An examination of alternative software technologies that facilitate life-cycle management (LCM)

Technology offers vast potential for improving the effectiveness and efficiency of life-cycle management (LCM) activities. Technology provides significant opportunities to support the information, analysis, and communication needs that lie at the heart of any LCM program. However, we must begin to move away from piecemeal solutions in addressing these three areas and develop a more integrated information technology strategy for LCM. Off-the-shelf solutions may be appropriate for some of the tasks, and customized or custom-made tools map be required for organization-specific areas. The challenge is to find the correct mix that will optimize the cost-benefit ratio. To be able to optimize, we will need to thoroughly understand the workings of the current or planned life-cycle management system. An essential tool for this integration is workprocess analysis. Through a detailed examination of the what, who, when, and how of LCM business processes; a company can more effectively fit technology into the way people work. As LCM activities become more complex, an integrated technology strategy combined with an appropriate level of workprocess analysis will yield substantial improvements to corporate environmental decision-making, and the selection of appropriate technology to support it.