Database Reference
In-Depth Information
FIGURE 1.2
Oracle's Agile Product Collaboration enables clear and concise tracking of items in
review, products in transition, and issues in resolution.
The inspiration for the burgeoning business process now known as
PLM came from American Motors Corporation (AMC). The automaker
was looking for a way to speed up its product development process to bet-
ter compete. After introducing its compact Jeep Cherokee (XJ), the vehi-
cle that launched the modern sport utility vehicle (SUV) market, AMC
began development of a new model that later came out as the Jeep Grand
Cherokee. The first part in its quest for faster product development was a
computer-aided design (CAD) software system that made engineers more
productive. The second part in this effort was a new communication sys-
tem that allowed conflicts to be resolved faster while also reducing costly
engineering changes, because all drawings and documents were in a cen-
tral database. The product data management was so effective that after
AMC was purchased by Chrysler, the system was expanded throughout
the enterprise, connecting everyone involved in designing and building
products. By being an early adopter of PLM technology, Chrysler was able
to become the auto industry's lowest-cost producer, recording develop-
ment costs that were half of the industry average by the mid-1990s.
PLM systems help organizations in coping with the increasing complex-
ity and engineering challenges of developing new products for the global
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