PLM software sharpens up

Windchill version 10 has a more intuitive interface

PTC has launched the tenth revision of its Windchill product lifecycle management (PLM) software in what the company said was the most important development of the package since its inception.

PTC said Windchill 10.0 was substantially easier to use than earlier versions and more integrated with Windows. The company admitted that the product – which it acquired in 1998 – had a reputation for being “less than intuitive” but hoped the new release would overturn this.

Windchill was developed as a tool for managing complex data and interactions in workflows associated with the product development process. The interface in version 10.0 is configurable by the individual user, PTC said, bringing it into line with today's expectations.

Other innovations include the ability to manage embedded software development information and integration with development platforms such as ClearCase and Jira. Another key feature is improved facilities for managing rafts of complex changes to designs.

PTC said that one of the barriers to effective PLM was user engagement and systems preventing effective working practices. The new levels of customisation and the new intuitive interface in Windchill 10.0 would help to overcome this, said the company.

Terry Gimbre, engineering manager at Thales Communications, said: “The many new configuration capabilities in Windchill 10.0 will give our users much more power and flexibility in managing products.

“This supports our commitment to continuous process improvement and enhances our ability to deliver high-quality mission-critical products on which lives literally depend.”