Organisational Change Management in the PLM Environment

Abstract

The objective of this chapter is to give a basic introduction to organisational change and Organisational Change Management (OCM) as they relate to a company’s PLM environment and PLM Initiative. This introduction will help those in a company’s PLM Initiative to understand change-related topics and participate more fully in the PLM Initiative. The chapter also aims to give students a basic understanding of the role and activities of Organisational Change Management in the PLM environment. The first part of the chapter is an introduction to Organisational Change Management (OCM) in the PLM environment. It describes the purpose, role and importance of OCM in a PLM Initiative. Definitions are given of frequently used terms in the OCM environment. The need for OCM is introduced. Required characteristics of organisational change, including KPIs, are outlined. The second part of the chapter focuses on the people in the PLM environment. Some try to bring about change, some are expected to change. The third part of the chapter addresses OCM in the PLM environment of a typical company. It describes typical issues that are encountered in many companies. The interaction of OCM with the resources of PLM and with other company initiatives is addressed. The fourth part of the chapter describes typical projects in the PLM Initiative that are related to organisational change. Examples of change-related projects are given. The fifth and final part of the chapter builds on experience of working with organisational change with many companies. It shares lessons learned from experience of OCM in PLM Initiatives. The potential pitfalls of OCM are described. Top management’s role in the management of organisational change is addressed.