{"id":3452,"date":"2016-09-21T14:42:15","date_gmt":"2016-09-21T21:42:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.plm.automation.siemens.com\/t5\/Teamcenter-Blog\/Harnessing-the-power-of-ALM-integration-with-PLM\/ba-p\/365563"},"modified":"2026-03-26T08:54:27","modified_gmt":"2026-03-26T12:54:27","slug":"harnessing-the-power-of-alm-integration-with-plm","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/teamcenter\/harnessing-the-power-of-alm-integration-with-plm\/","title":{"rendered":"Harnessing the Power of ALM Integration with PLM"},"content":{"rendered":"

In my series about ALM integration with PLM, I explore why the rapid advance of software-enabled products is contributing to increased product recalls<\/a>. In part one<\/a>, I explained why companies can no longer use only ALM or only PLM to manage increased product complexity. In part two<\/a>, I discussed why ALM integration with PLM is the best solution to manage product complexity and the factors companies must include to achieve full PLM and ALM\u00a0integration.<\/p>\n

Here, I\u2019ll show some examples of companies who have begun leveraging ALM and PLM, and what these kinds of solutions mean for the future.<\/p>\n

According to IHS Automotive<\/a>, OEMs will need a good software platform strategy plus strong software development, execution and delivery. This expertise will transform sales and customer retention models because OEMs can leverage the power of software and over-the-air updates to \u201cmaintain customer relationships throughout the lifecycle of ownership.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"PLM-ALM<\/span>Daimler, Ford, GM, Volkswagen and Tesla have all shown what the future holds when you understand hardware and software relationships and how they work together.<\/p>\n

For example, the Chevy Volt is so quiet that some people forget to turn it off, which can create a dangerous situation if it\u2019s parked in a garage. The gas engine will kick in to recharge the battery, which will create deadly carbon monoxide. GM issued a recall<\/a> and used a software update to ensure the Volt automatically shuts off after idling too long. This software update corrected a number of problems: electrical (battery drain), mechanical (gas engine running), safety (carbon monoxide build-up) and human error (forgetfulness).<\/p>\n

Although these kinds of software updates and over-the-air delivery are in their infancy, many automotive OEMs are investing in them. Using the Vehicle Identification Number, OEMs can quickly deliver software updates<\/a> for safety-related recalls or deliver new features they can charge their customers to use. This would all be done without tying up the dealer\u2019s service center time or the customer\u2019s time.<\/p>\n

ALM integration with PLM <\/a>provides a better understanding of the relationships and dependencies between hardware and software. It\u2019s also a good example of how the auto industry uses the power of software to improve product capabilities.<\/p>\n

But as we\u2019ve recently seen in the news the power of software can also be used to distort a product\u2019s capabilities<\/a>. And let\u2019s not forget that the increased use of software in vehicles can create new opportunities<\/a> for hackers to attack vehicles. So as manufacturers continue innovating through the power of software, it\u2019s important for us to remember and them to heed this famous quote: \u201cWith great power comes great responsibility.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"PLM-ALMKeys to PLM-ALM Integration<\/span><\/span>As you talk about your software platform strategy and ALM integration with PLM<\/a> in your company and try to determine the best ways to implement it in your organization, remember an integrated solution requires more than just linking data. To truly effective you must look for these four important factors.<\/p>\n

An integrated ALM-PLM <\/a>solution must:<\/p>\n