Metrics

Abstract

This chapter addresses metrics in the PLM environment. Metrics are a system of measurement that characterises an entity, be it a company, a person or a product. It’s often said that you can’t manage what you can’t measure. Metrics help an organisation to set targets for its annual improvement plans and to measure the progress that it’s making. Without metrics it’s difficult to describe an entity, set targets, monitor progress, track results or fix problems. Metrics help a company to understand its PLM performance, the performance of its competitors, and the behaviour of its customers. There are many metrics in the product lifecycle that can be used. A balanced set of metrics is required to enable successful management of products across the lifecycle. Common characteristics and issues of metrics in the PLM environment are explained.