Solution

Why manufacturing needs ERP-based PLM

In today’s fast-paced manufacturing landscape, siloed systems are a roadblock to innovation. Traditional setups keep CAD, PLM, and ERP in separate lanes, leading to inefficiencies, delays, and missed opportunities. Bluestar PLM’s whitepaper, “10 Reasons why you need an ERP-based PLM system,” makes the case for unifying these tools within Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance & Supply Chain Management. Here’s why integration matters now more than ever and how it transforms operations.

Published: 30. April 2025

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Table of contents

The challenge of disconnected systems

Manufacturers often face fragmented product data spread across multiple platforms, causing delays in engineering change approvals and misaligned production schedules. This fragmentation leads to costly errors, compliance difficulties, and ultimately, dissatisfied customers when orders don’t match the latest specifications.

Why ERP-based PLM makes a difference

Integrating PLM directly into your ERP system creates a single source of truth that streamlines workflows and improves visibility across departments. Here are seven compelling reasons why your manufacturing business needs ERP-based PLM:

  • 1

    End-to-end data integrity: By eliminating manual data transfers between PLM and ERP, your teams work with consistent, up-to-date product information from design through delivery.

  • 2

    Faster time-to-market: Automated workflows, such as engineering change orders and bill of materials (BOM) updates, reduce approval cycles significantly, helping you launch products quicker.

  • 3

    Better cost control: When engineering decisions are aligned with procurement and production budgets, you avoid costly overruns and optimize resource allocation.

  • 4

    Improved collaboration: A single platform connects internal teams and external suppliers, minimizing miscommunication and accelerating decision-making.

  • 5
    Agile change management: Design changes instantly propagate to manufacturing schedules and supplier orders, ensuring production stays aligned with the latest product revisions.
  • 6

    Reduced IT complexity: Maintaining one integrated system lowers IT costs and risks compared to juggling multiple disconnected tools.

  • 7

    Scalability for growth: Bluestar PLM’s modular design allows you to add capabilities like quality management or IoT integration as your business evolves.

Why you need ERP-based PLM inside Dynamics 365

Download the whitepaper now to discover the significant advantages of seamlessly integrating PLM within Dynamics 365.

Why choose Bluestar PLM with Microsoft Dynamics 365?

Bluestar PLM’s solution is natively embedded within Dynamics 365, providing a unified interface where users don’t need to switch between systems. It offers prebuilt integrations with popular CAD software such as SolidWorks and AutoCAD, alongside ERP workflows tailored for manufacturing. Role-based dashboards ensure engineers, procurement teams, and production managers all have access to the data they need in real time.

The bottom line

In an era where speed, accuracy, and agility define success, disconnected systems are a liability. ERP-based PLM breaks down silos between engineering and manufacturing, turning product data into a strategic asset that drives efficiency and innovation.

Ready to transform your manufacturing processes?

Download the full whitepaper to discover how Bluestar PLM’s integration with Dynamics 365 can help your business reduce risk, improve collaboration, and stay ahead of the competition.

Bluestar PLM delivers industry-specific PLM solutions embedded in Microsoft Dynamics 365, helping manufacturers synchronize engineering, operations, and supply chain teams.