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18.06.26
Low-code integration for PLM: Intelligent system extensions without the need for programming
The digitalisation of industrial processes requires flexible, rapidly adaptable solutions. Low-code PLM integration enables companies to efficiently extend and customise their product lifecycle management systems – without the need for complex programming. Particularly when combined with leading PLM solutions such as Teamcenter, low-code platforms open up new possibilities for digital process optimisation and seamless system integration.
Find out how low-code technology transforms your PLM system landscape, what specific use cases exist and what benefits this brings to your business.
What is low-code and why is it relevant to PLM?
Low-code development platforms are revolutionising the way businesses create and integrate software. Instead of writing complex code, users employ visual modelling tools, pre-built components and drag-and-drop interfaces.
Basic principles of low-code:
Low-code is based on the concept of visual development. Developers and even business users can create applications through graphical configuration, with the platform automatically generating the necessary code. This reduces development times by up to 70% compared with traditional programming.
Relevance for PLM systems:
PLM solutions such as Teamcenter are powerful, but are often complex and not optimised out-of-the-box for every use case. This is where low-code PLM integration comes in:
- Rapid customisation: Business processes are constantly changing. Low-code enables PLM workflows to be adapted in days rather than months.
- Citizen development: Business departments can create their own applications that meet their specific requirements – under IT governance, but without being entirely dependent on the IT department.
- Seamless integration: Low-code platforms offer connectors to PLM, ERP, CRM and other enterprise systems, thereby breaking down data silos.
Typical challenges that low-code solves:
Many companies struggle with fragmented data in their PLM systems. Design data is stored in Teamcenter, manufacturing information in the MES, and customer requirements in the CRM. Low-code bridges the gap: dashboards visualise data from various sources, mobile apps bring PLM information to the shop floor, and automated workflows synchronise changes across systems.
In practical terms, digital process optimisation through low-code means: less manual data entry, faster decision-making thanks to greater data transparency, and greater agility when making process changes.
Low-code integration with Teamcenter: architecture and possibilities
The integration of low-code platforms with Siemens Teamcenter creates a powerful combination of a robust PLM backbone and flexible application development.
Technical integration architecture:
Low-code platforms connect to Teamcenter via various mechanisms:
- REST APIs: Teamcenter provides comprehensive REST interfaces through which low-code applications can read, write and update product data.
- SOA services: Service-oriented architecture enables access to complex PLM functions such as BOM management, change management and workflow control.
- Database connectors: For specific reporting or analysis scenarios, low-code platforms can access the Teamcenter database directly (read-only).
Low-code enhances Teamcenter in several ways:
- User interfaces for specific roles: Whilst Teamcenter Active Workspace offers a universal interface, low-code technology can be used to create highly specialised interfaces – for example, for service technicians who only need maintenance information, or for procurement staff who need to view only supplier data and bills of materials.
- Mobile applications: Native mobile apps bring PLM functionality directly onto the shop floor. Production staff can use tablets to access work instructions, report quality issues or record material consumption – all synchronised with Teamcenter.
- External portals: Suppliers, partners or customers are granted controlled access to relevant product information from Teamcenter via low-code portals, without requiring Teamcenter licences.
Integration with third-party systems:
A key advantage of low-code PLM integration is the ability to connect Teamcenter with other enterprise systems:
- ERP integration: Automatic synchronisation of bills of materials, product master data and change notifications between Teamcenter and SAP, Oracle or other ERP systems.
- CRM integration: Customer requirements from Salesforce or Microsoft Dynamics are fed directly into Teamcenter projects.
- MES integration: Production data from the Manufacturing Execution System is linked with PLM information to ensure full traceability.
Workflow automation:
Low-code platforms enable the orchestration of complex processes across system boundaries. For example: a change request is created in Teamcenter; affected stakeholders are automatically notified; approvals are obtained in parallel; and, once approved, the ERP, MES and document management system are automatically updated – all without any manual intervention.
This architecture creates an agile, scalable PLM system landscape that can grow in line with the company’s requirements.
Specific use cases for low-code in the PLM landscape
- Paperless workshop
- BOM collaboration
- BOP extension
Business benefits of low-code PLM integration
1
Drastically reduced development times:
Traditional software development for PLM extensions takes months. Low-code reduces this to weeks or even days. Companies can respond more quickly to market demands and digitise new processes in a timely manner. Time-to-value is reduced by up to 70%.
2
Reduced IT costs:
Less code means less maintenance work. Low-code applications are easier to maintain and customise than traditionally programmed solutions. Furthermore, business departments can create applications themselves, subject to IT governance, which takes the pressure off the IT department.
3
Greater user acceptance:
As low-code applications are often developed in close collaboration with end users, they are better suited to the way they work. The user interfaces are intuitive and the processes are streamlined. This leads to greater acceptance and faster adoption.
4
Improved data quality:
Automated workflows and validations in low-code applications reduce manual errors. The low-code PLM integration ensures that data is synchronised consistently across systems, which significantly improves overall data quality within the PLM system landscape.
5
Agility and adaptability:
Business processes are constantly changing. Low-code technology makes it possible to adapt applications quickly without having to launch major development projects. This agility is particularly valuable in dynamic markets.
6
Democratising digitalisation:
Low-code enables business departments to create their own digital solutions. Product managers, quality engineers and production planners can develop applications that address their specific challenges – under IT governance, but without being entirely dependent on scarce developer resources.
7
Scalability:
Low-code platforms are cloud-native and scale automatically as requirements grow. Whether there are 10 or 10,000 users, the infrastructure adapts accordingly.
8
Faster ROI:
Thanks to shorter development times, lower costs and faster processes, low-code investments typically pay for themselves within 6–12 months.
9
Innovation and competitive advantages:
Companies that drive forward their digital process optimisation using low-code can test new business models, meet customer requirements and optimise processes more quickly. This creates sustainable competitive advantages.
Low-code PLM integration is more than just a technical trend – it is a strategic enabler for digital transformation. Companies that integrate low-code platforms with their PLM system landscape create agile, user-friendly and cost-effective solutions. From paperless production floors to smart dashboards and mobile service applications – low-code makes PLM data accessible, processes more efficient and companies more competitive. The future of digital process optimisation lies in the intelligent combination of tried-and-tested PLM systems with the flexibility of modern low-code technology.
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