The Role of statistics in Adressing the level of Matutity of SMEs in terms of PLM Collaboration

Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems are considered as a set of tools and methodologies to manage the evolution of product-related information and processes during their life cycle from the initial stage of conception to the last stage of product disposal. On the other hand, research has provided differing definitions for PLM, including that it is a business strategy to enhance the integration and collaboration activities during definition, sharing and usage of engineering data wherever information is needed throughout the product life cycle. PLM systems as a business strategy are not only a key consideration for large companies, but also they are becoming a must for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), whom consider product development as a core competency. Due to competition and globalization in the marketplace, it is essential for enterprises that work in domain of supply chain networks to have access to optimal information and communication technologies to enhance their performance. However, in spite of SMEs also being interested in the same technologies, problems in structuring prevent them from having good exchanges of information. When a company is planning to develop or implement a PLM system, a key consideration for those responsible, is to complete a maturity assessment. Through the use of a maturity model, the company will be able to measure the level of implementation of PLM or the methods required to extend it.