The manufacturing industry is transforming in today’s interconnected, fast-paced world. Manufacturers worldwide are embracing sustainability, environmental challenges, and governance compliance while adopting the principles of Industry 5.0. This article explores the synergistic collaboration between Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) and Life Cycle Engineering (LCE) and how it fosters sustainable growth and enhanced efficiency. We’ll delve into PLM, LCE, ESG, and Industry 5.0, uncovering the promising possibilities, they bring to revolutionize the industry.
The Fusion of PLM and Life Cycle Engineering:
Throughout the manufacturing industry, PLM has served as the backbone, streamlining product development and facilitating collaboration across the supply chain. LCE focuses on analyzing the entire life cycle of a product, from raw material extraction to end-of-life disposal, with the aim of minimizing its environmental impact. By combining these approaches, manufacturers gain a holistic perspective of their products, empowering them to make more informed decisions, design sustainable products, and foster circular economy practices.
Embracing Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) Principles:
In response to global concerns about climate change, pollution, and social responsibility, manufacturers must adopt ESG principles to remain competitive and meet consumer demands. The collaboration between PLM and LCE enables companies to evaluate the environmental impact of their products, reduce waste, and ensure ethical supply chain practices. As a result, manufacturers can bolster their brand reputation, gain a competitive edge, and make positive contributions to society.
Addressing Critics:
While the alliance between PLM and LCE offers numerous benefits, it’s crucial to acknowledge potential challenges, especially regarding initial implementation costs and integration time, which can pose difficulties for small to medium-sized manufacturers. Nevertheless, the long-term advantages of reduced waste, optimized resource utilization, and an improved brand reputation far outweigh the initial investments.
Furthermore, there may be sceptics who dismiss ESG initiatives as mere “greenwashing” tactics, considering them superficial attempts to enhance a Company’s image without genuine impact. However, it’s essential to emphasize that the collaboration of PLM and LCE extends beyond symbolic gestures. It instigates a transformative shift within manufacturing processes, resulting in concrete reductions in environmental footprints and significant contributions to social welfare.
Real-World Examples:
A. Automotive Industry:
Prominent Electric Vehicle (EV) manufacturers utilize PLM-LCE collaboration for low-carbon EVs. Tesla’s Model 3, known for innovation and range, employs sustainable materials throughout its lifecycle. Tesla’s 2022 report highlights reduced emissions in the value chain, recycling 90% of manufacturing waste. Nissan’s LEAF cuts CO2 by 32% vs. conventional vehicles. ARIYA improves performance, reducing emissions by 18%, while SAKURA reduces CO2 by 17%. Nissan prioritizes carbon reduction through recycled materials and renewable energy. Volvo, Polestar embrace eco-friendly materials like flax, recycled aluminium, and BMW’s i3 champions renewable materials, showcasing a strong sustainability commitment.
B. Industrial Product and Energy Industry
According to the United Nations Environment Programme’s “Life cycle management: a business guide to sustainability,” 3M utilizes Life Cycle Management (LCM) globally, optimizing product design and waste disposal. For instance, they switched from sticks to pellets for Adhesive HOT MELT BR7065A in Brazil. LCM fosters environmental leadership and competitiveness (L. D. DeSimone, 3M CEO 1991-2001). Vestas reduced material consumption per kWh using LCA, dispelling myths about wind turbines and demonstrating their net energy production over 20+ years. These examples highlight businesses prioritizing sustainability for a greener future.
C. Consumer Electronics:
Apple’s management executive’s reviews products in development, emphasizing materials, design, supply chain, packaging, and energy efficiency. iPhone 14 cut emissions by 23% compared to the baseline with recycled aluminium and low-carbon materials, reducing emissions by 8%. Samsung’s Galaxy Eco-Packaging initiative stands as a testament to its dedication to environmentally responsible practices, as it employs minimalistic packaging and biodegradable materials to reduce waste.
Insights from Experts:
In the e-book “The Sustainability Imperative: PLM for Green Engineering” by PTC, 65% of CIMdata’s survey respondents prioritize sustainability at the C-level, outperforming peers by 21%. To achieve a greener future, strengthening the linkage between digital transformation and sustainability is crucial, with CIMdata emphasizing PLM Economy’s vital role. Designing sustainable products and tracking environmental impact aligns with organizational goals. Understanding product sustainability, global value chains, and packaging regulations are essential for success.
PTC reports 70% of CO2 footprint set in the design phase. Designers explore materials, methods, simulate real-world performance for eco-friendly products, which is the pivotal step for sustainability.
JosVoskuyil, PLM Green Alliance Co-founder, highlights PLM-sustainability connection. PLM manages lifecycle, sustainability considers users, industries, environment.
Stan Przybylinski, CIMdata VP, stresses global imperative of sustainability, demanding comprehensive business responses. The convergence of PLM-sustainability tackles environmental challenges.
The Road to Industry 5.0:
Industry 5.0 signifies the convergence of human skills and advanced technologies in manufacturing. The integration of PLM and LCE perfectly aligns with this vision, as it places emphasis on human-centered design, sustainable practices, and responsible innovation. Manufacturers who adopt this approach can achieve operational excellence while fostering a workforce that is engaged, skilled, and adaptable.
Future Trends and Developments:
Manufacturers redefine their strategies by embracing sustainability, efficiency, and innovation. PLM streamlines product development, while LCE analyzes eco-impact. ESG principles drive responsible practices. Industry 5.0 merges human skills and advanced tech. Artificial Intelligence will play a crucial role in optimizing product design, material selection, and end-of-life strategies. Additionally, blockchain technology will enhance supply chain transparency, ensuring ethical sourcing and compliance with ESG standards. With the ability to process vast amounts of data and generate human-like responses, large language models can provide valuable insights to support PLM, ESG initiatives, LCE analysis, and Industry 5.0 adoption in manufacturing.
Long-Term Benefits:
Investing in the integration of PLM and LCE positions manufacturers at the forefront of sustainability, enabling them to make a positive and enduring impact on the environment and society. Moreover, embracing ESG principles and Industry 5.0 practices fosters innovation and resilience, allowing companies to thrive in an ever-changing market landscape.
Conclusion:
The collaboration between PLM and Life Cycle Engineering has emerged as a potent force within the global manufacturing landscape. By incorporating ESG principles and embracing Industry 5.0, companies can drive sustainable growth, minimize their environmental impact, and make a positive influence on society. From designing eco-friendly products to optimizing resource usage, the synergy of PLM and LCE empowers manufacturers to create a better future for all. In this era of transformative technologies and heightened environmental awareness, manufacturers must fully embrace this collaboration. Together, we can make a lasting impact on our environment and communities by the journey toward a sustainable future!
By Uthayan Elangovan, Founder and CEO at Neel Smartec Consultant
Uthayan Elangovan is a seasoned professional with 19 years of dynamic experience in various domains, ranging from product lifecycle management (PLM) to Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) consulting. He has worked with a diverse range of organizations (Flex, Wipro, Syntel, PTC, Sonakoyo, PreC solutions), including automotive, electrical, medical, industrial, and electronics enterprises, providing valuable insights and expertise. He is passionate about the transformative impact of PLM and IIoT on product development and ensuring that the PLM-IIoT framework aligns with client requirements while supporting business processes.
Uthayan’s deep interest in manufacturing technological advancements, particularly in automation, has driven him to author several books. His works include “Industry 5.0: The Future of the Industrial Economy” and “Product Lifecycle Management (PLM): A Digital Journey Using Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT),” published by CRC Press – Taylor & Francis Group, LLC, USA & UK. The latter book received accolades from Book Authority as one of the “Best Industrial Management Books of All Times!” and “Best New Industrial Management Books to Read In 2022!” It also earned the prestigious 2020 Taylor; Francis Award for Outstanding Professional Book.
Additionally, Uthayan authored “Smart Automation to Smart Manufacturing – Industrial Internet of Things,” published by Momentum Press, New York, USA. This book was recognized by Book Authority as one of the “Best Manufacturing Automation Books of All Times!” Book Authority is a prominent platform for book recommendations and has been featured on CNN, Forbes, and Inc.
In August 2018, fueled by his passion for PLM and IIoT consulting, he took the bold step of starting his own venture, Neel SMARTEC Consulting. As the founder, he lead a dedicated small team providing expertise in PLM consulting (OpenBOM, Windchill PLM), IIoT Consulting (Cloud Studio), ERP Consulting (Katana), and Academic Consulting. With a vision to empower businesses with cutting-edge solutions, Neel SMARTEC is committed to driving innovation and transformation across industries. Neel Smartec, a 2022 Management Consulting Awards winner at Wealth & Finance. Connect with me for networking, insights, and partnerships to create a significant impact in our domains and beyond!