The SolutionScape: What We Offer

DSG specializes in enhancing the PLM systems of consumer products companies. We recognize that there are two variations of use of PLM in consumer products companies. The first is by using PLM to orchestrate the management of the engineering of the products, leveraging other tools / systems to formalize the product line / assortment. We refer to this as an E-PLM based SolutionScape.

The second approach is where the company will use multiple PLM systems that are intimated (intelligently integrated). The product-centric PLM (or P-PLM) is used to establish the product line / assortment profile combined with the E-PLM for managing all of the engineering of the products.

Both will intimate with the other upstream / downstream systems as described below.

We integrate advanced 3D and 2D CAD tools to facilitate comprehensive design and development processes. E-PLM serves as the backbone for managing complex product details from initial concept to final product validation. It seamlessly connects with downstream manufacturing and production systems to ensure that designs are feasible and aligned with production capabilities.

In the SolutionScape profile above, the use of an Assortment / Range Planning system would be intimated with the E-PLM system to ensure the products in the product line are engineered, developed, and passed through to ERP and other down-stream systems. The A/RP system should be able to vary products, pricing, and forecasted sales by channel (geographical, retailer, e-commerce, etc).

In select instances there will be one or more independent Enterprise Database(s) ("DB"), as well as use of Internet of Things technology that connects a range of devices or systems that are necessary for the business operations. There should always exist some for of a reporting / Dashboard facility that obtains data from all systems / databases to present a holistic view of product information both at present and historical.

Less often will exist some form of Artificial Intelligent (AI) / Machine Learning facilities that will bring insights to the product line profile, production, logistics, or product design. Though new to the Consumer Products market, this technology is fast-paced and advancing rapidly, leveraging the myriad of historic data that exists through the enterprise systems.

The P & E-PLM SoutionScape is depicted in the image below, noting that this configuration set replaces the A/RP system references above with a Product-centric PLM System (P-PLM) that is used to define the product line, sometimes obtaining input from Industry trends / Market Analysis, Voice of the Customer and Customer Review input services.

Because this form of P-PLM system is less often integrated directly with the E-PLM systems, the E-PLM system remains the system of record for all 3D CAD, while both the P-PLM can be the primary system of record of 2D CAD most often used for packaging, artwork, and instructional documentation.

The combining of the E-PLM and P-PLM systems ensures that E-PLM and P-PLM do not operate in silos but are intelligently integrated, creating a cohesive environment that supports uninterrupted digital fluidity.

Tailored for market responsiveness, P-PLM focuses on developing the product line and assortments that are offered to specific channels (big box store chains, on-line, geographies, etc). Real-time market analysis and customer feedback into product development, ensuring that every product aligns with current market trends and consumer expectations. P-PLM is inteligently integrated with upstream marketing and consumer insight systems to funnel relevant data into product design and development.

This duality of P-PLM and E-PLM integrations is also likely to be intimated with Product Consumer Testing where results may affect both the product design (E-PLM) as well as the product pricing or other attribute data (P-PLM). The P-PLM system is expected to be the only system that requires integration with the Product Information Management (PIM) system since it is expected that sufficient imagery will exist in the P-PLM for Market Release publishing.

This duality of PLM systems creates a comprehensive, interconnected journey from mind to market, optimizing every phase of the product lifecycle to meet the fast-evolving demands of the market.

Each of these PLM based SolutionScape profiles is further enhanced by the integration of networked devices (IoT: Internet of Things) and Enterprise Database that is supporting Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to provide a holistic view of operations, enhancing decision-making and operational efficiency.