"CIMDATA defines PLM as
- A strategic business approach that applies a consistent set of business solutions that support the collaborative creation, management, dissemination, and use of product definition information
- Supporting the extended enterprise (customers, design and supply partners, etc.)
- Spanning from concept to end of life of a product or plant
- Integrating people, processes, business systems, and information"
Source : http://www.cimdata.com/en/resources/about-plm