Sustainable and scalable – Product Lifecycle Management

DaaS, SaaS, PaaS, IaaS, MaaS, NaaS—there are no so many forms of XaaS! They might be hardware related like Device as a Service, but could also be Software as a Service. Whilst there are multiple benefits when it comes to scalability and flexibility, XaaS also supports a more sustainable IT process and this is where a smart Product Lifecycle Management plays a role.

From a basic strategy to smart Product Lifecycle Management

In the past, process automation, digitalisation and changing business models were front and centre, but now we've reached a whole new stage.

Many companies rely on a business model that is too static and frequently driven by IT and applications, stymieing innovation and preventing companies from responding to market demands. This also means sustainability slides down the agenda. This is where Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) comes in.

The benefit of PLM

But what exactly is PLM? PLM, or Product Lifecycle Management, was originally designed to help engineers collaborate on product designs and manage information throughout a product's lifecycle.

However, because the technology was on-premise, PLM solutions were only really used by in-house employees. These days, Product Lifecycle Management has evolved to encompass a larger part of the company, including customer services, marketing, sales, suppliers, and partner channels.

This modern version is, therefore, the process of managing the entire lifecycle of a product—from technical design and manufacturing to service and disposal.

But why do you actually need a PLM strategy? A well-executed PLM strategy can significantly increase the efficiency and effectiveness of your business as it structures the processes that impact the entire lifecycle of the product. This way, you establish a digital strategy that focuses on flexibility, customer-centric thinking, and sustainable innovation.

Sustainability through proactive maintenance

You might be wondering if it is sustainable to proactively replace devices that are still working. Yes, it is! Outdated devices are returned and recycled,

while those still in good condition are added back into the device pool. This not only saves time and money, but also boosts the sustainability of your production processes. What's more, Device as a Service is easily scalable, so you can adjust the number of devices to match a changing workforce. This approach ensures predictable annual costs and provides flexibility in managing your IT product needs, which is both better for your budget and the environment.