Beyond traditional PLM: Leveraging data science for competitive advantage

This article explores the transformation of Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) through data science integration, addressing how traditional document-centric systems are evolving into strategic competitive advantages. It examines the limitations of conventional PLM approaches and highlights how emerging data-driven paradigms are revolutionizing product development across industries. The article details key applications, including predictive engineering analytics, intelligent requirements management, and data-driven design decision support, while outlining the infrastructure, capabilities, and organizational changes needed to build a strong data science foundation. Through implementation strategies and case studies from the automotive, aerospace, and consumer electronics sectors, it provides practical guidance for organizations navigating this critical transition, ultimately demonstrating how data-driven PLM can deliver superior products with greater efficiency.