Migrating your PLM to SaaS: six points to watch
The major PLM vendors are accelerating towards SaaS: Dassault Systèmes’ 3DEXPERIENCE platform, Teamcenter X from Siemens and Windchill+ from PTC. The arguments are strong: vendor-managed infrastructure, continuous updates, faster access to new functions, particularly around data and AI. But a PLM migration is never simply a matter of moving servers.
1. Take stock of customisations
SaaS imposes a framework: less bespoke development, more standard configuration. Years of customisation need to be reviewed: what brings real business value, what can be replaced by a standard function, and what should go. This is often the most far-reaching workstream.
2. Clean data before migrating it
Historical data rarely migrates cleanly: duplicate parts, inconsistent revisions, orphan documents, poorly populated attributes. A qualification and cleansing phase, with rules approved by the business, avoids carrying problems over into the new environment.
3. Rethink integrations
PLM does not live in isolation: CAD, ERP, MES, simulation tools, supplier portals. In SaaS, interfaces go through APIs and standard connectors. This is the moment to rationalise flows and clarify which system owns which data.
4. Address security and compliance from the outset
Data location, access management, export control or defence requirements, reversibility: these topics must be examined upfront with IT, security and legal, not discovered at the end of the project.
5. Plan for the update cadence
In SaaS, new versions arrive regularly. This is an advantage, provided you organise non-regression testing, monitoring of new features and governance to decide what to activate, and when.
6. Support users
New interface, new roles, simplified processes: success depends on adoption. Role-based training, internal champions and enhanced support at go-live make the difference.
One migration, three players
A successful SaaS project relies on a clear relationship between the manufacturer, the software vendor and the integrator. CNEXT Consulting provides consulting and expertise: assessment of the existing set-up, migration strategy, data migration, integration and change management, on the main platforms on the market. Let’s talk about your cloud roadmap.