Christa Prokos
The manufacturing industry is evolving with smart technologies, sustainability initiatives, and mass customization. As complexity increases, Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems like Autodesk Fusion Manage and Autodesk Vault provide essential tools to streamline workflows, improve collaboration, and optimize product data. Learn how PLM can enhance efficiency and help manufacturers stay competitive in a rapidly changing landscape.
Digitalization, automation, and sustainability inspire significant changes in the manufacturing world. Companies are now adopting new technologies to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and meet dynamic customer demands. For example, the rise of Industry 4.0 has accelerated the adoption of smart manufacturing systems that integrate artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) to create data-driven production environments. Such technologies help manufacturers optimize operations, predict maintenance needs, and increase overall productivity.
In this piece, we’ll look at the trends in the manufacturing world and why such shifts have necessitated robust and comprehensive product lifecycle management (PLM) tools.
Changes in manufacturing
A major shift is occurring in the way manufacturers collect and use data. Advanced sensors and IIoT devices enable real-time monitoring of machines and supply chains, which in turn allows companies to quickly identify inefficiencies and reduce downtime. Powered by AI, predictive maintenance uses this data to forecast failures and schedule repairs before issues disrupt production. By leveraging big data analytics, manufacturers can make more informed decisions, streamline production, and enhance product quality.
Additive manufacturing, or 3D printing, is also changing traditional production processes. Companies can now design and manufacture parts on demand with reduced waste and lead times as compared to conventional, subtractive methods. For example, aerospace, automotive, and healthcare industries require customized components and lightweight materials. Additive manufacturing unlocks the rapid prototyping engineers need to test designs faster and make adjustments before mass production begins.
Meanwhile, as regulatory pressures and consumer expectations grow, sustainability has become a central priority for manufacturers. Companies are focusing on reducing carbon emissions, using recyclable materials, and optimizing supply chains to minimize environmental impact. Many manufacturers are, therefore, adopting circular economy principles by designing products with end-of-life considerations such that materials can be repurposed rather than discarded. Green manufacturing practices, such as energy-efficient production methods and waste reduction initiatives, are also becoming industry standards.
Finally, mass customization is a major trend reshaping the industry. Consumers expect products tailored to their specific needs, from personalized electronics to custom-built machinery. This demand requires flexible manufacturing systems capable of producing small batches without significant cost increases. Technologies such as modular design, AI-driven production planning, and digital twins help manufacturers adapt to these demands while maintaining efficiency.
These advancements make manufacturing more interconnected, data-driven, and sustainable. However, managing this complexity requires a centralized approach to data, processes, and team collaboration.
Why product lifecycle management
As product development cycles become more complex, manufacturers need a structured way to manage data, track revisions, and collaborate across departments. A PLM system provides a centralized platform that connects all aspects of product development, from initial design to manufacturing, distribution, and even end-of-life considerations. Companies risk miscommunication, inefficiencies, and costly errors without an effective product lifecycle management system.
One of the main challenges in modern manufacturing is version control. When multiple teams work on a product, managing design iterations and engineering changes can be difficult. A product lifecycle management system ensures that all stakeholders have access to the latest version of product data to prevent errors caused by outdated information. It also facilitates change management, allowing teams to track modifications, approvals, and compliance requirements in a structured manner.
Supply chain complexity is another reason why PLM is necessary. Many manufacturers rely on a global network of suppliers, making it essential to have a system that synchronizes product data across different locations. Product lifecycle management solutions integrate with supply chain management tools to provide real-time visibility into procurement, inventory, and logistics. This helps companies respond quickly to supply chain disruptions and make data-driven decisions to optimize production.
Regulatory compliance is also a growing concern. Government regulations and industry standards require manufacturers to document product designs, materials, and testing procedures. A PLM system streamlines compliance management by providing a single source of truth for all regulatory documentation and reducing the risk of non-compliance and potential penalties.
Autodesk Fusion for PLM
Autodesk Fusion Manage is a cloud-based product lifecycle management solution designed to help manufacturers organize product data, streamline workflows, and improve collaboration across the entire product lifecycle. With its cloud-based infrastructure, Fusion Manage provides a scalable, flexible approach that adapts to the needs of modern manufacturing businesses.
A major value proposition of Fusion Manage is its ability to centralize product information. Teams can manage bills of materials (BOMs), track design changes, and ensure that all departments are working with accurate data. This reduces the risk of costly errors, especially in highly regulated industries where documentation and compliance are required.
Automated workflows in Fusion Manage help eliminate bottlenecks in product development. The system enables manufacturers to define approval processes, manage engineering change orders, and confirm that revisions are tracked systematically. The result is reduced delays so that companies can bring products to market faster while maintaining high-quality standards.
Autodesk Vault for PLM
Autodesk Vault complements Fusion Manage by providing a powerful Product Data Management (PDM) solution. While PLM focuses on the broader lifecycle of a product, PDM is specifically designed to manage design files, engineering documents, and version control. Vault ensures that teams have secure, organized access to design data to avoid issues such as accidental overwrites, lost files, or conflicting versions.
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Vault stands out for its ability to integrate with CAD software such as Autodesk Inventor and AutoCAD. Engineers can manage file versions directly within their design environment to eliminate the risk of working with outdated models. Vault also provides robust search and retrieval capabilities that make it easier for teams to locate and reuse existing designs.
Autodesk Vault supports compliance requirements for manufacturers operating in regulated industries by tracking design history, managing approval processes, and confirming proper documentation. These features help organizations maintain audit readiness and adhere to industry standards without disrupting daily workflows.
Product lifecycle management and modern manufacturing
As companies embrace smart manufacturing, additive production, and mass customization, managing products becomes increasingly complex. A PLM system guarantees that product data remains accurate, accessible, and structured throughout its lifecycle. Autodesk Fusion Manage and Autodesk Vault collectively provides a cloud-based solution that enhances collaboration, automates workflows, and improves product development efficiency.