Configuration Lifecycle Management (CLM)

Configuration Lifecycle Management (CLM) is the management of all product configuration definitions and configurations across all involved business processes applied throughout the lifecycle of a product. The development of the concept of CLM has been prompted by the proliferation of configuration capabilities in different enterprise systems and a subsequent need to establish a master system of records for product definition logic and configurations, especially for manufacturing companies that rely on business processes related to assemble-to-order or mass customization. CLM differs from other business disciplines as it focuses on cross functional use of information of configurable products. This entails that users of CLM include both back-office engineers, financial controllers among others, and marketing, sales and customers.

Configuration lifecycle management (CLM) encompasses all configuration models across a product’s life cycle. CLM covers manufacturers’ needs for complex configurable products, which tend to require more seamless integration of all their business units and external stakeholders in terms of process continuity and data exchange. CLM differs from existing life cycle management tools because it focuses on sharing the configuration knowledge and data of a configurable product throughout its entire life cycle across all the involved business units of an organization.

The Need for Configuration Lifecycle Management (CLM)

CLM defines goals to: • Establish Leadership and Executive BuyIn: develop a CLM vision and strategy as a corporate objective • Streamline Processes: use CLM as a platform for cross functional collaboration • Improve Product Development: shorten development times, support model driven development, provide faster product availability to market • Transform Business: establish dedicated support in the organization for managing configuration definitions throughout the lifecycle • Harmonize Data: provide an open and interoperable platform through standards and data harmonization