"Future of PLM" Panels

Hosted by Michael (Fino) Finocchiaro

Could a Digital Thread have saved the 737 Max?

In this episode of The Future of PLM, Michael Finocchiaro brings together one of the deepest expert panels in the industry — over 200 years of combined PLM experience — to tackle the most uncomfortable question in modern engineering: Can PLM, digital threads, and model-based systems engineering prevent catastrophic product failures? 

Patrick Hillberg opens with a powerful walkthrough of the GM ignition-switch crisis and the Boeing 737 MAX disasters, showing how siloed decisions, missing requirements traceability, flawed incentives, and organizational dysfunction led to deaths, recalls, and tens of billions in losses. He challenges the panel with three core questions:

• Does PLM actually help prevent failures like GM or Boeing?

• If digital threads are the answer, who owns the business model to operate them?

• Do engineers have a moral obligation to speak truth to power, even when careers are on the line? 

The panel — Rob Ferrone, Oleg Shilovitsky, Jos Voskuil, Martin Eigner, Kenn Hartman, and Brion Carroll — digs into:

• The limits of today’s PLM systems and why ALM often has tighter requirement-to-test linkage

• Why test data, MRO data, and operational feedback loops remain broken

• Digital thread vs. digital twin confusion and where real-time data actually fits

• Vendor incentives, cost-cutting cultures, and why technology alone can’t overcome bad governance

• Whether AI agents could finally close the loop between design, testing, and field operations

• How PLM must expand to include as-used, in-service, and even recycling data for safety-critical systems 

This is a candid, unscripted, high-signal discussion about responsibility, engineering ethics, and the future of product lifecycle management in a world where autonomous systems and AI make failures both harder to detect and more costly to ignore.

If you work in PLM, systems engineering, aerospace, automotive, industrial robotics, safety, or product governance — this is essential viewing.

Ch-Ch-Ch-Change Management! with the FoPLM Crew Live from Mars!

In this episode, we go deep on Ch-ch-ch-Change Management:

• engineering vs enterprise change,

• major vs minor changes,

• “right-sized” governance,

• impact analysis,

and why the real work of change often happens outside PLM (emails, meetings, spreadsheets) — plus what AI does (and doesn’t) change in all of this.

You’ll hear perspectives from Jonathan Scott, Patrick Hillberg, Michelle Stone, Oleg Shilovitsky, Brion Carroll, Jos, and Rob Ferrone — including sharp takes on speed vs rigor, issue management, auditability, and change as a competitive advantage. 

Ch-ch-Change Management Panel

Navigating the Future of Product Lifecycle Management: Insights from Industry Experts

Introduction: In the dynamic world of Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), understanding the complexities of Bill of Materials (BOM) is crucial for success. In a recent episode of the Future of PLM podcast, industry veterans gathered to share their insights, experiences, and humorous anecdotes surrounding BOM management. This engaging conversation not only unveiled the intricacies of BOM but also provided valuable lessons for professionals navigating this landscape.

Main Content:

1. Introduction to the Panelists

The episode kicked off with Michael Finocchiaro introducing the panelists, including Oleg Shilovitsky, Jonathan Scott, Brion Carroll, and Patrick Hillberg. Each participant shared a brief overview of their backgrounds, highlighting their extensive experience in PLM and BOM across various industries. For instance, Oleg recounted his journey from the construction industry to manufacturing, emphasizing the evolving nature of BOM throughout his career. Jonathan, with his mechanical and systems engineering background, focused on large-scale projects, discussing the unique challenges posed by legacy BOMs in the aerospace sector.

2.Understanding BOM Variability

The conversation then shifted to the variability inherent in BOMs, particularly in the retail and consumer goods sectors. Brion Carroll, who has spent over 40 years in the industry, shared his insights on how a single BOM could translate into numerous variations based on factors like product size, color, and manufacturing location. He emphasized the importance of intelligent traversal in BOM management, allowing businesses to streamline their processes and reduce complexity. This point resonated with the group, highlighting how effective BOM strategies can lead to significant operational efficiencies.

3.Innovations in BOM Management

The panelists also explored innovative approaches to BOM management. Patrick Hillberg, who has a background in vision-guided robotics, introduced the concept of the Bill of Process (BOP) as a critical element in manufacturing. He explained that by the time a BOM reaches the factory floor, it is often already configured to meet specific production needs. This proactive approach to BOM management underscores the importance of integrating PLM processes with manufacturing operations to enhance productivity.

4. Real-World Examples and Challenges

Throughout the discussion, real-world examples illustrated the challenges and triumphs of BOM management. Oleg recalled his experience with the Boeing 787 Dreamliner project, detailing the complexities of managing wire harness BOMs in the aerospace industry. His anecdotes shed light on the practical implications of BOM decisions and their impact on project timelines and costs. The panelists agreed that understanding industry-specific nuances is essential for effective BOM management.

Conclusion:

The Future of PLM podcast episode provided a wealth of insights into the evolving landscape of BOM management. From understanding variability and leveraging intelligent traversal to exploring innovative strategies like the Bill of Process, the discussion emphasized the critical role of BOM in product lifecycle success. As companies continue to navigate these complexities, the shared experiences and expert advice from industry veterans serve as a valuable resource for professionals looking to enhance their BOM management practices.

Key Takeaways:

BOM management is crucial for efficiency in various industries, especially in retail and aerospace.

Intelligent traversal in BOMs can streamline processes and reduce operational complexity.

The Bill of Process (BOP) is a significant innovation that integrates manufacturing with PLM.

Real-world experiences highlight the challenges faced in BOM management and the importance of industry-specific knowledge.