Data traceability for lifecycle management

Abstract

Purpose – This paper studies the benefits of applying a single lifecycle management approach to improve data traceability. Through digitalization there is an increasing rise of “smarter” products. Hardware and software of smart products need to be managed throughout the entire product life cycle, requiring product traceability from product and application lifecycles.

Design/methodology/approach – The Design Science Research approach was applied. Data was collected at a Swiss company with around 16’000 employees worldwide via qualitative interviews (n=10) in an IT integration project with dispersed teams worldwide. The identified requirements were tested in an artefact with business using the tool Polarion.

Findings – The main result of this research shows that product data traceability can be improved with one life- cycle management tool, which increases efficiency and improves the transparency of processes and disciplines. Findings from interviews confirmed the following requirements: direction, consistency, effort, completeness, visibility, and clarity.

Business implication – Smart Products are of raising importance for producing companies. However, traditionally ALM (software) and PLM (product/hardware) tools exist with different users and purpose. The study suggests the implementation of an integrated smart product life-cycle management tool due to its identified benefits to increase efficiency through training of users as well through harmonization and standardization.

Originality/ Value – The study revealed various perspectives of senior manager and application manager on lifecycle management. Different levels of management in the company, as well as their skills, have different opinions on data traceability and data integration benefits.

Type of work – Empirical Paper