Middle-of-life PLM Solutions for Reconfigurable Networked Mechatronic Products

This paper argues for the importance of product configuration data management during the operational life phase of modern, software intensive, reconfigurable and networked mechatronic products. The state-of-practice of the configuration management of mechatronic products is presented first. The challenges in configuration management that the machine industry is facing are then identified empirically, by conducting semi-structured interviews within seven companies. The main challenges identified are the lack of evolving product unit-specific, as-maintained data and its synchronization with the configuration changes executed on the product in the field. Finally, product lifecycle management (PLM) systems requirements are specified based on the challenges, and commercial systems are evaluated against these requirements. The results indicate that the potential of remote connectivity between PLM systems and products in the field has been recognized by both the machine industry and PLM system vendors, although systems, technologies, and work processes are not yet mature.