### Contents - [**Articles**](#resources-articles) - [**Glossary Terms**](#resources-glossary_terms) - [**Discussions**](#resources-discussions) - [**Reports**](#resources-reports) # Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Software Resources ##### Articles, Glossary Terms, Discussions, and Reports to expand your knowledge on Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Software Resource pages are designed to give you a cross-section of information we have on specific categories. You'll find [articles](#resources-articles) from our experts, [feature definitions](#resources-glossary_terms), [discussions](#resources-discussions) from users like you, and [reports](#resources-reports) from industry data. [ContentsExpand/Collapse Contents](#) - [**Articles**](#resources-articles) - [**Glossary Terms**](#resources-glossary_terms) - [**Discussions**](#resources-discussions) - [**Reports**](#resources-reports) ## Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Software Articles [![I Found the 7 Best Free PLM Software for 2026](https://learn.g2.com/hubfs/G2CM_FI1081_Learn_Article_%5BFree_PLM_Software%5D_V1a-2.png "I Found the 7 Best Free PLM Software for 2026")](https://www.g2.com/articles/best-free-plm-software) [ ### I Found the 7 Best Free PLM Software for 2026 ](https://www.g2.com/articles/best-free-plm-software) I understand the critical role product lifecycle management (PLM) plays in driving efficiency and collaboration. In many organizations, there’s already a solid PLM solution in place, but the high cost and complexity of these systems can make experimentation difficult. [ ![Devyani Mehta](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Devyani Mehta") DM ](https://learn.g2.com/author/devyani-mehta) by Devyani Mehta [![How to Choose the Right Software Mix for Manufacturing](https://learn.g2.com/hubfs/manufacturing%20software%20mix.jpg "How to Choose the Right Software Mix for Manufacturing")](https://www.g2.com/articles/how-to-choose-software-mix-for-manufacturing) [ ### How to Choose the Right Software Mix for Manufacturing ](https://www.g2.com/articles/how-to-choose-software-mix-for-manufacturing) Manufacturing processes are complex and require multiple tools to achieve the desired results. Certain tools used in the manufacturing sector, such as product lifecycle management (PLM), enterprise resource planning (ERP), and quality management systems (QMS), have unique, but complementary features. At present, companies are looking to combine such software tools to have better visibility into their manufacturing operations. However, it is important that the integration is done in an appropriate manner, or else it fails to maximize the organization’s efficiency. [ ![Gabriel Gheorghiu](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Gabriel Gheorghiu") GG ](https://learn.g2.com/author/gabriel-gheorghiu) by Gabriel Gheorghiu [![2023 Trends in the Manufacturing Industry](https://learn.g2.com/hubfs/Manufacturing%20Trends%20in%202022.png "2023 Trends in the Manufacturing Industry")](https://www.g2.com/articles/manufacturing-industry-trends-2023) [ ### 2023 Trends in the Manufacturing Industry ](https://www.g2.com/articles/manufacturing-industry-trends-2023) This post is part of G2's 2023 digital trends series. Read more about G2’s perspective on digital transformation trends in an introduction from Emily Malis Greathouse, director, market research, and additional coverage on trends identified by G2’s analysts.  [ ![Anindita Sengupta](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Anindita Sengupta") AS ](https://learn.g2.com/author/anindita-sengupta) by Anindita Sengupta [![How to Choose the Best Production Process For Your Business](https://learn.g2.com/hubfs/Screen%20Shot%202022-08-18%20at%203.47.53%20PM.png "How to Choose the Best Production Process For Your Business")](https://www.g2.com/articles/production-process) [ ### How to Choose the Best Production Process For Your Business ](https://www.g2.com/articles/production-process) From small to large businesses, each one has a process. [ ![Adithya Siva](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Adithya Siva") AS ](https://learn.g2.com/author/adithya-siva) by Adithya Siva [![The Relevance of PLM Software in the Manufacturing Industry](https://learn.g2.com/hubfs/PLM%20Software-AS.jpg "The Relevance of PLM Software in the Manufacturing Industry")](https://www.g2.com/articles/plm-software-in-manufacturing-industry) [ ### The Relevance of PLM Software in the Manufacturing Industry ](https://www.g2.com/articles/plm-software-in-manufacturing-industry) Traditional product lifecycle management (PLM) has come a long way—from its genesis as a solution focused on computer-aided design (CAD), offering document management capabilities to its evolution as a SaaS platform that manages the lifecycle of highly complex products.      [ ![Anindita Sengupta](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Anindita Sengupta") AS ](https://learn.g2.com/author/anindita-sengupta) by Anindita Sengupta [![Product Lifecycle Management: How to Sell Faster and Smarter](https://learn.g2.com/hubfs/_learn-product-lifecycle-management@2x.png "Product Lifecycle Management: How to Sell Faster and Smarter")](https://www.g2.com/articles/product-lifecycle-management) [ ### Product Lifecycle Management: How to Sell Faster and Smarter ](https://www.g2.com/articles/product-lifecycle-management) I know the title looks like clickbait but hear me out. [ ![Alexandra Vazquez](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Alexandra Vazquez") AV ](https://learn.g2.com/author/alexandra-vazquez) by Alexandra Vazquez [![Computer-Aided Design (CAD): State of Category](https://learn.g2.com/hubfs/houses-businessman-man-hands-110469-1.jpg "Computer-Aided Design (CAD): State of Category")](https://www.g2.com/articles/computer-aided-design-cad-state-of-category) [ ### Computer-Aided Design (CAD): State of Category ](https://www.g2.com/articles/computer-aided-design-cad-state-of-category) Computer-aided design (CAD) software was developed as part of a project delivered in 1960 by MIT’s Electronic Systems Laboratory, in collaboration with the United States Air Force. [ ![Michael Gigante](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Michael Gigante") MG ](https://learn.g2.com/author/michael-gigante) by Michael Gigante [![SaaS-Based CAD is Taking Over](https://sell.g2.com/hubfs/pexels-2004161.jpg "SaaS-Based CAD is Taking Over")](https://www.g2.com/articles/saas-based-cad-is-taking-over) [ ### SaaS-Based CAD is Taking Over ](https://www.g2.com/articles/saas-based-cad-is-taking-over) Software as a service (SaaS), also known as software in the cloud, is increasingly penetrating the tech market. From education to finance, countless industries are implementing SaaS based solutions, and most of those industries are better because of it. [ ![Michael Gigante](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Michael Gigante") MG ](https://learn.g2.com/author/michael-gigante) by Michael Gigante Show More ## Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Software Glossary Terms [![Lean Manufacturing](https://learn.g2.com/hubfs/Lean%20Manufacturing.png "Lean Manufacturing")](https://www.g2.com/glossary/lean-manufacturing-definition) [Lean Manufacturing](https://www.g2.com/glossary/lean-manufacturing-definition) Understand lean manufacturing, principles, and benefits. Learn how it improves processes, reduces waste, and enhances efficiency for a competitive edge. by Samudyata Bhat [![Product Market Fit](https://learn.g2.com/hubfs/G2CM_GI628_Glossary_Article_Images_%5Bproduct_market_fit%5D_V1a.png "Product Market Fit")](https://www.g2.com/glossary/product-market-fit-definition) [Product Market Fit](https://www.g2.com/glossary/product-market-fit-definition) Product market fit is about developing a product that meets consumer demands. Learn why it's important, its benefits, and the steps to achieve it. by Alyssa Towns [![Product Lifecycle](https://learn.g2.com/hubfs/G2CM_GI487_Glossary_Article_Images_%5BProduct_Lifecycle%5D_V1a.png "Product Lifecycle")](https://www.g2.com/glossary/product-lifecycle-definition) [Product Lifecycle](https://www.g2.com/glossary/product-lifecycle-definition) The product lifecycle is the journey of a product from introduction to the market to its retirement. Learn why it's important for product-based businesses. by Holly Landis ## Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Software Discussions 0 Question on: Arena PLM & QMS [Would it be possible for Arena to implement this simple feature?](/discussions/would-it-be-possible-for-arena-to-implement-this-simple-feature) The feature would be that Arena automatically lets you know of the next part number for the respective part category. This would be helpful for when items are imported into Arena via excel spreadsheets. On the other hand, it would be neat if Area could automatically populate the items with new P/Ns upon importing them into the system. Thanks Jahan. This is on Arena's product roadmap. If you would like to discuss further, please contact your Arena account representative and they can share more information from our product team. Answered: Scott Reedy on November 11, 2019 [Your answer](/discussions/would-it-be-possible-for-arena-to-implement-this-simple-feature/comments/new?remote=true) 0 Question on: Autodesk Fusion Manage [Will Upchain manage my bill of materials?](/discussions/bill-of-materials) Bill of Materials Upchain will absolutely manage your bill of materials (BOM) and CAD files Answered: Pero Solin on March 2, 2020 [Your answer](/discussions/bill-of-materials/comments/new?remote=true) 0 Question on: Autodesk Fusion Manage [Don't PLM solutions take months to deploy?](/discussions/implementation-f2ea47bb-83a0-416e-9d26-91797c41e1b1) Implementation Upchain's proven deployment out-of-the-box (OOTB) solution will have users efficiently and effectively using our cloud PLM within two weeks. Your users can access the solution within 24 hours. Our best in class training is paramount to high use user adoption Answered: Pero Solin on March 2, 2020 [Your answer](/discussions/implementation-f2ea47bb-83a0-416e-9d26-91797c41e1b1/comments/new?remote=true) - [‹ Prev‹ Prev](/categories/product-lifecycle-management-plm/resources?discussions_page=2) - [1](/categories/product-lifecycle-management-plm/resources) - [2](/categories/product-lifecycle-management-plm/resources?discussions_page=2) - 3 - [4](/categories/product-lifecycle-management-plm/resources?discussions_page=4) - [5](/categories/product-lifecycle-management-plm/resources?discussions_page=5) - [6](/categories/product-lifecycle-management-plm/resources?discussions_page=6) - [7](/categories/product-lifecycle-management-plm/resources?discussions_page=7) - … - [27](/categories/product-lifecycle-management-plm/resources?discussions_page=27) - [28](/categories/product-lifecycle-management-plm/resources?discussions_page=28) - [Next ›Next ›](/categories/product-lifecycle-management-plm/resources?discussions_page=4) ## Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Software Reports Mid-Market Grid® Report for Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Summer 2026 G2 Report: Grid® Report Grid® Report for Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Summer 2026 G2 Report: Grid® Report Enterprise Grid® Report for Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Summer 2026 G2 Report: Grid® Report Momentum Grid® Report for Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Summer 2026 G2 Report: Momentum Grid® Report Small-Business Grid® Report for Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Summer 2026 G2 Report: Grid® Report Enterprise Grid® Report for Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Spring 2026 G2 Report: Grid® Report Small-Business Grid® Report for Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Spring 2026 G2 Report: Grid® Report Mid-Market Grid® Report for Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Spring 2026 G2 Report: Grid® Report Grid® Report for Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Spring 2026 G2 Report: Grid® Report Momentum Grid® Report for Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Spring 2026 G2 Report: Momentum Grid® Report