Theme 2011:
Collaborate to Compete –
using PLM standards to architect the extended and virtual enterprise.

Organizations of today are to an increasing extent part of business networks. Some suggest that the words “supply chain” should be replaced by “supply network”. Any such network needs to allow for agile business. Hard wiring business together is very costly in the long run. PLM standards will enable the design of an architecture that is the foundation of agile business. No single PLM or ERP vendor is able to deliver all IS/IT to an industry – even if some may claim they can.
 
The agile business model lets an organization use best of breed business processes and IT systems. It can shift focus between products and services and it can operate with different business models in different geographies and business areas. The selection of partners and joint ventures is entirely based on business opportunities where IS/IT is an opportunity and not a risk. Mergers and acquisitions as well as spin-off activities are simplified.
 
PDT Europe 2011 will look into some success stories enabled by PLM standards. It will also examine what is needed to become a “best partner”.   
     
PDT Europe 2011 is about the strategic importance of PLM standards for regions and industries, thus at a very strategic and high level.
It will also deliver practical advice at detailed level. To “collaborate to compete” requires a top-down and a bottom-up approach.

It is not any more about a specific company, it is important for industries as well as for regions.