A few guidelines for a good usage of PLM software

Abstract

Softwares providers offer PLM solutions to support the homonym organizational approach, especially during New Product Development (NPD) process. However these tools are not a panacea. This communication takes its theoretical and methodological foundations in management science. We seek to understand how managers can influence the users so they make a good use of their PLM tool. We analyze the case of a car manufacturer that has purchased a PLM software eight years ago. Our qualitative approach has allowed us to highlighting the importance of managerial action and regulation for an efficient use of PLM tools. On a theoretical level, we use the PLM features in line with Grieves to determine the informational integration effectiveness permitted by the tool. We propose some extensions to the sociomaterial typology of agencies recognized in Information Systems literature. Finally, we propose some managerial guidelines for a good use of PLM tools.