Three Not-So-Little Words Are Key To Detroit Automakers' Survival

When people who have a limited understanding of a business need say software will solve a mature businesses problems they sound stupid.
No software in the world in its self can fix a complex business that has many legacy issues to contend with.
The American automotive industry will suffer many of the same shrinking problems the steel industry has gone through.

Agreed, software cannot fix fundamental business problems, but it's my understanding that PLM is technology and processes combined.
Martyn Day once wrote, "PLM is 'joined up engineering' ... all the systems you use, from design through manufacturing to sales, sharing information and automating ..."
The U.S. auto industry may well continue to undergo "shrinking pains," but it seems like the concept of PLM can relieve at least some of the symptoms.

We are a tier 2 and have shops in US and UK ... had this same debate abouot PLM is it software or what is it? WE moved to PLM using the same 3D software we had but changed some processes and adopted a PDM system. WE are not completely there yet but I can see more now what pLM is about.
This article could have defined PLM better I think the points made are a little confusing because the definition isnt clear.