What is PLM? Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) is an approach to product development that motivates you beyond a mere tabulation of the parts on assemblies to a full-scale engagement with the living story of the evolution of your products. Much more than a two dimensional bill of materials in a lifeless spreadsheet, PLM hosts a universe of connected data where every part’s history is recorded with usage, change history, supplier quotes, lead times and availability, purchase history, inventory, and builds. The operational intelligence created by a properly curated PLM system is unrivaled.

What is MRP? Material Requirements Planning (MRP) is the process by which an organization manages the procurement of the materials required to build their products. Every manufacturing organization exercises this to some extent, of course, but the tools used to execute this process vary from simplistic (spreadsheets, Quickbooks) to highly advanced automated systems operating with minimal human involvement. Aligni falls comfortably in between — ideal for companies with limited resources but a need to stay engaged and in control. Well executed MRP means lower inventory overhead, shorter assembly lead times, and fewer line-down situations.