Mr. Miller, who was born on April 21, 1949 in Linton, Indiana, is survived by his wife Karen, his daughter Jana, his son Ryan, and his sister Barbara Reed, as well as countless colleagues and friends around the world who knew and respected him both professionally and personally. Mr. Miller attended Purdue University and graduated in 1971 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering. He was a member of Eta Kappa Nu and Tau Beta Pi Engineering honoraries. He received a Master of Science degree in Engineering from The University of Michigan in 1973. Upon graduation, Mr. Miller went to work for the Burroughs Corporation. He later joined Manufacturing Data Systems, Inc. (MDSI), an Ann Arbor firm, focused on the development and marketing of software for control of machine tools.

Mr. Miller joined CIMdata in 1985, and throughout his career was a leading champion for the development and use of PLM to improve the abilities and methods for designing, manufacturing, and servicing products of companies in all industries. Starting with the inception of Product Data Management (PDM) in the mid-1980’s, Mr. Miller worked diligently with industrial companies around the world to help them learn the benefits that PDM, and later PLM, could deliver to their businesses. He helped them understand how to define their needs, select technologies and solutions, and implement those solutions in the most effective manner for their specific business. Likewise, he worked actively with the suppliers of PLM solutions throughout the world to help them recognize the needs of the industrial community and create effective solutions and marketing strategies. Mr. Miller also prompted academic institutions to understand the need for, and importance of, providing PLM education to students of all ages so that they would be better prepared to work effectively.

During Mr. Miller’s tenure as CIMdata President, he focused on building CIMdata’s global brand, growing the company from a North American PDM management consulting and research firm to a globally-recognized leader in the PLM market. Today, CIMdata’s global client list includes organizations of all sizes from many different industries that are served by CIMdata offices in America, Europe, and Asia. Over the years, Mr. Miller was instrumental in attracting and retaining some of the industry’s best and brightest PLM professionals. The team Mr. Miller put into place continues to provide world-leading strategic PLM-related advice and counsel. Mr. Peter Bilello, recruited by Mr. Miller in 1997, has assumed Mr. Miller’s responsibilities and will continue to manage the company from its headquarters in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Mr. Miller was generally recognized as the “Father” of PDM and the foremost worldwide authority on the PLM marketplace and technologies. He was a PLM spokesperson and visionary who continually looked forward to see and define how PLM solutions could and should evolve to provide increasingly better solutions and benefits for companies and users. Mr. Miller authored numerous industry articles and was a frequent keynote speaker at PLM solution supplier and industrial events around the world. Mr. Miller’s vision will continue to shape the industry for years to come.

Mr. Alan Christman, Chairman of CIMdata, stated, “I knew Ed for more than 20 years. He was both a business partner and a personal friend. He was highly regarded by those that knew him and well respected by all within the global PLM community. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends, his CIMdata colleagues, many business associates, and by the PLM industry at large.”

We are happy to forward any messages you may wish to send to Mr. Miller’s family. Please email them to info@CIMdata.com.