IQMS, a provider of the design and development of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software, announced the availability of the Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) module for its EnterpriseIQ ERP software.

The PLM module seamlessly links lifecycle management activities to the rich set of ERP capabilities found in EnterpriseIQ, and enables manufacturers to track products from the design and quoting process through production, to the end of the life of the product. With PLM in place, manufacturers can go lean to reduce development time and costs while ensuring customer satisfaction.

“The competitive nature of manufacturing today is pushing companies to reassess how they manage the lifecycle of the goods they produce,” said Randy Flamm, president and founder of IQMS. “The automotive industry, for example, is trending toward tighter operations to deliver customer-driven designs in less time with less cost, making effective communication along the global supply chain imperative. EnterpriseIQ with its PLM module connects outside designers, suppliers and customers to the internal manufacturing process, and enables the type of collaborative, real-time environment that is quickly becoming central to success in today’s manufacturing industries.”

With the IQMS PLM module, product introduction is not confined to internal procedures and processes, rather, using email and Web-based workflow tools, PLM promotes open communication with suppliers and customers through all stages of the product lifecycle.

With PLM, manufacturers can reduce cycle time from concept to delivery, streamline process tracking and approvals, save costs, and eliminate redundant activity. The system’s workflow technology also ensures that projects are completed on time, whether team members are local or remote. Key features of the system enable users to:

• Create PLM items and sub-items that do not affect master inventory until a quote is converted to a Bill of Material (BOM)
• Define multiple scenarios for quotes (i.e. different material, tooling, subcontractor, etc.)
• Import BOM from CAD systems and attach CAD-type drawings to the PLM file
• Create assembly and individual part quotes directly from PLM
• Easily convert quotes to a BOM when a project is awarded
• Access all ERP related information including links to quotes, APQP, FMEA, PPAP, tooling SPC, CRM, corrective actions and more, directly from the PLM
• Maintain PLM history including customer calls, RMAs, profit/loss reports and more
• Tie in Material Review Board (MRB) activity
• Monitor raw material supplier and outsource vendor activities
• Easily produce pie charts, bar diagrams and more using real-time data

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