Money Is Coming to PLM Space. CIMdata Industry Update.

Earlier this week, I had a chance to attend the PLM Market and Industry Forum organized by CIMdata. It was the follow-up session of the North America Forum. CIMdata had two presentations by CIMdata CEO and President, Peter Bilello, and VP, Stan Przybylinksi giving the update about a mid-year market review, trends, and number updates. If you need PLM industry numbers, Stan’s numbers is the place where you need to go.

What is Trending?

Numbers were not significantly different from the presentation in April, but a lot of big news from companies. The following three trends remain very strong as we move to the middle of the year – Industry 4.0; Digital Transformation; Cloud.

The trend for connected products continues. Everything is becoming connected. Cars and refrigerators are sending alerts to your phone that it is left unlocked or open. Imagine the amount of connectivity and information that can be optimized and delivered.

Companies of all sizes are focusing on how to optimize and rationalize the information flow and process optimization. What brings the business opportunity for both PLM and ERP segments to join their forces to develop a digital thread of information. Leads of the market Siemens and SAP are doing it and you can expect others to follow.

Strong M&A Activity among PLM vendors

Cloud has a strong development moment in all aspects – technological, business, and M&A. The PLM cloud companies are having strong momentum. CAD and PLM vendors were actively buying technological companies in the PLM and cloud segment. Here are a few notable events.

Arena, 21 years old PLM vendor, was a pioneering cloud delivery model, and was acquired by PTC for approximately $750M. The acquisition was finalized earlier this year.

Aras, 20 years old PLM vendor, announced major investment by GI Partners for approx $860M according to CIMdata estimate to continue Aras development and expansion.

Autodesk acquired Upchain, a 10 years old company. I didn’t find any written reference to the amount of money Autodesk paid to acquire Upchain, so I cannot put this number here.

What is my conclusion?

Money is coming to PLM space following the strong trends in technology and business development in the space. The digital transformation in manufacturing won’t be a single event. It will be a long process, in which manufacturing companies will be changing the way they work and PLM vendors will be adopting their technological platforms and products to work with the new generation of manufacturing businesses. Just my thoughts…

Best, Oleg

Disclaimer: I’m co-founder and CEO of OpenBOM developing a digital network-based platform that manages product data and connects manufacturers, construction companies, and their supply chain networks. My opinion can be unintentionally biased.