Digital continuity in PLM: a key lever for software adoption
In the era of Industry 4.0, digital continuity (or digital thread) has become a strategic issue in PLM projects. Much more than a simple technical interconnection of product data, it represents a real opportunity to streamline the user experience and accelerate software adoption within organizations.
What is digital continuity in PLM?
Digital continuity refers to the ability to seamlessly and consistently link all product-related data throughout a product's lifecycle: from design to manufacturing, maintenance and disposal. This approach is based on an integrated, traceable flow of information between different information system tools, notably Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) platforms.
It eliminates silos, improves traceability and guarantees a single, shared vision of the product at every stage of its development.
Why is digital continuity essential for PLM?
PLM is at the heart of the digital transformation of industries. But its effectiveness relies on an ecosystem of complex, often heterogeneous tools, used by multidisciplinary teams (engineering, production, quality, supply chain...).
No digital continuity :
- Data is duplicated or lost between systems.
- Users are confronted with complex, unintuitive interfaces.
- Errors and inconsistencies multiply, hampering innovation.
With well-thought-out digital continuity, companies gain in agility, collaboration and performance. But above all, they make it easier for users to adopt PLM tools.
Adopting PLM is more than just deploying it
In many industrial projects, technology is not enough. User adoption is often the weak link in PLM projects.
A tool can be powerful, but without the right support, users struggle to understand how to use it, integrate it into their routines, and derive value from it.
This is where digital continuity becomes a software adoption gas pedal, provided it is combined with a user-centric strategy.
How does digital continuity boost software adoption?
1. Fluid, intuitive navigation between tools
Thanks to digital continuity, users can navigate naturally from one module to another (CAD, document management, quality, production) without a break in context. The result: less confusion, more autonomy.
2. Up-to-date, accessible and consistent data
One of the major obstacles to the adoption of PLM tools is the complexity of finding the right information at the right time. The digital thread enables enhanced data traceability and complete visibility of product history.
3. Improved collaboration between business lines
PLM platforms are often used by a wide variety of people. By ensuring consistency of data and workflows, digital continuity facilitates cross-functional collaboration, reducing friction between teams and promoting cross-functional adoption.
The key role of change management
Even with the best digital infrastructure, getting users on board can't be improvised. It's essential to provide contextualized, step-by-step support to help users get to grips with PLM, in line with business needs.
Solutions such as K-now from Knowmore offer an in-app training experience, directly integrated into the PLM environment, enabling users to :
- step-by-step guidance
- training in real-life situations
- reduce their learning curve
Combined with a digital thread strategy, this type of approach maximizes the sustainable adoption of tools and accelerates the return on investment of digital transformation projects.
PLM + Digital continuity + Adoption: the winning trio
Digital continuity is not an end in itself, but a lever for performance and user engagement. To take full advantage :
- Companies need to think about user experience right from the PLM design phase.
- It is crucial toanticipate resistance to change with contextual training tools.
- Above all, we need to involve end-users in the construction of their digital journeys.
Knowmore supports major industrial organizations in this process, combining technological innovation, educational expertise and no-code tools for successful, measurable adoption.
Conclusion: from data to sustainable change
Digital continuity in PLM is not just a technical issue. It's a strategic approach that connects data, tools... and above all, users.
By combining digital thread, ease of use and integrated training, companies create an environment conducive to innovation, productivity and commitment.
👉 Are you preparing a PLM project or experiencing adoption difficulties?
Find out how Knowmore can boost user engagement in your PLM solutions with K-now, our digital adoption platform designed for complex environments.