20 Best Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Systems in 2024

Product lifecycle management (PLM) is a complex management process that spans a product’s design, production, marketing and decline stages. Arguably, every kind of business, from cafes to retail establishments goes through PLM one way or the other. However, it’s more apparent in the tech industry where planned obsolescence influences the levels of consumer demand. Nonetheless, to manage the whole gamut of processes successfully, companies resort to digital tools to streamline their workflows and accurately automate tasks.

If you want to get to know the best solutions for the job, then you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we list the best product lifecycle management (PLM) systems with their key features, target user base, and price range. In this way, you can cut down on your product research time and have a quick reference for creating your shortlist.

We are living in an on-demand economy. As such, the power of the market has shifted to the consumers. And today’s customers largely know what they want and want to get them quickly. Surely, the surging popularity of social media has contributed to this lively, fast-paced consumer culture. As experts pointed out, the COVID-19 pandemic also accelerated and fostered such consumer attitudes and preferences—especially towards consumer products. A study found that 70% of customers expect more personalized or customized products than they received three years ago. Also, 68% expect such products to be of the same quality but arrive more quickly.

It is a big challenge to cater to this demand as this involves interrelated business processes that span across different departments and involve different levels of planning. So, a huge deal of coordination is needed at every step of the way. This is why collaboration software tools in PLM are essential. Still, they are just part and parcel of the whole PLM planning and operation. This is especially so as the largest PLM software users are in the automotive, transportation, and industrial equipment sectors.

Other software tools popularly used in PLM include those for managing design, engineering operations, portfolio, simulation, product testing, and manufacturing operations, among many others. Together, these make up the whole PLM software market valued at $5.2 billion in 2021. However, thanks to SaaS technology, there are software suites available today that can support all these seemingly disparate functions through built-in capabilities or clever integrations. Of them, here are the best product lifecycle management (PLM) systems available today.

20 Best Product Lifecycle Management Software in 2025

1. monday.com

monday.com is one of the top SaaS tools available today. This is because it is a highly-customizable business solution that can support and bring together various processes together under one roof. And, this is exactly what you need in PLM as you’d be best off with a platform to act as your digital command center. One of the things that make monday.com unique is its easy-to-use customizable workflow and automation tools. With these, users can configure shared workflows to reflect their particular needs; be it for product design, production, and marketing.

Also, the platform has a wide range of collaboration tools. The feature set is also as easy and intuitive to use as popular social media platforms. It has features such as filesharing, @mentions, commenting, and many more. Other key features include task management, performance monitoring, analytics, and many more. You can also access these features via its native apps for both iOS and Android devices. With a good mix of comprehensive features and high out-of-the-box functionality, monday.com became a go-to PLM solution for companies such as Adobe, Uber, Canva, and Wix.

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Another unique thing about monday.com is its ease of implementing integrations. Thanks to its API, you can extend monday.com’s capabilities by connecting it to other solutions. Users are allowed to create triggers and just have monday.com act as a hub and facilitate a single source of truth across your software architecture. Integrations include those with Slack, Salesforce, HubSpot, GitLab, Jira, Zoom, and Harvest, among many others. Lastly, pricing starts at $8 per seat per month.

2. SAP PLM

SAP PLM is one of the most popular PLM systems available on the market. It is, basically, the PLM software solution in the overall SAP Business Suite. The product helps users plan, design, manufacture, and manage a product’s lifecycle from one platform. It is prized for providing a comprehensive set of features that is relatively quite easy to understand and use. Key features include portfolio management, collaborative development, BOD development, innovation management, and product compliance.

Furthermore, it has other collaborative features, including product sharing for components and task sourcing. It also has tools for strategy and planning; plus, it has a design and manufacturing synchronization capability. Of course, like other top PLM systems, it includes a program and project management module. Of course, it integrates seamlessly with other SAP solutions and also works great with CAD. And, as it is deployed according to your specifications, it is only available via quote-based plans. There are other SAP PLM alternatives to make a PLM systems comparison. However, only a few can match its comprehensive offering.

3. Siemens Teamcenter PLM

Siemens Teamcenter PLM is a product lifecycle management system known for its comprehensive technical features. Key features include tools for managing design, simulation, content, documents, requirements, product costs, and system engineering. It is also prized for its easy-to-use PLM process execution workflows and automation tools. With Siemens Teamcenter PLM, users can simplify their processes, scheduling, and collaboration.

Furthermore, the product also provides financial management tools such as those for financial and budgeting planning. Moreover, it has supplier integration and project collaboration features for better coordination. Also, the product works well with other solutions such as Oracle E-Business Suite and the SAP Business Suite, among others. Lastly, like other top product lifecycle management systems, it is deployed and configured to your particular requirements. Hence, it is only available via quote-based plans.

4. Autodesk Vault

Autodesk Vault is considered by many to be one of the best PLM system solutions available. This is because it combines collaborative product design and PLM features in one solution. The platform is popular among high-tech industrial businesses around the world. Key product features include direct CAD injection, BOM management, revision control, product data management, quality management, and supplier collaboration. Advanced features include streamlined PDM workflows, central location per project, and custom reporting tools.

Moreover, it has native applications for both Android and iOS devices. So, you can view and work with your design on the go. The product also works seamlessly with other digital tools, including Microsoft Office, Factory Design Suite, and Civil 3D, among many others. Pricing starts at $335 per year.

5. PTC Creo PLM

PTC Creo PLM is another go-to PLM system solution, thanks to its comprehensive features and state-of-the-art 3D part and assembly design module. This module allows users to create technical 2D drawings, use parametric and freestyle surfacing, design mechanisms, and design for ergonomics, among others. It even has Multi-CAD and reverse engineering capabilities. Moreover, it also provides core simulation features. With these, users will be able to plan and design their products of any complexity from scratch or from previous models.

The platform also allows for multiple profiles. So, users can collaborate quite easily. Likewise, PTC Creo PTM is flexible. It allows users to customize commands, menus, and its interface. Thus, you can easily make the software your very own. Additionally, it integrates with other tools such as CATIA, Autodesk Inventor, and SolidWorks, among others. It also has an app for iOS devices that you can use to design products with the aid of augmented reality. Lastly, pricing starts at $2,200 per individual subscription.

6. Infor PLM Discrete

Infor PLM Discrete, as the name suggests, is a software system PLM suite for discrete manufacturers of all sizes. The platform is prized for its interoperability with CAD, ERP, and manufacturing solutions. Its integrations include those for VISUAL and SyteLine, among others. Key features include product management, change management, revision management, cost management, and a design module.

Moreover, it also has the usual SaaS features for automated workflows, real-time reporting, analytics, and collaboration tools. Also, the platform is very customizable. In fact, you can personalize work areas and interfaces. Hence, you’ll be able to let the product fit your workflow instead of the other way around.

7. Infor PLM Optiva

Infor PLM Optiva is another PLM software tool from Infor that is specially designed for process manufacturing companies. Hence, it provides management features for bulk manufacturing that complies with internal and other regulatory standards. Key features include project management, product management, data management, data analysis, resource management, and workflow management.

Moreover, the platform is also known for its wide range of intuitive data visualizations that help users get a bird’s eye view of their operations and drill down into complex product designs. Also, Infor PLM Optiva integrates with third-party solutions, including SAP and M3. As it is deployed according to your needs, the product is only available via personalized quote-based plans.

8. Oracle Agile PLM

Oracle Agile PLM is a cloud-hosted PLM software suite known for offering one of the most comprehensive feature sets available. It is popular among businesses of all sizes across different industries. These range from consumer goods to pharmaceuticals. Oracle Agile PLM key product features include product lifecycle analysis, portfolio management, product collaboration, product record management, customer needs management, and variant management. You can also access these through its mobile app for iOS devices.

Furthermore, It is fitted with intelligence solutions, including product lifecycle analytics. It provides access to the AutoVue Enterprise Visualization for securely viewing, printing, and collaborating on documents. Furthermore, the product can be connected to virtually any system, thanks to its open API offering. So, you can just plop it in with other tools in your software stack and it will work seamlessly with them. Lastly, the platform is only available via quote-based plans.

9. PTC Windchill

PTC Windchill is a feature-rich PLM software solution that helps companies plan, design, move, and retire their products smoothly. Key features include reliability management, product management, quality management, design details, suppliers management, process management, and design generation. The product also has intelligence tools, including data visualizations and advanced analytics. Moreover, it is also fitted with financial features such as those for cost estimation and analysis.

The product also integrates seamlessly with third-party tools. These include Autodesk, AutoCAD, Jira, and Eclipse, among many others. PTC Windchill has a free trial available. So, you can easily test the platform firsthand to know whether it fits your needs. Lastly, it is offered in three plans. All, however, have quote-based pricing.

10. Upchain PLM

Upchain PLM is known as one of the easiest-to-use PLM platforms available. It is hailed for its collaboration features, flexible features deployment, and affordable pricing. Key features include BOM management, task dependencies, ECR creation and management, and built-in project management templates. Moreover, it has CAD software plugins and automated parts numbering for easy tracking. The platform also allows for full revision control and has features for ISO standards compliance.

The product integrates with other solutions, including AutoCAD, eDrawings, Inventor, and PTC Creo. It also works seamlessly with Microsoft applications such as Excel and Word. Lastly, Upchain PLM is available via three paid plans. Pricing starts at $20 per user per month.

11. Dassault ENOVIA

Dassault ENOVIA is a cloud-based 3DEXPERIENCE-powered collaboration suite for product lifecycle management. It connects various PLM processes together, from virtual product development and value network to planning and intelligence. Key features include project management, total quality management, program management, design management, and BOM management, among others. Moreover, it has tools for global product development and high-tech design management. These and other features make it a well-rounded PLM system of choice for many companies.

Additionally, the platform integrates seamlessly with other solutions. These include leading CAD systems and Adlib PDF, among others. Dassault ENOVIA is deployed according to your specifications. Hence, it is only available via quote-based pricing.

12. Roadmunk

Roadmunk is a PLM platform best known for helping bring together product management and marketing teams. It is also prized for its scalability as companies of different sizes are able to use it in their brand-specific ways. Key features include collaboration tools, branding, data imports, private cloud, sharing options, and task prioritization. These allow users to coordinate different PLM processes and work as a unit. Moreover, it is unique with regards to being boardroom ready as it is fitted with stakeholder feedback tools.

Additionally, the platform integrates seamlessly with other project management solutions. These include Trello and Jira. Lastly, pricing starts at $19 per month billed annually. What’s great is that its most basic plan supports unlimited numbers of roadmaps, filters, and views. So, it is very affordable and accessible to smaller companies. Of course, users can always add software features and scale up capabilities at any time.

13. Electronic Work Instructions

Electronic Work Instructions is a cloud-based document generation software solution for product lifecycle management. It helps users create work instructions, training materials, technical documents, and many more to provide strategic, tactical, and operational PLM directions. Of course, as it should, the software supports visuals, including videos for better clarity and engagement in communication. Key features include version control, streamlining, content visualization, feedback management, data centralization, and permission-based access.

The platform is also fitted with reporting tools, complete with intelligent data production and analysis features. Furthermore, Electronic Work Instructions integrates seamlessly with other software solutions, thanks to its open API offering. So, users will be able to make it work with virtually any digital tool such as ERP software.

14. Serena Business Manager

Serena Business Manager is a process management solution for IT product lifecycle management. It helps users streamline their operations by providing automation and productivity tools. Hence, it is widely popular among software and app development teams across the world. Key features include a unified work center, Kanban view, backlog views, smart search, a report center, and an app composer. It is also fitted with collaboration tools to help make work communication faster, better, and clearer. Also, you can access Serena Business Manager features on mobile, thanks to its native application for both iOS and Android devices.

15. Autodesk Fusion Lifecycle

Autodesk Fusion Lifecycle is a PLM software suite designed to help companies unify and streamline all their PLM processes. The platform acts as a central hub for communications, storage, approvals, and giving operational directions. Key features include lifecycle control, product data management, change management, quality management, and bill of materials view. Moreover, its collaboration tools center around its task management feature. Also, it has a supplier collaboration module to facilitate communication with third-party vendors. Lastly, users can also download its Fusion 360 app for both iOS and Android devices to collaborate on designs while they are on the go.

16. Deltek Costpoint

Deltek Costpoint is a PLM software solution built on an ERP base. And, it is specially designed for government contractors. It provides users with a comprehensive set of tools for key business processes, ranging from accounting and business intelligence to project management and manufacturing. It has modules for procurement, integrated budgeting, product management, manufacturing, and project accounting.

The platform is fitted with easy-to-understand data visualizations as well. In this way, users will be able to quickly gauge performance and pivot when needed. Pricing starts at $30 per user monthly. Additionally, it integrates with Microsoft Office products.

17. ProdPad

ProdPad is an easy-to-use PLM solution with strong product management and road mapping tools. Key features include mockups, creator tracking, project tracking, goal setting, user stories, analytics, and idea ranking. Moreover, it provides users with intelligence tools such as a reporting and analytics module. Of course, it is also fitted with collaboration features such as commenting, content export/import, and real-time notifications. The product also works seamlessly with other business solutions. Its long list of integrations includes those with Pivotal Tracker, G Suite, Zapier, Google Maps, GitHub, Slack, and Trello. Lastly, pricing starts at $39 per month billed annually.

18. Elbats MES

Elbats MES is a comprehensive digital business solution that is a combination of manufacturing management and product lifecycle management software tools. Its comprehensive features make it a go-to application for small and medium-sized factories and manufacturing companies. Key features include production/quality management, critical component tracking, source tracking, raw materials monitoring, materials grading, purchasing management, sales management, and delivery control. Moreover, it has tools for rapid process development with full work-in-process coordination capabilities.

Also, it provides users with intelligence solutions such as a reporting module, complete with key performance indicators. Furthermore, it has a predictive maintenance management module reminiscent of those found in facility management software. Lastly, Elbats MES is only available via quote-based pricing.

19. Lectra Fashion PLM

Lectra Fashion PLM is a unique product lifecycle management solution specially designed for those in the fashion industry. It is prized as a collaboration platform that helps streamline design to production value chains. Key features include collection planning, material development, color management, calendar management, product development, and creative design. Moreover, it also has sourcing and pre-production tools. Furthermore, the solution is highly-scalable. Hence, it is popular among fashion businesses of all sizes. As Lectra Fashion PLM has its features deployed according to your particular needs, it is only available via quote-based pricing.

20. Uservoice

Uservoice is a PLM software tool for generating and incorporating user feedback into product design. It helps businesses source, gather, and analyze data to positively drive strategic product directions. And, it is mainly used in the B2B SaaS market. Key features include embeddable widgets, custom design, feedback forums, instant answers, user analytics, and feedback analytics. Moreover, users can rest assured that their data are safe and secure. This is thanks to security protocols such as SSL encryption.

What is the best PLM software solution for you?

Picking from among the best product lifecycle management (PLM) systems can be a challenge, but your choice really depends on your needs. It’s because there are many kinds of PLM systems. Some specialize in discrete or process manufacturing. Others are specially made for IT, software development, or the fashion industry. But if you want a flexible general PLM software solution for your business, then maybe a product like monday.com works best. With monday.com, users are able to configure not only their workspaces but also automation and triggers. This is useful in keeping different departments that handle different processes in sync and in the know.

Moreover, with tons of integrations, you can easily make monday.com the central hub of your operations. This is not limited to some PLM processes. You can extend it to include other business functions such as CRM, marketing, PR, and even employee training. Being flexible and easily pliable is one of its greatest assets. This is why it is the platform of choice for many companies.

By Nestor Gilbert

Nestor Gilbert is a senior B2B and SaaS analyst and a core contributor at FinancesOnline for over 5 years. With his experience in software development and extensive knowledge of SaaS management, he writes mostly about emerging B2B technologies and their impact on the current business landscape. However, he also provides in-depth reviews on a wide range of software solutions to help businesses find suitable options for them. Through his work, he aims to help companies develop a more tech-forward approach to their operations and overcome their SaaS-related challenges.