The SAP Product Lifecycle Management (SAP PLM) application offers all the functionality you need for integrated product and asset management. Features and functions include:

• Life-cycle data management – Provides an environment for managing specifications, bills of materials, routing and resource data, project structures, and related technical documentation throughout the product life cycle
• Program and project management – Provides advanced capabilities to plan, manage, and control the complete product development process
• Life-cycle collaboration – Supports collaborative engineering and project management, employing XML-based Web standards to communicate information such as project plans, documents, and product structures across virtual development teams
• Quality management – Provides integrated quality management for all industries throughout the entire product life cycle
• Enterprise asset management – Enables project managers, maintenance engineers, and others to manage physical assets and equipment, from first investment idea to retirement of the asset
• Environment, health, and safety – Provides a solution for environment, health, and safety issues by enhancing business processes to comply with government regulations

SAP PLM is built on an open technology framework that takes advantage of industry standards such as HTML, XML, and Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) to ensure flexibility and interoperability. Its unified architecture can be tailored to the unique requirements of specific industries and companies. And communication via mobile and handheld devices means you get access to product information anytime, anywhere.

In addition, you can enhance core SAP PLM functionality with:

• SAP Product Definition – Addresses the critical front-end of the product development process. Supporting both smart idea management and integrated concept development, the application helps you capitalize on your best ideas and translate them into successful, innovative products.
• SAP Resource and Portfolio Management – Addresses your organization's need for strategic and operational portfolio management. An enterprise-level solution for the management of a range of portfolios, the application enables you to better control and innovate projects, processes, products, and services across their life cycles.