Generic model for the implementation of PLM systems in mechanical SMEs .

To improve the performance of extended enterprises, SMEs must be integrated. This integration must be done on several levels, including the PLM level. PLM is underdeveloped in SMEs mainly because of their difficulties in implementing information systems. This work aims to provide a modelling framework to facilitate the implementation of PLM systems in mechanical SMEs. Our approach offers a generic model for the creation of processes and data models. These models are explained, and then the scope and the improvement they provide are considered. Keyword: Product Lifecycle Management (PLM); Modelling Framework; Generic Model; Information System 1 PLM in mechanical SMEs SMEs of the mechanical field have to integrate the different extended enterprises of their customers. This integration is facilitated by the implementation of information systems like PLM that structure and centralize product information. Nevertheless the SMEs do not readily implement these systems [1, 2], while they recognize their usefulness [2]. Recent surveys evaluate the main difficulties in the implementations of PLM systems in SMEs [4, 5]. Combined with previous studies in mechanicals SMEs [6], it results that the main difficulties that arise for the implementation of PLM system for SMEs are: • The match between the functionalities proposed by the actual software and the needs of some kind of enterprise, especially the raw part makers. • The difficulty of modelling processes of the company and data model. The ha l-0 05 39 99 0, v er si on 1 23 J an 2 01 2 Author manuscript, published in "7th International Product Lifecycle Management Conference, Bremen : Germany (2010)"