As more organizations opt for outsourced design or manufacturing and succumb to pressure to speed time to market, products are being developed simultaneously across mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and software engineering. This combination is referred to as mechatronics and according to Agile is one of the fastest growing components of product content. As a result, manufacturers are adopting PLM in order to coordinate and align enterprise collaboration and change management across all engineering disciplines.
The two vendors has developed an integrated application that caters for change management within the software content of products across their lifecycle as well as managing changes related to the hardware side. As PLM is still an emerging sector and its scope continues to expand, there is a lack of integrated solutions. In addition, PLM tools and applications are focused on the engineering and mechanicals aspects of product design and management.
The Integrated Change Management Solution combines Agile PLM with the IBM Rational Software Development Platform. The initial focus is on IBM Rational ClearQuest, which should allow better insight, predictability, and control over product development process.