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Product data management practices in high‐tech companies

Hanna Kropsu‐Vehkapera (Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland)
Harri Haapasalo (Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland)
Janne Harkonen (Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland)
Risto Silvola (Elisa Corporation, Helsinki, Finland)

Industrial Management & Data Systems

ISSN: 0263-5577

Article publication date: 26 June 2009

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide tangible examples of product data management (PDM) practices in large high‐tech companies, and to highlight current challenges.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is a qualitative interview study. First, a PDM system frame was defined to aid analyses. Second, an interview study was carried out in four companies to clarify the practical realisation of PDM, and the current challenges. The interviewees are experts in the field of PDM, currently holding significant related posts in their companies.

Findings

Overall, PDM activities are similar in all companies, however, there is some diversity in the realisation of these practices. PDM related challenges identified in this study are various, strongly influenced by company background and current organisational state.

Research limitations/implications

This paper includes interviews in four companies with different backgrounds, and a workshop, providing a good view on topical issues in the field of PDM. The obtained results could vary to some degree, should the sample size be larger, or especially should the products of the studied companies be less complex.

Practical implications

This paper provides managers and PDM system developers' with a better understanding over the issues that are affecting PDM solution development and on major system requirements, together with relevant insight on current challenges.

Originality/value

The existing literature is relatively scarce in describing the practicalities of PDM. The obtained results highlight the significance of company background influencing the selection of PDM solutions.

Keywords

Citation

Kropsu‐Vehkapera, H., Haapasalo, H., Harkonen, J. and Silvola, R. (2009), "Product data management practices in high‐tech companies", Industrial Management & Data Systems, Vol. 109 No. 6, pp. 758-774. https://doi.org/10.1108/02635570910968027

Publisher

:

Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2009, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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