Cloud PLM: Modern Product Lifecycle Management
Cloud PLM is reshaping how products are created, developed and delivered, giving product teams the flexibility and speeds they’ve always craved, without the weight of outdated, on-premise systems.
Bombiix was designed by real product people, who – like you – have lived the chaos of spreadsheets, version conflicts, email threads and clunky systems.
We knew from the start that product lifecycle management belonged in the cloud. And below, we show you why cloud PLM is essential for modern businesses, and what to look out for when searching for the right cloud-based system.
What is cloud PLM and why does it matter?
Cloud PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) is a modern, web-based platform that manages every stage of your product journey, from concept and design to development, testing, sourcing, costing, production and launch.
Unlike on-premise PLM systems that require servers, IT support and costly upgrades, cloud PLM gives your team instant access from anywhere, real-time collaboration, continuous updates and far higher scalability.
Cloud PLM adoption is rapidly rising.
Cloud PLM systems represented around 30% of all PLM deployments by 2024, up from 17.6% from 2019.
These numbers tell a clear story: cloud PLM is quickly becoming the industry standard.
The problem with traditional PLM systems
On-premise PLM tools were built for an era where long implementations and rigid processes were the norm. Today, they create more barriers than benefits.
High implementation costs
Rolling out a traditional PLM involves – sometimes hidden – expenses, such as servers, licenses, upgrades and IT staffing that add up quickly.
Slow, complex onboarding
Implementation can often take months, slowing teams down before the tool even rolls out across the business.
Inflexible workflows
Legacy PLMs force you to match their structure, naming conventions and workflows, leading to reliance on additional tools in an attempt to close the gap.
Siloed data and communication
Disconnected systems result in constant duplication of data entry, leading to errors and version confusion.
Tiered pricing and feature lock-ins
Traditional PLM systems often ask you to “pay more to access the features you actually need”.
For product teams already juggling deadlines, multiple suppliers and rapid seasonality, these tools simply don’t fit the pace of today’s product development.
Key benefits of cloud-based PLM
Below we outline the main benefits of cloud PLM.
Instant accessibility and collaboration
With cloud PLM, you can work anywhere, at any time. Designers, developers, suppliers and manufacturers collaborate from every corner of the world, without worrying about outdated files. This alone can have a huge operational impact: cloud PLM can accelerate product launch cycles by up to 40%, thanks to real-time data, faster approvals and fewer bottlenecks.
Scalability without IT headaches
Cloud-based product lifecycle management software grows with your business. There’s no need to invest in on-site servers or their maintenance. As your product ranges expand, the system scales effortlessly. Companies moving to cloud PLM typically reduce upfront infrastructure costs by 50–60%, simply by removing hardware and on-site IT requirements.
Essential features to look for in a cloud PLM
When choosing a cloud PLM, product teams should look for features that genuinely support their workflow.
Customisable workflows
Your PLM should flex around you, not the other way around.
Look for a PLM that gives you the freedom to customise field names, create your own templates or modules and build libraries that evolve with your brand.
One centralised hub for product data
Your PLM should act as a single source of truth – a connected space where BOMs, specs, costings, testing, POs, samples, assets and suppliers live all together.
This removes the need for duplicate work and reduces costly miscommunication.
Instant collaboration tools
Your PLM should enable everyone to collaborate in one shared space, connecting your designers, merchandisers, technologists, buyers, QA, suppliers and manufacturers.
Look for software that offers live commenting and approvals, plus the ability to give your suppliers and partners their own logins.
Integrations with ERP, CAD, ecommerce
Your PLM should connect to your existing systems and tools, such as your ERP, CAD and design tools and ecommerce platforms.
Bonus points if it has built-in PIM, DAM or DPP tools that further reduce the need for repeated admin work.
Smart automation
Your PLM should do more than store data. Tools such as automation and artificial intelligence save you hours of busywork and help you auto-calculate measurements and margins.
The right PLM should feel like an extra pair of hands when your team is stretched.
Built-in compliance and sustainability features
Your PLM should help you stay ahead of evolving regulations and legislation. Look for cloud PLM that offers Digital Product Passport (DPP) capabilities, material tracing up to Tier 4 and testing and certification tracking.
How Bombiix delivers cloud PLM differently
Bombiix is cloud PLM that has been designed by real product people who know the pain of disconnected systems and outdated tools.
Transparent pricing
There’s no lock-ins or surprise costs with Bombiix. You get access to it all, even when we update the platform.
All your essentials, built in
PLM + PIM + DAM + DPP – one unified platform that keeps everything connected.
Fits your flow, not the other way
Custom modules, configurable fields, flexible templates and full system configuration let Bombiix adapt to your real processes.
Support from product people who’ve lived the chaos
Your onboarding happens through real conversations – not faceless ticket queues.
See the benefits in months, not years
You’re supported by real people from day one – think live walkthroughs and direct chat support. And, typically, we onboard clients in 3-6 months.
Security and data in the cloud
We keep your data safe with private, fully encrypted Amazon S3 storage.
Access is tightly controlled and only granted through secure, temporary links, protecting your files at every step.
Integration with your existing tech stack
Bombiix connects effortlessly with your ERP, design tools, testing labs, finance systems and e-commerce. With built-in PIM, DAM and DPP, it becomes your central, flexible, API-ready product suite.
Making the business case for cloud PLM
When presenting cloud PLM to decision-makers, focus on the measurable improvements
Productivity gains
Automations, fewer manual updates, fewer meetings and fewer errors.
Reduced operational costs
50–60% reduced infrastructure cost, fewer duplicated tests, less rework and fewer production delays.
Faster time to market
Cloud collaboration and shared data accelerate development by up to 40%
Stronger margins and fewer mistakes
Live costings, BOM accuracy and real-time compliance prevent costly errors.
Better supplier accountability
Everything logged, tracked and traceable.
FAQs
How secure is cloud PLM compared to on-premise solutions?
Cloud PLM platforms like Bombiix offer enterprise-grade security with ISO-aligned protocols and transparent data ownership policies.
How long does it take to implement cloud PLM?
With Bombiix, you can start seeing value in weeks rather than months, with implementation handled via direct chat and live sessions.
Can cloud PLM integrate with our existing systems?
Yes, cloud PLM solutions are designed to work seamlessly with ERP, CAD, and other tools through APIs and modular design.
What's the difference between cloud PLM and legacy PLM?
Cloud PLM offers greater flexibility, faster implementation and accessibility from anywhere without the IT overhead of on-premise systems.