Current state of sustainability representation product lifecycle management systems and future Perspectives: A comparative evaluation

Abstract

This paper presents a comprehensive evaluation of Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems and their integration with sustainability practices. With increasing pressure on industries to align with global sustainability standards, the role of PLM systems in facilitating sustainable product development has become critical. This study identifies and evaluates the sustainability capabilities of major PLM vendors through a state-of-the-art content analysis. It introduces a novel 5-dimensional PLM sustainability framework, encompassing Technical Sustainability, Commercial Sustainability, Integration of Sustainability, Sustainability Standard Compliance, and Data and Analytical Capabilities. The framework offers a structured approach to assess how PLM platforms can support organizations in meeting sustainability goals, bridging the gap between theoretical insights and practical implementation. The analysis reveals that while PLM systems have made significant strides in automation and compliance, challenges remain in standardizing data management and ensuring continuous improvement in sustainability integration. The findings provide valuable insights for practitioners and researchers seeking to enhance the alignment of PLM systems with sustainability objectives, emphasizing the need for ongoing adaptation and innovation in PLM system design.