Web-Based Product Change Management

Originally Published MX January/February 2002

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES

Web-Based Product Change Management

Today’s product change management systems can provide device companies with real-time project visibility, access to data, and coordinated execution of core manufacturing tasks.

Michael Carroll

Web-based product change management (PCM) is the ability to manage and execute simple and complex product changes across distances and under time constraints. If integrated seamlessly with a medical device manufacturer’s other business processes and existing IT infrastructure, product change management can be a useful strategic tool, especially in today’s slow world economy. Web-based coordinated execution of product changes enables device manufacturers to decrease costs and increase revenues by improving accuracy, decreasing waste, reducing redundant processes, speeding changes in production and design, reducing time to market, and ultimately increasing productivity within a narrow time window.

To gain market share and drive revenues, medical device manufacturers have to