5.5 Summary

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In previous chapters, we learned about the basic characteristics of PDM and SCM systems, and we pointed out the differences and similarities in their functions. In this chapter, we analyzed how these tools are used and how they can and cannot be used. PDM systems are historically used in the development and maintenance of hardware products. SCM tools are used in the development and maintenance of software products. However, SCM does not support all activities in a PLC, and for complex software products there is a need for the supporting functions that PDM provides. Products that consist of both software and hardware need support from both PDM and SCM. Software parts cannot be supported by PDM, and hardware parts cannot make use of SCM. On the system level, where hardware and software parts are used as components of products, PDM systems provide the support needed. Further, for an efficient development, PDM and SCM tools must be integrated in a way that makes it easy to exchange information and remove functional and data redundancy. Before beginning to discuss integration (the subject of the next chapter), we have become aware of the many difficulties in achieving an efficient interoperability between the tools of these domains-not only for technological reasons, but also because of cultural differences between developers accustomed to using only one or the other of these two domains.

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