**3. The interface design/production/supply chain**

Paviot [10] illustrated a parallel between design and production; we will add a third activity that is very useful in optimizing the costs; it is associated to the management of the supply chain; they are all activities to transform resources into products (**Figure 1**):


**Figure 1.** Design/production/supply chain interface.

born [5]. We propose a methodology based on PLM to design simultaneously the product and its optimized supply chain. The description of the mathematical models optimizing each element of the supply chain is not the object of this chapter. First, we define the concept of PLM. In Section 2, we explain the need of an interface integration design, production, and supply chain. In Section 3, we present our methodology of designing the product and its supply chain. In the last section, we modeled using unified modeling language (UML) and PLM,

PLM is above all a business strategy. It can be defined as an approach collaborative manage-

We also adopt the vision of Francis Bernard, co-founder of Dassault Systemes and creator of CATIA computer-aided design software that considers PLM is a business solution that allows simulating virtually the reality of the digital product: the complete life of the product and its

A PLM system automates and simplifies the process of developing new products. This system manages critical product information, product life cycle, and value chain. PLM systems maximize development efforts of new products and significantly increase the company's

PLM connects employees to enable them to collaborate and centralize the process of the development of new products. It simplifies the steps by which one must pass for design and manufacture and support the products offered by the company. A PLM system organizes the development from the point of view of customer constraints, production costs, sales history,

Paviot [10] illustrated a parallel between design and production; we will add a third activity that is very useful in optimizing the costs; it is associated to the management of the supply

• During the design phase, designers must have production data (production system) and supply chain data (means and equipment available). Design teams, in order to successfully integrate all the supply chain partners in the design phase, must be able to integrate all

• During production activities, the physical product is created from physical resources (raw materials, energy, and purchased components) and the virtual product from the design

our decision support tool for supply chain optimization.

94 Product Lifecycle Management - Terminology and Applications

ment of product information throughout its life cycle [6].

environment, integrating all partners in a collaborative mode [7].

or other information about the existing products in the business [9].

chain; they are all activities to transform resources into products (**Figure 1**):

**3. The interface design/production/supply chain**

**2. Concept of PLM**

performance [8].

their constraints.

(digital mockup). The production function generates knowledge that must be brought to the attention of design teams.

• During the supply chain management phase, the physical product is procured, stored, transported, and distributed using the supply chain actors (suppliers, warehouse, transport, etc.).
