Companies looking to invest in PLM applications will have more choice through new offerings from Electronic Data Systems Corp. and Agile Software Corp.
EDS will release at its Product Development & Management Association conference in Boston this week a module for its Teamcenter product lifecycle management suite that helps CPG (consumer packaged-goods) makers manage their offerings.
The CPG module will enable users to collaborate with suppliers, partners and customers in a Web-centric environment that extends across all stages of the product life cycle, according to EDS officials, in Plano, Texas.
Teamcenter CPG accelerates the artwork and package design and approval process on new and existing concepts by optimizing the product packaging process. At the same time, team members automatically receive individual assignments—and are able to understand the overall product initiative—through process templates that are included in the CPG offering.
EDS will also announce that it has sold more than 1 million Teamcenter licenses, officials said.
Separately, PLM application developer Agile Software last week acquired Tradec Inc., which develops cost management software aimed at helping manufacturers reduce direct materials costs.
The acquisition will help Agile, of San Jose, Calif., augment its namesake Product Cost Management software by tapping Tradecs direct materials cost and performance management functionality.
Using Tradec technology, Agile will offer additional analytics and supplier collaboration capabilities for its customers. Agile will also use Tradecs content partners to provide reference data for better enabling the PLM decision- making process, officials said.
In addition, the acquisition brings Agile into the small and midsize markets by establishing a relationship between it and Avnet Inc., a Tradec partner that provides cost management software to small and midsize businesses.