Sustainability boosts business success

The main obstacle proves to be the necessary capabilities for data analysis. This is according to the Aras industry study "The Future of Product Development - Product Lifecycle Management in Focus." For the study, 656 executives from the USA, Europe, and Japan were surveyed. Rollenmüller points to regulatory developments such as the EU directive on sustainability reporting (CSRD) and the future mandatory Digital Product Passport (DPP). These would remain in place, albeit in a weakened form.

Create adaptable, future-proof structures

"The regulations will not be repealed and can be tightened at any time," emphasizes the industry expert. "The current phase of uncertainty offers companies the ideal opportunity to prepare. Those who act now create adaptable and future-proof structures."

Create adaptable, future-proof structures

"The regulations will not be repealed and can be tightened at any time," emphasizes the industry expert. "The current phase of uncertainty offers companies the ideal opportunity to prepare. Those who act now create adaptable and future-proof structures."

Data problems hold back companies

The Aras study highlights the gap between digitally advanced and less prepared companies. Only 37 percent of respondents fully agree that their data and digital processes adequately support compliance requirements. 45 percent see this as only partially the case, while 18 percent admit deficiencies. The biggest hurdles are cited as incomplete datasets, poor data quality, lack of skills, and isolated data. “This is more than just a technical problem,” says Rollenmüller. “There is a real business risk lurking here. If companies cannot trust their data, informed decisions cannot be made.”

Compliance support through PLM software

The survey results show: PLM software helps achieve sustainability goals. 88 percent of PLM users report receiving adequate compliance support from their data and process environment. Among non-users, however, it is only 60 percent. “PLM provides companies with the necessary infrastructure to track products, collaborate with suppliers, and meet current reporting obligations,” explains Rollenmüller.

Already one step ahead of future requirements

Rollenmüller advises against merely reacting to legal requirements: “Systems that are designed for flexibility and efficiency from the outset automatically lead to compliance. Companies then not only meet current standards but are already one step ahead of future requirements.” 

Digital maturity also promotes the use of technology: 87 percent of PLM users employ AI in product development, while only 59 percent of companies without PLM do so. “PLM is long more than just an engineering tool - it forms the foundation of sustainable transformation,” emphasizes Rollenmüller. With advancing regulation, companies with pronounced digital competencies gain not only compliance security but also real competitive advantages.

According to Rollenmüller, companies that have firmly integrated sustainability into their business processes work more efficiently, are more resilient to market changes, and achieve better results - regardless of regulatory developments.

Source: Aras Software GmbH