Unlocking the power of PLM in shipbuilding

Shipbuilding is one of the most complex and competitive industries, requiring a high level of coordination across multiple disciplines. Managing design data, production workflows, and lifecycle processes efficiently is critical to keeping projects on schedule and within budget. While many industries have embraced Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) to integrate their processes, shipbuilding has been slower to adopt a fully connected digital approach while being more advanced in a specific areas of digitalization, such as CAD/CAM solutions.

Cadmatic is working to change this by offering a PLM solution designed specifically for shipyards. Unlike generic PLM systems, which often require heavy customization, Cadmatic’s approach considers the unique needs of the industry and builds on existing shipbuilding expertise and methodologies.

A natural evolution from CAD and PDM to PLM

Shipbuilding has undergone several waves of digital transformation, from early CAD/CAM solutions to Product Data Management (PDM) systems that help engineers manage design files and version control. While PDM has improved the handling of engineering data, it only covers a limited part of the overall shipbuilding process.

PLM takes this further by providing a structured way to manage data across a vessel’s entire lifecycle, from concept to decommissioning. In shipbuilding, where changes in one phase can significantly impact later stages, this reliable digital tread is essential to reduce errors and improve efficiency, as well as to unlock the full potential of digital twins and open new business models of data uses through the entire life cycle.

Complexity and disconnected systems pose challenges for shipyards

Unlike other manufacturing industries, shipbuilding deals with highly customized, one-off products with long lifecycles. Shipyards also rely on a variety of specialized tools, including CAD, ERP, MES, and project management systems. The lack of standardization of data models across these systems creates inefficiencies, leading to errors, delays, and costly rework.

Traditional PLM solutions, developed for industries like automotive and aerospace, do not always fit neatly into the shipbuilding environment. They often require significant customization to accommodate the complexity of ship structures, the vast number of parts, and the industry’s regulatory requirements. This has made PLM adoption challenging for many shipyards.

Developing a shipbuilding-specific approach to PLM

Cadmatic’s PLM approach is designed with shipyards in mind. It connects the various tools already in use – 3D CAD, ERP, MES, and project management systems – into a structured and efficient workflow.

• Process-driven implementation: Cadmatic maps shipbuilding processes rather than forcing shipyards to adapt to rigid PLM workflows.
• Seamless integration: The system acts as a bridge between engineering and production, reducing manual data entry and duplication.
• Lifecycle data management: From initial design to operations and maintenance, all relevant data is stored and structured for future use.

Rather than replacing existing software, Cadmatic’s approach builds on the strengths of different systems, ensuring that shipyards can improve efficiency without overhauling their entire IT infrastructure.

Digital thread, digital twin, and beyond

As shipyards move toward greater digitalization, concepts like the digital thread and digital twin are becoming increasingly relevant. A digital thread ensures that information flows seamlessly between departments and stakeholders, reducing information silos. The digital model, a virtual representation of the vessel, allows for better decision-making in both construction and maintenance. The gradual building of digital twin and connecting the digital model with the vessel’s operation systems enable the full potential of data-driven shipbuilding.

PLM plays a crucial role in enabling these technologies. By ensuring that all ship-related data is structured and accessible, it allows shipbuilders to take advantage of digital workflows that improve their work practices, both in terms of production efficiency and lifecycle management.

The way forward for shipbuilding PLM

The future of shipbuilding will be shaped by how well companies manage their data. As regulations become stricter and ship designs grow more complex, the need for an integrated, shipbuilding-specific PLM solution will only increase.

Cadmatic is committed to working closely with shipyards to develop solutions that are both practical and scalable. By leveraging its deep understanding of shipbuilding processes, Cadmatic is helping shipyards take meaningful steps toward a more efficient and connected digital future.

PLM adoption is no longer a question of if but when. Shipyards that act now will be better positioned to handle future challenges, improve project efficiency, and gain a competitive edge.