In the ever-evolving landscape of product lifecycle management (PLM) software, changes are inevitable. Recently, Oracle announced the end of life (EOL) for its Agile PLM solution, a move that has significant implications for organizations that have relied on this robust system for their product development and management needs.
If you are an Oracle Agile PLM user, you likely have questions and concerns regarding your PLM options and about what this means for your business and how to prepare your company and users for the transition to either Oracle’s Cloud PLM solution, or a third party PLM tool. In this blog post, we explore some of the challenges and opportunities that the end-of-life for Oracle Agile PLM presents and provide some guidance on how best to navigate this disruptive change within your organization
Challenges Staying with Oracle Agile PLM
Oracle’s decision to discontinue its Agile PLM marks the end of an era for many organizations. While Oracle is now focusing Product Development on its Oracle Fusion Cloud PLM offering, the Agile platform will continue to function, however, it will no longer receive updates, patches, or official support from Oracle after 2027. This presents several challenges:
- Security Risks: Without regular updates and patches, Agile PLM systems are vulnerable to security breaches and cyber-attacks. Organizations must assess the risks associated with using unsupported software and develop strategies to mitigate these vulnerabilities
- Compliance Issues: Regulatory compliance is critical in many industries. Unsupported software can lead to non-compliance with industry standards and regulations, risking hefty fines and legal repercussions
- Operational Challenges: As technology evolves, integration with other systems and platforms becomes increasingly difficult without support and updates. This can hinder operational efficiency and limit the ability to leverage new technologies
Top Replacements for Oracle Agile PLM
The good news is that there are a number of modern PLM solutions that not only match but often exceed the capabilities of Oracle Agile PLM. Below, we explore some of the top alternatives that organizations can consider as they plan their transition.
Siemens Teamcenter
- Overview: Siemens Teamcenter is a leading PLM solution known for its robust capabilities in managing product data and processes throughout the product lifecycle.
- Features: It offers comprehensive functionalities including BOM management, product configuration, document management, and compliance management. Its strong integration capabilities with various CAD and ERP systems make it a versatile choice.
- Considerations: Teamcenter is highly scalable and supports complex global enterprises, making it suitable for organizations of all sizes and industries. It is also tightly integrated with a wide range of engineering and manufacturing solutions that strengthen the product lifecycle and product/process control.
PTC Windchill
- Overview: PTC Windchill is another prominent player in the PLM market, recognized for its innovation and wide range of PLM functionalities.
- Features: Windchill provides advanced data management, process management, change management, and quality management capabilities. It also supports IoT integration, enabling organizations to leverage real-time data from connected devices.
- Considerations: Windchill’s user-friendly interface and robust functionality make it a strong contender for organizations looking to modernize their PLM processes.
Dassault Systèmes ENOVIA
- Overview: ENOVIA, part of the Dassault Systèmes 3DEXPERIENCE platform, offers a collaborative and data-driven approach to PLM.
- Features: ENOVIA excels in collaborative innovation, providing tools for project management, product planning, regulatory compliance, and quality management. Its integration with other Dassault Systèmes solutions offers a seamless user experience.
- Considerations: ENOVIA is ideal for organizations that prioritize collaboration and want to leverage a unified platform for all product-related activities.
Oracle Fusion Cloud PLM
- Overview: For organizations that prefer to stay within the Oracle ecosystem, Oracle Fusion Cloud PLM is a natural successor to Agile PLM.
- Features: This cloud-based solution provides comprehensive PLM capabilities including product data management, innovation management, quality management, and more. Its cloud-native architecture ensures scalability, security, and continuous innovation.
- Considerations: Oracle Fusion Cloud PLM is a relatively new cloud offering and supports a migration path and transition for current Agile PLM users, with familiar interfaces and enhanced functionalities.
Autodesk Fusion Lifecycle
- Overview: Autodesk Fusion Lifecycle is a flexible and user-friendly PLM solution that caters to a wide range of industries.
- Features: It offers modules for BOM management, change management, quality management, and supplier collaboration. The cloud-based nature of Fusion Lifecycle ensures easy deployment and access from anywhere.
- Considerations: Fusion Lifecycle is known for its ease of use, quick implementation, and affordability, making it suitable for small to medium-sized enterprises.
How To Choose the Right PLM System for Your Future
Now that you know the challenges of staying with Oracle Agile PLM and the opportunities of switching to a new PLM system, you may wonder how to choose the right PLM system for your future. There are many factors to consider, such as functionality, scalability, cost, implementation, support, and more. However, one of the most important criteria is the alignment with your business goals and vision.
You need a PLM system that can support your current and future product development needs, and that can grow and adapt with your business. You need a PLM system that can help you achieve your strategic objectives, such as increasing innovation, improving quality, reducing costs, enhancing customer satisfaction, and more. With Industry 4.0, your company must have a PLM system that can support the changes that are coming in the new digital age.
Conclusion
The end-of-life for Oracle Agile PLM is a reality that current users are facing. Staying with Oracle Agile PLM will expose companies to various challenges and risks that will negatively impact their business. Switching to a new PLM system can be challenging-it is crucial to understand the needs of your business as well as your users, and assess which of the PLM tools are the ideal fit for your organization.
Solution Adoption Organizational Change Management (OCM) is vital for a successful transition from Oracle Agile PLM to a new PLM system. By engaging stakeholders, communicating effectively, providing training, managing resistance, monitoring progress, and celebrating successes, organizations can ensure a smooth and successful transition. Partnering with change management professionals can provide the necessary expertise for navigating this complex process.
If you are an Oracle Agile PLM user and you want to learn more about how Trissential can help you navigate the end-of-life for Oracle Agile PLM, contact us for an introduction call. We’re here to help you make the right decision for your PLM future.
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