A solid data foundation is essential for businesses navigating today’s complex regulatory and operational demands. At the core of this foundation is a Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) system, which centralises and organises key product data, such as raw materials, supplier details, and style specifications. This article explores how a PLM helps streamline workflows, ensure data consistency, and build the infrastructure needed to meet future challenges, including evolving legislation.

The role of PLM in building a data foundation

A Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) platform is the starting point for managing a product’s journey, from idea to market. It acts as a central hub, organising all the important data, like raw materials, supplier details, style specifications, and production information.

A PLM platform allows you to create a well-organised and structured library of the items used in developing each style. By centralising data storage, your team can easily access all necessary information in one place, streamlining workflows and reducing errors. This centralised approach not only ensures data consistency but also fosters better collaboration, enhances efficiency, and provides a strong foundation for seamless integration with other systems.

A strong data foundation

This year is all about building a solid data foundation by organising and refining existing data. By addressing "old" data now, you create a baseline that prepares your company for the increasing data demands driven by upcoming legislation. A PLM system plays a crucial role in this process by enabling a standardised approach to data management.

With a PLM platform, you can establish clear principles for using data points across your company, ensuring consistency and accuracy. For example, structuring data from the start of the product development phase ensures that critical information is always captured and accessible. This structured approach not only streamlines data usage but also provides the seamless access needed to support compliance and long-term growth.

The year of infrastructure

When you hear the word "infrastructure," you might not immediately think of your IT setup. However, a strong digital infrastructure is essential for promoting efficient data sharing across systems. The key to building this infrastructure is starting with clean and structured data, ensuring it can be seamlessly transferred to other platforms.

In the product lifecycle, items and styles originate in the PLM system. This data serves as the foundation for other systems, which rely on it for their operations. PLM platforms are often designed with a deep understanding of industry-specific standards and upcoming legislation, enabling them to provide solutions aligned with best practices. By leveraging these tailored tools, you can not only ensure compliance but also optimise data management across your entire digital ecosystem.

What does that mean for you?

This year is the perfect time to step back and get a clear overview of where your business stands in terms of data management. Focus on understanding your current processes and creating a more structured data foundation. By doing so, your brand can strengthen its internal knowledge of workflows, principles, and key data points.

Looking ahead, use the following year to set actionable goals. For example, establish principles in the design phase for material requirements or create a standardised set of data requirements that all suppliers must meet. These steps will help you build a more comprehensive dataset, enabling your business to stay ahead of upcoming regulations, such as the European Sustainable Product Regulation (ESPR).

Although specific product requirements under ESPR are not yet defined, starting now is crucial. It’s far easier to capture data points in real time, as you receive them, rather than trying to backtrack and gather missing information later. By proactively structuring and collecting data, your business will be better equipped to meet future demands and maintain compliance with evolving legislation.

Conclusion

Building a strong data foundation starts with PLM as the central hub for managing and structuring critical product information. By organising existing data and implementing consistent processes now, your business can create a solid baseline for future growth and compliance.

As regulatory demands, like the European Sustainable Product Regulation (ESPR), continue to evolve, starting early ensures you can capture essential data in real time, reducing the challenges of backtracking later. PLM not only helps streamline operations but also supports seamless integration with other systems, fostering collaboration and long-term success. By investing in your data foundation today, you position your business to adapt, grow, and thrive in an increasingly data-driven and regulated world.