#50: Managing the Product Life Cycle Beyond PLM – Part 2

Stay Sharp in Digital Engineering

In this insightful episode of Stay Sharp with Razorleaf, we continue our deep dive into managing the product lifecycle beyond traditional PLM systems. Hosts Jen Ferello and Jonathan Scott are joined by Patrick Hillberg to explore the complexities of product lifecycle management, focusing on how it stretches far beyond the capabilities of PLM technology. Together, they investigate the broader implications of product development, organizational dysfunction, and the ethical pressures engineers face in today’s evolving manufacturing landscape.

Episode Summary:

This episode picks up from the first part of the conversation, further examining how PLM systems, while useful, only address a small part of the product lifecycle. Patrick Hillberg highlights the importance of viewing PLM as more than just a technology tool, emphasizing how managing product life cycles involves decision-making that PLM systems can’t facilitate. The conversation dives into real-world examples of product development failures, such as the GM ignition switch and Boeing 737 Max incidents, showcasing the consequences of poor communication and organizational silos. Ethical concerns in the development of autonomous vehicles also play a central role in this discussion.

Key Takeaways:

• PLM Systems’ Limitations: While PLM technology assists with certain aspects of product development, it doesn’t address the larger management of a product’s full lifecycle.
• Decomposition of Products: Decomposing complex products into smaller parts leads to organizational silos, making it harder to manage the full lifecycle and increasing the risk of dysfunction.
• Ethical Dilemmas in Engineering: Engineers are under growing ethical pressures to balance safety with financial objectives, particularly in the development of autonomous vehicles.
• Digital Exhaust as a Tool: Tracking digital exhaust (communication patterns within teams) could provide insight into organizational dysfunction before it leads to significant product failures.

Discussion Highlights:

• The distinction between PLM technology and managing product life cycles.
• How decomposition of products into smaller teams can create communication breakdowns.
• Case studies like the GM ignition switch recall and Boeing 737 Max crashes, where poor communication and ethical lapses led to catastrophic product failures.
• The role of technology in spotting dysfunction before it escalates into a crisis.
• The importance of considering societal value and sustainability when developing products.

Connect with Us:

For more insightful discussions on product development and lifecycle management, follow Stay Sharp with Razorleaf on your favorite podcast platform. Don’t forget to check out our website for additional resources, and reach out to us with any questions or topic suggestions at [email protected]. We’d love to hear from you! Until next time, stay sharp!

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