecycle.” ![Bill of Materials management interface in Autodesk Fusion Lifecycle]() A preview of Fusion Lifecycle’s BOM tool. Vladimir Terekhov, CEO of [Attract Group](https://attractgroup.com/), said practical BOM management tools “are crucial because they ensure all materials required for production are available when needed, reducing downtime and preventing costly delays.” ### 2\. Change Management Determining project phases, delegating milestones, setting approval processes and monitoring changes keep projects on track. Some systems have a dashboard that allows users to see all pending and implemented changes and all items that endure the subsequent effects. Use configurable workflow templates to smooth out transitions for changes in processes and send out engineering change notices, orders and requests for clear communication. Fong said this PLM tool “ensures transparency, helps understand the impact of changes, and maintains documentation for compliance purposes.” ![Chronodat Change Request Management Dashboard]() A preview of change management tools. Terekhov said a change management tool can “maintain the integrity of the product, ensure all modifications are recorded, and help in the smooth transition of product versions or iterations.” Your PLM system can identify risks within your portfolio, enabling you to deal with them before they become more significant. [Get our PLM Software Requirements Template](https://pmo.selecthub.com/plm-requirements-template-tool/) ### 3\. Compliance Management Keep all your i’s dotted and t’s crossed with PLM-powered audit management, where you can hold external and internal audits that meet specific standards. Close the door on pesky fines (or worse) with CAPA and NCMR, FDA, REACH and RoHS, and WEEE compliance. Make your ESG auditor’s life much easier with an analysis of greenhouse gas emissions for each product and trackable sustainability metrics. ### 4\. Design Management At the intersection of innovation and creation lie numerous design tools, such as electrical CAD management, design variation comparisons, and CAD drawing annotating tools for easy team sharing and collaboration. Review [3D CAD renderings](https://www.tristar.com/blog/keyshot/3d-cad-rendering/), create digital twins, and design and simulate virtual models. ![Electrical schematic design in Onshape's Electra Cloud platform]() An example of electrical CAD management tools. [Source](https://radicasoftware.com/blog/partnering-with-onshape) Mark Haas, food and beverage product expert and founder of [REGULATE](https://regulate.dhtech.io/) PLM software, stated, “designing a great product is good and designing a product the market demands is great. PLM systems excel at collaborating at the intersection of product market fit.” Fong mentioned that vital design management tools enhance design team collaboration, version controls, and efficient document sharing, resulting in “a more streamlined and organized product design process, reducing errors and enhancing creativity.” ### 5\. Document Management Copy, edit or create new document versions. Group similar files into categories for more straightforward navigation. Search for files with filters like type, version, part, user, status and more. ![Odoo PLM dashboard showing engineering change orders by stages]() A preview of a PLM document dashboard. [Source](https://www.odoo.com/app/plm) Terekhov explained that this PLM requirement is “key for streamlining access to critical information, enhancing collaboration, and ensuring that everyone is working from the most current set of documents.” ### 6\. Packaging and Label Management Production doesn’t end when a product leaves the shopfloor. You’ve still got to wrap it up in a pretty package (and make sure it’s labeled accurately). Add allergen statements, proof the graphics and artwork, create label sets and generate label ingredient statements. ![Artwork 360 interface displaying packaging design annotations]() Proof artwork and set approval workflows. [Source](https://artwork360.freyrsolutions.com/artwork-plm-tool-features) [Get our PLM Software Requirements Template](https://pmo.selecthub.com/plm-requirements-template-tool/) ### 7\. Part Management Finished products are made up of a whole lotta parts. The right PLM tool will help you keep those parts organized by numbering them automatically, tracing lots and building a parts catalog. Manage your part database by creating parts, classifying and searching for attributes, and deleting the whole part or some versions of a part. ### 8\. Platform Capabilities Like a well-put-together wardrobe, your new PLM solution should have all the basics. That means you need audit trails for transactions, custom fields, multiple currencies and languages, notifications and device-optimized views. ### 9\. Project Management Use equipped templates, stage gates, milestones and other [project management tools](https://www.selecthub.com/c/project-management-software/) to streamline workflows. Track real-time deliverables. ![Jira portfolio view for travel booking project timelines and tasks]() A preview of a project management’s interface. Haas described consolidating project details into one hub as critical. ![Vladimir Terekhov]() \[Recipe management tools\] ensure consistency in product formulations, compliance with regulatory standards and efficient management of ingredients, reducing the risk of errors and ensuring product quality. Vladimir Terekhov CEO, Attract Group ### 10\. Quality Management Failing to follow regulation and compliance standards is one of the quickest ways to earn your business a bad reputation. But having the right tools built into your PLM system can make hitting your quality metrics much more comfortable than it would be otherwise. ![Sprinklr Quality management dashboard showing evaluations and audit scores]() A preview of quality management software. [Source](https://www.sprinklr.com/help/articles/quality-management-reporting/configure-quality-management-reports/63fc36049b334f7283b4e289) Maintain compliance for [Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH)](https://echa.europa.eu/regulations/reach/understanding-reach), [Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS)](https://www.rohsguide.com/), [FDA](https://www.fda.gov/), [ISO](https://www.iso.org/home.html), [Sarbanes Oxley](https://sarbanes-oxley-act.com/), and more. Fong declared that quality and compliance management tools “provide insights for continuous improvement, reducing the risk of defects and enhancing overall operational efficiency.” [Get our PLM Software Requirements Template](https://pmo.selecthub.com/plm-requirements-template-tool/) ### 11\. Recipe Management Enhance your PLM evaluation with recipe management tools that develop label sets, manage specific recipe tests and construct variations. Manage material databases and catalogs in one place. ![Vicinity Batch entry screen displaying brewing procedures and ingredients]() An example of recipe management tools. [Source](https://www.vicinitybrew.com/beer-formula-management-software/) Fong said recipe management features are ideal for the food and beverage and pharmaceutical industries. ![Mark Fong]() \[Recipe management tools\] ensure consistency in product formulations, compliance with regulatory standards and efficient management of ingredients, reducing the risk of errors and ensuring product quality. Mark Fong CEO, Siltoll ### 12\. Reporting Develop BOM, requirements, and custom reports in one centralized system. Share reports with internal and external stakeholders. ![Qlik dashboard showcasing cost of goods analysis and trends]() A preview of reporting tools. Terekhov said reporting tools can gather valuable insights “for performance tracking, trend analysis, and informed decision-making, which are crucial for continuous improvement.” Fond stated that this tool creates reports for “project progress, change history, BOMs, compliance status and more. These reports provide actionable insights for overall project management.” ### 13\. Requirements Management Capture vital information from documents, spreadsheets, PDFs and other formats. Obtain requirement data, statuses and product team changes. ![Fusin 360 Manage KPI and assessment dashboard with cost and effort metrics]() An example of requirement management tools. [Source](https://help.autodesk.com/view/PLM/ENU/?guid=FLC-TPT-RM-MNG) Fong explained how this tool diminishes risks. ![Mark Fong]() Requirement management tools ensure product development aligns with customer needs and project objectives. They facilitate traceability, change management and efficient communication of requirements across teams, reducing the risk of misunderstandings or deviations. Mark Fong CEO, Siltoll ### 14\. Supplier Management Ever wanted to go back in time and vet your suppliers before you had an inventory emergency or substandard materials delivered? That’s why supplier management is a PLM requirement — stopping vendor-related catastrophes before they happen, so you don’t need a time machine. Access approved vendor lists, view supplier material declarations and view supplier quality processes. Improve communication with Supplier Corrective Action Request (SCAR) management and a supplier portal. [Get our PLM Software Requirements Template](https://pmo.selecthub.com/plm-requirements-template-tool/) ## How To Conduct an Effective PLM Evaluation Choosing a new system is like choosing a new car. There are so many models and accessories available that it becomes overwhelming. Thankfully, SelectHub has a straightforward approach to picking your new software: [Lean Selection](https://www.selecthub.com/miscellaneous/technology-selection/software-evaluation/), a nine-step methodology. ![PLM Requirements Lean Selection]() 1. **Establish:** Understand why you need a new PLM system. Take time to determine what’s stopping you from reaching your goals or causing bottlenecks. 2. **Collaborate:** It’s easy to take on this journey solo, but you need a committee of executives, department leaders, and business partners to create a practical features and requirements list. After all, ten or more heads are better than one. 3. **Define:** Set a solid features and requirements list — a wishlist of the most-requested features, functions and capabilities you need this program to do — to gauge various solutions and vendors. 4. **Distribute:** Craft a shortlist of vendors and review how they best meet your requirements list. 5. **Justify:** This stage permits you to review your vendor shortlist and determine one of three possibilities: 1. Do you want a brand-new solution? 2. Do you want add-on modules for your current system? 3. Do you want to stick with your existing software and end your quest here? 6. **Prove:** You’re scheduling demos, requesting proofs-of-concept (POCs) or reviewing use cases to see how a vendor can back up their requirements score. If the vendor doesn’t offer these methods, it’s clear to move on to the next supplier. 7. **Rank:** After scoring demos, rank providers based on the demos, requirements score, and total cost of ownership (TCO). You may also remove unnecessary suppliers from your list. 8. **Negotiate:** Now, you should have two to three vendors to choose from for implementation. Sit with one of your choices and review their agreements. If the contract seems sketchy or awry, take it to a lawyer or law firm for review. If you like the terms, go ahead and sign. If not, repeat this step with your other two choices. 9. **Sign:** When you reach a suitable agreement, you can sign with the vendor and initiate a proper implementation plan. This process ensures an organized ebb and flow so you choose the perfect program the first time. ### What the Experts Have To Say Before sharing our evaluation criteria on the World Wide Web, we did some due diligence. As with anything you see on the internet, we don’t expect you to just take our word for it. We reached out to PLM experts for their insights on the criteria they use to grade PLM tools. Here’s what they had to say. Danielle Lambert, a Product Development and Sourcing Management Specialist at [SMART IN PLANNING](https://www.smartinplanning.com/), looks for a consistent tool that can grow with the business and is simple to use. She said: ![Danielle Lambert]() The right tool should synchronize with other systems within the business and current tools being used with integration add-ons available to support scale as a smaller business grows, and requires a more comprehensive approach. It should be simple to use and train new employees that are on-boarded and contain all relevant data points. Additionally, there should be no integral changes to the system that may make it obsolete or more expensive in a short period of time, hindering upgrades, or making it more difficult to recruit people who would already be familiar with a system (ie. the ability to ‘import’ required skills for growth). Ideally, a PLM tool should be flexible, with options to add more modules as required and have some ability to align custom fields to business needs or terminology, without requiring actual customization. Danielle Lambert Product Development and Sourcing Management Specialist, SMART IN PLANNING Haas mentioned some other vital requirements to pick and choose from in the PLM evaluation process. ![Mark Haas]() When choosing a PLM system, prioritize features like project budgeting and return on investment, which are crucial for steering projects toward profitability. Effective governance and decision-making capabilities are key to keeping projects on track. Ensure the PLM offers seamless API integration to enable smooth data exchange with your financial systems or ERP. Mark Haas Founder and CEO of the AI-powered PLM system, REGULATE And when searching for a new PLM system, Fong said, “prioritize scalability, ease of integration, user-friendliness, vendor support and alignment with industry-specific needs. Consider a phased implementation approach \[and\] involve key stakeholders.” [Get our PLM Software Requirements Template](https://pmo.selecthub.com/plm-requirements-template-tool/) ## FAQs [What are some PLM requirements?](#group%5F814) Some PLM requirements include: * BOM management * Change management * Program planning and project management * Reporting * And more! [What does PLM mean?](#group%5F379) PLM stands for product lifecycle management. [What are the three main elements of PLM?](#group%5F648) Three main elements of PLM are: * People * Processes * Technology [What is requirement management in PLM?](#group%5F535) Requirement management, as our SMEs mentioned, ensures products meet client needs and company objectives. [Why is PLM needed?](#group%5F312) PLM is needed to create and manage a product’s lifecycle effectively from beginning to end. PLM software can ensure effective collaboration, designs, simulation and more. Some PLM benefits include: * Increasing productivity * Boosting revenue * Improving product quality * Reducing costs [Does PLM include CRM?](#group%5F894) Most PLM systems don’t include CRM, but you can find [CRM tools ](https://www.selecthub.com/c/crm-software/)that integrate with PLM software for effective centralization. [What is PLM documentation?](#group%5F923) PLM software offers document management and reporting tools to create and arrange files by different filters. You can create BOM, requirement or custom reports and share them with colleagues, stakeholders and more. [What is the basic architecture of PLM?](#group%5F447) PLM software acts as a consolidated database that hosts multiple modules, such as recipe management, reporting, BOM, quality and compliance management, and more. [What's the difference between PLM and PDM?](#group%5F359) Product data management (PDM) software gathers and centralizes product data. PLM focuses on every product lifecycle stage. This system also includes manufacturing, engineering and design tools. [What are some benefits of using PLM tools?](#group%5F283) We turned to our experts to find out why companies should use PLM tools. Fong said PLM software “accelerates time-to-market, improves regulatory compliance, enhances risk management and supports sustainable practices by optimizing the entire product lifecycle.” Terekhov added that PLM software can also “foster innovation by managing intellectual property in a structured way.” PLM tools can also help your business in the following ways: * **Increase Productivity:** Think of this program as an extra set of eyes. It monitors every phase in a product’s lifecycle, enables you to input changes quickly and refreshes data in real-time to keep everyone on the same page, which boosts productivity and diminishes bottlenecks. * **Boost Revenue:** When you surge productivity, you get products out to your clients sooner. This expedited market time increases revenue and boosts customer satisfaction sky-high. * **Improve Product Quality:** Several quality-based modules help gauge every product’s worth and permit you to align with local and standard compliances. The better your product quality is, the more loyal clients you’ll gain. * **Reduce Costs:** A centralized solution like this saves plenty of overhead expenses, material and prototype fees, and more. You also save time because you can automate tasks and input real-time data. * **Enhance Supplier/Company Collaborations:** If a product is on recall or you need to make additional revisions to a product before allocation, you can immediately alert suppliers, internal and external stakeholders, manufacturers and executives, and apply the necessary changes across the board. [Get our PLM Software Requirements Template](https://pmo.selecthub.com/plm-requirements-template-tool/) ## Next Steps Finding the best PLM requirements to meet your product development needs is paramount to your company’s success. PLM software offers many must-have features, including BOM management, reporting, recipe management and more. Ready to take the next step? Review our free [requirements template](https://pmo.selecthub.com/plm-requirements-template-tool/) to create a shortlist of your much-need PLM tools according to company size, industry, number of employees and more. Which PLM requirements have streamlined your operations? What are your essential PLM software tools? 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Contributions from Christina George, Rohit Dutta Mazumder, Shashank K K, Dianna Dragonetti, Vladimir Terekhov, Mark Fong, Mark Haas, and Danielle Lambert. ## About the Contributors The following SelectHub team members and subject matter experts helped research, create, and review this content. [ ](https://www.selecthub.com/author/christina-george/) Written by [Christina George](https://www.selecthub.com/author/christina-george/) Technical Content Writer An Associate Editor at SelectHub, Christina George creates and edits articles spanning project management, CPQ, CRM, marketing automation and home health software. As a Bachelor of Arts graduate with a triple major in Economics, Political Science and Sociology, her aim is to bring an integrated and simplified approach to long-form technical content. Formerly a food writer, copywriter, and social media sleuth, she has a soft spot for a quality pun. When not crafting articles and editing buyer's guides, you can find her attempting to score goals on the football field, binge-watching Curb Your Enthusiasm, or re-reading Pride and Prejudice for the nth time. [See Full Bio](https://www.selecthub.com/author/christina-george/) [ ](https://www.selecthub.com/author/rohit-dutta-mazumder/) Technical Research by [Rohit Dutta Mazumder](https://www.selecthub.com/author/rohit-dutta-mazumder/) Senior Analyst Hailing from the serene landscapes of Assam, India, Rohit is a seasoned professional with diverse expertise in several software categories. Armed with a Bachelor of Technology in Mechanical Engineering and an MBA in Operations Management, he brings a unique blend of technical acumen and strategic thinking to the table. His proficiency extends across dynamic fields such as Product Lifecycle Management, Hotel Management, Ecommerce, Accounting and Finance. [See Full Bio](https://www.selecthub.com/author/rohit-dutta-mazumder/) [ ](https://www.selecthub.com/author/k-k-shashank/) Technical Research by [Shashank K K](https://www.selecthub.com/author/k-k-shashank/) Principal Analyst After graduating with a Masters in Finance from Trinity College Dublin, K K Shashank's research and detail-oriented skills led them to SelectHub. He has diverse knowledge across various software categories like Accounting, Financial Planning and Analysis, Ecommerce, Risk Management, PLM, Insurance and more since 2020. [See Full Bio](https://www.selecthub.com/author/k-k-shashank/) [ ](https://www.selecthub.com/author/dianna-dragonetti/) Edited by [Dianna Dragonetti](https://www.selecthub.com/author/dianna-dragonetti/) Content Editor As an editor, Dianna Dragonetti leads a team of five writers in writing about a variety of software, with an emphasis on how these tools empower businesses. Categories include accounting, learning management systems, content management systems, supply chain management, and electronic data interchange. [See Full Bio](https://www.selecthub.com/author/dianna-dragonetti/) [ ](https://www.selecthub.com/author/vladimir-terekhov/) Contributions by [Vladimir Terekhov](https://www.selecthub.com/author/vladimir-terekhov/) Expert Contributor Vladimir Terekhov is the CEO of Attract Group, a company specializing in custom software development, including ERP and PLM systems. Terekhov is an experienced IT entrepreneur specializing in digital transformation and managing software development teams. He earned master's degrees in computer systems and networks and innovations management from Donetsk National University. [See Full Bio](https://www.selecthub.com/author/vladimir-terekhov/) [ ](https://www.selecthub.com/author/mark-fong/) Contributions by [Mark Fong](https://www.selecthub.com/author/mark-fong/) Expert Contributor Mark Fong, CEO of Siltoll, is a professional manufacturer of lighting fixtures and an advocate in the lighting industry with an education from Hunan Industrial Vocational and Technical College. Fong ensures compliance with ETL, UL, CE, RoHS, PSE and other certifications. He engages in deep, strategic collaborations with major global brands and offers expert guidance on global lighting market trends and business expansion. [See Full Bio](https://www.selecthub.com/author/mark-fong/) [ ](https://www.selecthub.com/author/mark-haas/) Contributions by [Mark Haas](https://www.selecthub.com/author/mark-haas/) Expert Contributor Mark Haas, founder and CEO of the AI-powered PLM system REGULATE, has nearly 30 years of food and beverage CPG under his belt. Haas has held executive positions for Hain Celestial, Kashi, Kellogg's, Annie's and Thomas Keller Restaurant Group. He created REGULATE because he believes in PLM management and how the concepts can apply to other industries outside of food and beverage, such as apparel, shoes, pharmaceuticals and more. [See Full Bio](https://www.selecthub.com/author/mark-haas/) [ ](https://www.selecthub.com/author/danielle-lambert/) Contributions by [Danielle Lambert](https://www.selecthub.com/author/danielle-lambert/) Expert Contributor Danielle Lambert is the Product Development and Sourcing Management Specialist at SMART IN PLANNING, a boutique merchandise planning and inventory management consultancy. She has over 30 years of experience in the fashion and consumer products industry, where she’s made her mark by focusing on delivering results through targeted brand strategy, product management, and business development within retail and wholesale businesses. [See Full Bio](https://www.selecthub.com/author/danielle-lambert/) Khaleel HayesThe Best Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Systems Of 2026 * ‹ * › ### Conversation (2) ![Avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/281d3616cf761f3582c0d76c23517846?s=32&d=mm&r=g) Write a response [Cancel reply](https://www.selecthub.com/plm/plm-requirements/#respond) Your message Your name \* Your email \* Website Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Δ * ![Avatar photo](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8da8a66190f5a039ef497a1bf2f576d3b2b7f72467c7970bac40960a01c62d45?s=96&d=mm&r=g) #### **Pramila Bantwal** \- July 26, 2022 We need below feature to cover in the PLM software .Kindly provide the name of the leaders who provide the solution: – Concept planning – Project planning – Design verification – Product validation – Mass production – Field monitoring – EOL management **[Reply](#comment-141855)** [![Avatar photo](https://www.selecthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Khaleel-48x48.jpg)](https://www.selecthub.com/author/khaleel-hayes/) #### **Khaleel Hayes** \- July 27, 2022 Thanks for the response, Pramila. You may get in touch with our sales and advisory teams for more assistance: 877-692-2896 and 855-850-3850. **[Reply](#comment-141962)** [ Go to mobile version ](https://www.selecthub.com/plm/plm-requirements/?amp=1) **Tier 1:** Fully/moderately supported out-of-the-box allowing for quick and easy deployment. Fully or moderately supported out-of-the-box with industry-leading capabilities and is immediately available after installation without needing any add-ons, integrations, or custom development. **Tier 2:** Supported with workarounds or add-ons that may require additional costs. Not directly available in the software, but can be accomplished using other built-in features, workarounds, or add-ons/products from the vendor with or without any additional cost. **Tier 3:** Requires partner integrations or custom development that is often at an additional cost. Requires additional integrations, plugins, marketplace applications from a third-party vendor, or custom development using the APIs, libraries, extensions, and development framework supported by the software, with or without any additional cost. [Close](#) ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https://www.selecthub.com/plm/plm-requirements/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https://www.selecthub.com/plm/plm-requirements/"},"author":{"name":"Christina George","@id":"https://www.selecthub.com/#/schema/person/3ea8441687f48bd8301a9e42f74dad52"},"headline":"The Top 14 PLM Requirements & Features","datePublished":"2018-08-23T16:40:22+00:00","dateModified":"2026-03-06T17:55:55+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https://www.selecthub.com/plm/plm-requirements/"},"wordCount":3902,"commentCount":2,"publisher":{"@id":"https://www.selecthub.com/#organization"},"articleSection":["PLM"],"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https://www.selecthub.com/plm/plm-requirements/#respond"]}]},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.selecthub.com/plm/plm-requirements/","url":"https://www.selecthub.com/plm/plm-requirements/","name":"Top 14 Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Requirements","isPartOf":{"@id":"https://www.selecthub.com/#website"},"datePublished":"2018-08-23T16:40:22+00:00","dateModified":"2026-03-06T17:55:55+00:00","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https://www.selecthub.com/plm/plm-requirements/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https://www.selecthub.com/plm/plm-requirements/"]}]},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https://www.selecthub.com/plm/plm-requirements/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https://www.selecthub.com/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"PLM","item":"https://www.selecthub.com/category/plm/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"The Top 14 PLM Requirements & Features"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https://www.selecthub.com/#website","url":"https://www.selecthub.com/","name":"SelectHub","description":"Confidence in Software","publisher":{"@id":"https://www.selecthub.com/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https://www.selecthub.com/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://www.selecthub.com/#organization","name":"SelectHub","url":"https://www.selecthub.com/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https://www.selecthub.com/#/schema/logo/image/","url":"","contentUrl":"","caption":"SelectHub"},"image":{"@id":"https://www.selecthub.com/#/schema/logo/image/"},"sameAs":["https://www.facebook.com/selecthub/","https://x.com/SelectHub","https://www.linkedin.com/company/selecthub"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://www.selecthub.com/#/schema/person/3ea8441687f48bd8301a9e42f74dad52","name":"Christina George","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https://www.selecthub.com/#/schema/person/image/","url":"https://www.selecthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/cropped-Christina-Headshot-96x96.png","contentUrl":"https://www.selecthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/cropped-Christina-Headshot-96x96.png","caption":"Christina George"},"description":"An Associate Editor at SelectHub, Christina George creates and edits articles spanning project management, CPQ, CRM, marketing automation and home health software. As a Bachelor of Arts graduate with a triple major in Economics, Political Science and Sociology, her aim is to bring an integrated and simplified approach to long-form technical content. Formerly a food writer, copywriter, and social media sleuth, she has a soft spot for a quality pun. When not crafting articles and editing buyer's guides, you can find her attempting to score goals on the football field, binge-watching Curb Your Enthusiasm, or re-reading Pride and Prejudice for the nth time.","sameAs":["https://www.selecthub.com","https://www.linkedin.com/in/christina-r-george/"],"url":"https://www.selecthub.com/author/christina-george/"}]} {"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"FAQPage","mainEntity":[{"@type":"Question","name":"What are some PLM requirements?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Some PLM requirements include:\n\nBOM management\nChange management\nProgram planning and project management\nReporting\nAnd more!"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What does PLM mean?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"PLM stands for product lifecycle management."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What are the three main elements of PLM?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Three main elements of PLM are:\n\nPeople\nProcesses\nTechnology"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What is requirement management in PLM?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Requirement management, as our SMEs mentioned, ensures products meet client needs and company objectives."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Why is PLM needed?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"PLM is needed to create and manage a product\u2019s lifecycle effectively from beginning to end. PLM software can ensure effective collaboration, designs, simulation and more.\nSome PLM benefits include:\n\nIncreasing productivity\nBoosting revenue\nImproving product quality\nReducing costs"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Does PLM include CRM?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Most PLM systems don\u2019t include CRM, but you can find CRM tools that integrate with PLM software for effective centralization."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What is PLM documentation?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"PLM software offers document management and reporting tools to create and arrange files by different filters. You can create BOM, requirement or custom reports and share them with colleagues, stakeholders and more."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What is the basic architecture of PLM?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"PLM software acts as a consolidated database that hosts multiple modules, such as recipe management, reporting, BOM, quality and compliance management, and more."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What's the difference between PLM and PDM?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Product data management (PDM) software gathers and centralizes product data.\nPLM focuses on every product lifecycle stage. This system also includes manufacturing, engineering and design tools."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What are some benefits of using PLM tools?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"We turned to our experts to find out why companies should use PLM tools.\nFong said PLM software \u201caccelerates time-to-market, improves regulatory compliance, enhances risk management and supports sustainable practices by optimizing the entire product lifecycle.\u201d\nTerekhov added that PLM software can also \u201cfoster innovation by managing intellectual property in a structured way.\u201d\nPLM tools can also help your business in the following ways:\n\nIncrease Productivity: Think of this program as an extra set of eyes. It monitors every phase in a product\u2019s lifecycle, enables you to input changes quickly and refreshes data in real-time to keep everyone on the same page, which boosts productivity and diminishes bottlenecks.\nBoost Revenue: When you surge productivity, you get products out to your clients sooner. This expedited market time increases revenue and boosts customer satisfaction sky-high.\nImprove Product Quality: Several quality-based modules help gauge every product\u2019s worth and permit you to align with local and standard compliances. The better your product quality is, the more loyal clients you\u2019ll gain.\nReduce Costs: A centralized solution like this saves plenty of overhead expenses, material and prototype fees, and more. You also save time because you can automate tasks and input real-time data.\nEnhance Supplier\/Company Collaborations: If a product is on recall or you need to make additional revisions to a product before allocation, you can immediately alert suppliers, internal and external stakeholders, manufacturers and executives, and apply the necessary changes across the board."}}]} { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Article", "headline": "The Top 14 PLM Requirements & Features", "author":{ "@type": "Person", "name": "Christina George", "url": "https://www.selecthub.com/author/christina-george/", "jobTitle":"Technical Content Writer", "image": "https://www.selecthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/cropped-Christina-Headshot-96x96.png" }, "publisher":{ "@type": "Organization", "name": "SelectHub", "logo": { "@type":"ImageObject", "url": "https://www.selecthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/favicon.png" } }, "datePublished": "2018-08-23T10:40:22-06:00", "dateModified": "2026-03-06T10:55:55-07:00", "mainEntityOfPage": "https://www.selecthub.com/plm/plm-requirements/" } ```