Solving Common PLM Strategy Problems: Vendor First or Strategy First? [hold]

Achieving Long-Term Transformational Success with PLM in Life Sciences, Part 17

In this blog series, I provide insights as to why PLM has true potential to be so transformational for life sciences companies, but many aren’t getting there. In this entry, I’ll revisit the topic of PLM vendor selection, diving deeper into how PLM vendor selection and PLM strategy should tie together.

Sometimes I see companies make the mistake of picking a vendor and then developing a PLM strategy.

Here’s what I have seen happen, much too often.

Some crisis has occurred. For example, lagging sales, margins trending lower, missed opportunities in emerging markets, an FDA-issued 483 form or warning letter, expensive recalls, or declining market share. The knee jerk reaction is, “We need better systems to improve innovation/quality/fill-in-the-blank business driver.”

A well-intended, enthusiastic executive recommends that PLM is the new answer. I love those people of course; it’s that energy that provides the spark. But here is what happens so often: the idea gains traction, excitement builds and a sponsor is appointed and given some budget. Sometimes, this champion doesn’t have adequate qualifications in the processes that will be automated in the near term, or has little understanding of PLM technology. Vendors are invited in and conduct scripted demonstrations. After a lot of time and effort, a favorite begins to emerge.

Next, purchasing gets involved and insists an RFP is issued. The champion does his or her best to write the RFP, but it’s filled with idealist or highly specific concepts that may be unrealistic. Often the requirements aren’t well constructed, are too vague or are impossible to address. The vendors do their best to respond, despite their frustration. Vendor sales reps do their utmost to develop a relationship with the champion; all well intended, all good. Hungry for a deal, vendors compete furiously and ultimately a system selection is rewarded.

Throughout this entire process, the focus is not on the business transformation required to solve the crisis or compelling need. Instead, the focus is on buying a PLM system. Because there is a weak link to the problem the company is trying to solve, the selection is misguided, and lacks a PLM strategy based on business needs.

In these cases, even after the vendor has been selected, the problems continue. Suddenly the company realizes that PLM is complex, so an integrator is hired to configure and install the solution. At this stage, the company may still have inflated expectations, and at the same time, an unrealistic budget and schedule.

A good integrator will seek to better understand the history and possibly push back on the assumed roadmap, recommending the company develop a strategy. But with licenses already purchased, they may be still stuck with a potentially mismatched solution.

If this scenario sounds anything like the journey you are on, please reconsider!

You should always develop your business strategy focused on solving product leadership and innovation challenges, and then develop a PLM strategy, before selecting a vendor. Remember that the first release is likely focused on core product data (something most the vendors can do quite well), but all releases beyond that are where the real differentiators between the vendors come to light.

You should know what PLM platform capabilities will best achieve the business outcomes your organization needs in both the short and long term. You will be operating from a much better, more informed position (reread entry 9 for specific steps to get prepared). Only then should you go through a vendor selection process. You will be able to find a vendor that best fits your needs, and you will be set up for a future that allows you to achieve the full value of PLM in life sciences, while being able to meet and exceed near term business goals.

Dive deeper into the debate on software or strategy first: Which Came First, the Innovation Process or the Software Tool?

More Reading

Achieving Long Term Transformational Success with PLM in Life Sciences, Part 1: PLM, the Great Missed Opportunity in Life Sciences

Achieving Long Term Transformational Success with PLM in Life Sciences, Part 2: PLM Pioneers

Achieving Long Term Transformational Success with PLM in Life Sciences, Part 3: Adoption Obstacles

Achieving Long Term Transformational Success with PLM in Life Sciences, Part 4: It’s Time to Get Excited About PLM in Life Sciences

Achieving Long Term Transformational Success with PLM in Life Sciences, Part 5: Risk Reduction

Achieving Long Term Transformational Success with PLM in Life Sciences, Part 6: Cost Reduction

Achieving Long Term Transformational Success with PLM in Life Sciences, Part 7: Innovation Enablement

Achieving Long-Term Transformational Success with PLM in Life Sciences, Part 8: Technology Choices

Achieving Long-Term Transformational Success with PLM in Life Sciences, Part 9: The “PLM Program” is Where We Went Wrong

Achieving Long-Term Transformational Success with PLM in Life Sciences, Part 10: Getting to a Business Transformation Strategy (with an Emphasis on Product Innovation)

Achieving Long-Term Transformational Success with PLM in Life Sciences, Part 11: PLM Strategy – Setting the Stage and First Release

Achieving Long-Term Transformational Success with PLM in Life Sciences, Part 12: PLM Strategy: Beyond the First Release

Achieving Long-Term Transformational Success with PLM in Life Sciences, Part 13: PLM Strategy: Automation Initiative Prioritization and Grouping

Achieving Long-Term Transformational Success with PLM in Life Sciences, Part 14: PLM Strategy – Solving Common PLM Strategy Problems: Time and Cost

Achieving Long-Term Transformational Success with PLM in Life Sciences, Part 15: Solving Common PLM Strategy Problems: Upgrades

Achieving Long-Term Transformational Success with PLM in Life Sciences, Part 16: Solving Common PLM Strategy Problems: To Build or To Buy?

Achieving Long-Term Transformational Success with PLM in Life Sciences, Part 17: Solving Common PLM Strategy Problems: Vendor First or Strategy First?

Achieving Long-Term Transformational Success with PLM in Life Sciences, Part 18: Transformational PLM is Hard – It’s Time to Rally the Troops

Achieving Long-Term Transformational Success with PLM in Life Sciences, Part 19: Amazing PLM Governance

Originally published on September 3rd, 2015 on Viewpoints.Kalypso.com

Dave brings over 17 years of experience in product lifecycle management (PLM) to Kalypso’s clients, with deep expertise in the medical device industry.

https://viewpoints.kalypso.com/author/dave-hadfield