Arena PLM vs Centric PLM

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Our analysts compared Arena PLM vs Centric PLM based on data from our 400+ point analysis of PLM Software, user reviews and our own crowdsourced data from our free software selection platform.

Arena PLM Software Tool

Product Basics

Arena PLM is a cloud-based solution that gives internal and external users access to relevant information throughout the entire design lifecycle. It provides capabilities such as project management, document management and collaboration functionality. It enables users to save money by developing useful bids and improving productivity through the automation of various workflows.

Compliance with ISO and FDA standards is also supported to ensure everything is “up to code.” Simple deployment with no coding needed is a vital feature.
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Centric PLM is a software solution designed to streamline the entire product lifecycle, from ideation and design to sourcing, production, and launch. It caters particularly to companies in fast-moving consumer goods industries like fashion, apparel, and homeware.

Centric PLM offers several key benefits. It centralizes product data, eliminating the need to search through scattered spreadsheets and emails. This fosters improved collaboration among internal teams and external partners.

The software boasts features like mobile applications for on-the-go access, visual collaboration tools, and integrations with 3D design software. These features can help companies reduce time to market, improve product quality, and gain a competitive edge.

While user experiences can vary, Centric PLM is generally praised for its scalability and modularity. Companies can choose the specific functionalities they need, making it suitable for businesses of various sizes. Pricing is typically based on a subscription model with tiers offering different features and user capacities.


Pros
  • Centralized Data
  • Improved Collaboration
  • Faster Time to Market
  • Scalable & Modular
  • Mobile App Access
Cons
  • Steep Learning Curve
  • Customization Challenges
  • Limited Real-Time Data
  • Potentially Costly
  • Subscription Model
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$3,000/User, Annually
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$1,000 Monthly
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Small 
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Windows
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Android
Chromebook
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Android
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Cloud
On-Premise
Mobile
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On-Premise
Mobile

Product Assistance

Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
Webinars
Documentation
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Videos
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Email
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Chat
FAQ
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Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support
Email
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24/7 Live Support

Product Insights

  • Centralized Information: Store product data in one place so every user can access and review the most relevant information. It reduces redundancies and miscommunication among those with access to the system. 
  • Internal and External Collaboration: Share information and work with supply chain partners through this program. Users may also share notes, documentation and more to ensure that everyone is on the same page and understands the project's scope or task. 
  • Cloud Deployment: Deploy this solution through the cloud so users can easily access it anytime and anywhere with a strong internet connection. 
  • Quality Assurance and Regulatory Compliance: Guarantee businesses meet every regulatory requirement and industry standard such as ISO, FDA and more. 
  • Simple Implementation: Install this platform seamlessly. No coding required. 
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  • Streamlined Communication and Collaboration: Centric PLM acts as a central hub for all product information, eliminating the need for siloed data and communication across teams. Imagine a designer uploading a sketch, which can be instantly accessed and commented on by product managers, engineers, and sourcing specialists, all within the same platform. This fosters a collaborative environment that reduces misunderstandings and delays.
  • Reduced Time to Market: By centralizing product data and streamlining workflows, Centric PLM helps companies get products to market faster. For instance, designers can receive instant feedback on material availability from sourcing teams, eliminating the back-and-forth communication that can slow down the development process. This allows companies to capitalize on market trends and stay ahead of the competition.
  • Improved Product Quality and Consistency: Centric PLM's centralized data repository ensures that everyone is working with the latest product specifications. This reduces the risk of errors caused by outdated information or miscommunication. Think of it as a single source of truth for everything related to a product, from materials and technical specifications to quality control procedures.
  • Enhanced Cost Management: By providing real-time insights into material costs, production processes, and inventory levels, Centric PLM helps companies make informed decisions that can optimize their bottom line. Imagine a scenario where a material cost increase is flagged within the system, prompting the sourcing team to explore alternative suppliers. This level of cost transparency empowers companies to make data-driven decisions and minimize waste.
  • Increased Visibility and Control: Centric PLM provides a comprehensive view of the entire product lifecycle, from concept to launch. This empowers managers to identify potential bottlenecks, track progress, and make adjustments as needed. Imagine having a real-time dashboard that displays the status of every product in development, allowing for proactive problem-solving and course correction.
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  • BOM Management: Control current, past and pending product revisions. Manage complex assemblies that consist of aspects such as electrical and mechanical components, documentation and software. It also sorts the information into a multi-tiered hierarchical assembly structure. 
  • Arena Exchange: Provide stakeholders with access to relevant product information in one centralized location. The chat feature allows internal and external users to discuss any arising issues during the gaps between formal processes. Partners may comment, view or download updated information such as reports, BOMs, AMLs and AVLs. 
  • Document Management: Share, track and store various documents while ensuring compliance with FDA, ISO and other regulatory standards. Users obtain authorization to product specifications, instructions, drawings and changes. This module also includes standard operating procedures, safety specifications and training records. 
  • Change Management: Manage entire product records and any related processes. Route, draft, release and trace engineering changes. Reviewers receive notifications via dashboards and email alerts. Visualization of factors such as backlog, change cycle time performance and progress are also available for all product lines. 
  • Item Management: Develop accurate and complete item records with structured documents and part information, efficiently permitting users to configure their hierarchical bill of materials structures. This feature tracks and manages manufactured assemblies and purchased components. 
  • Project Management: Connect files, changes, items and tasks to product records at all schedule levels and enable team collaboration. This apparatus tracks project progress through customizable phases that contain assignable tasks and milestones. Users may also gather data and use it to perform comprehensive cross-project analysis. 
  • Demand Analysis: Forecast the total components used to better negotiate with external partners. This tool is available for even the smallest component level, giving customers a leg-up over competitors that aggregate demand only for their most expensive parts. Users gain profit from untracked, inexpensive components as well as expensive ones. 
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  • Product Data Management (PDM): Centric PLM acts as a central repository for all product information, including specifications, materials, bills of materials (BOMs), and technical drawings. Imagine a digital library containing everything a team needs to know about a product, from its initial concept to final production.
  • Sample Management: The software streamlines the sample creation and approval process, allowing designers and product managers to collaborate effectively on prototypes. Think of a digital workflow where designers upload samples, provide feedback, and track revisions, all within a single platform.
  • Calendar and Lifecycle Management: Centric PLM helps plan, schedule, and track all stages of the product lifecycle, from design deadlines to production milestones. Imagine a visual timeline that displays key development stages for each product, ensuring everyone is on the same page and deadlines are met.
  • Supplier Collaboration: The platform facilitates communication and collaboration with suppliers, enabling real-time updates on material availability, pricing, and production progress. Imagine a communication hub where companies can share specifications with suppliers, receive quotes, and track order fulfillment, fostering stronger relationships.
  • Mobile Applications: Centric PLM offers mobile apps that provide on-the-go access to product data, approvals, and communication channels. Think of designers sketching on a tablet and uploading concepts directly into the system, or product managers receiving real-time production updates while traveling.
  • Visual Collaboration Tools: The software features digital whiteboards and mood boards that enable teams to brainstorm ideas and collaborate visually. Imagine a virtual space where designers can share sketches, inspiration images, and product concepts, fostering a more creative and collaborative environment.
  • Integration with Design Software: Centric PLM integrates with popular 3D design software, allowing for a seamless flow of information between design and development stages. Imagine a scenario where a designer creates a 3D model in their preferred software, which can be directly imported into Centric PLM for further development and production planning.
  • Reporting and Analytics: The platform offers comprehensive reporting and analytics tools that provide insights into product development performance, costs, and supplier efficiency. Think of a dashboard that displays key metrics like time-to-market data, production costs per unit, and supplier performance ratings, empowering data-driven decision making.
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Product Ranking

#10

among all
PLM Software

#32

among all
PLM Software

Find out who the leaders are

Analyst Rating Summary

79
62
84
46
100
90
100
74
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Change Management
Compliance Management
Platform Capabilities
Project Management
Reporting and Dashboard
Packaging and Label Management
Platform Capabilities
Change Management
Project Management
Recipe and Formula Management

Analyst Ratings for Functional Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

Arena PLM
Centric PLM
+ Add Product + Add Product
Bill Of Materials Management Change Management Compliance Management Design Management Document Management Packaging And Label Management Part Management Platform Capabilities Project Management Quality Management Recipe And Formula Management Reporting And Dashboard Requirements Management Supplier Management 84 100 100 90 96 22 89 100 100 98 57 100 92 83 46 90 74 68 58 100 45 100 86 75 86 67 8 85 0 25 50 75 100
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Analyst Ratings for Technical Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

33%
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67%
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User Sentiment Summary

Great User Sentiment 526 reviews
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82%
of users recommend this product

Arena PLM has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 82% when considering 526 user reviews from 4 recognized software review sites.

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4.7 (9)
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4.1 (228)
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4.0 (27)
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4.1 (262)
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Awards

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SelectHub research analysts have evaluated Centric PLM and concluded it earns best-in-class honors for Packaging and Label Management.

Packaging and Label Management Award

Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Implementation: Of the users who commented on this program's installation and interface, 57% said it's easy to install, simple to learn and the interface is clean.
Performability: Approximately 64% of users who addressed this solution's overall performance said it was user friendly, easy to navigate and reliable.
Modules: Of the users who discussed this platform's features, 48% stated that it offers a comprehensive dashboard, shares information with suppliers and tracks product progress.
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Centralized Product Data: Eliminates scattered information across spreadsheets and emails, fostering collaboration and reducing errors. Imagine a single source of truth for everything related to a product, accessible by all teams.
Improved Time to Market: Streamlined workflows and faster communication help companies get products to market quicker. For instance, design teams can receive instant feedback from sourcing on material availability, avoiding delays.
Enhanced Collaboration: A central platform facilitates communication and information exchange between internal teams and external partners. Imagine designers, engineers, and suppliers collaborating seamlessly on a single product concept.
Increased Visibility and Control: Real-time insights into the product lifecycle empower managers to identify bottlenecks, track progress, and make proactive adjustments. Think of a dashboard that displays the status of every product in development, allowing for course correction as needed.
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Search Tool: Roughly 51% of users who addressed this application's modules said the search tool isn't on par because it can't search partial names or part numbers and it's a little tricky to find the right documents.
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Steep Learning Curve: Centric PLM's comprehensive features can be overwhelming for new users, requiring dedicated training time to become proficient. Think of a complex software program with numerous functionalities that take time to master.
Customization Challenges: While offering some customization, extensively modifying Centric PLM to perfectly match specific workflows can be difficult and resource-intensive. Imagine a system that requires significant development effort to align perfectly with unique business processes.
Potentially Costly: The subscription-based pricing model, coupled with potential implementation and training costs, can make Centric PLM a significant investment, especially for smaller businesses. Consider the software cost, along with setup and training expenses, which may be a barrier for some companies.
Limited Real-Time Data: Some users report a slight delay in data synchronization across the entire system. This means information updates might not be reflected instantaneously, which is important for businesses requiring constant real-time data accuracy.
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Arena PLM is a complex solution that manages every aspect of a product's lifecycle. Users find it easy to implement and learn because it has simple navigation, frequent updates and high-quality document storage. Its modules — ranging from BOM management and demand analysis to item and change management — streamline tasks and permit users to collaborate with suppliers openly. Although some users dislike the search tool, most find this program a robust system worth the time and money.

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Recent user reviews of Centric PLM highlight its ability to centralize product data and streamline workflows, leading to faster time-to-market. One reviewer, a product manager at a fashion company, praised Centric PLM for eliminating scattered information across emails and spreadsheets, which previously caused delays in communication and product development. This centralized approach is particularly beneficial in fast-paced industries like fashion, where trends can change quickly and getting products to market swiftly is crucial. However, reviewers also noted challenges associated with Centric PLM's complexity. Some users reported a steep learning curve, mentioning it takes time for new users to become comfortable with the software's extensive features. This can be a hurdle for companies with limited training resources. Additionally, extensive customization can be difficult, which may not be ideal for businesses needing a highly tailored PLM solution. For instance, a small business with unique design processes might find Centric PLM's customization capabilities too cumbersome compared to more user-friendly options. Overall, Centric PLM seems well-suited for medium to large companies in industries like fashion, consumer goods, and homeware that value a centralized data repository, streamlined communication, and the ability to handle complex workflows. However, the steep learning curve and potentially high costs mean smaller businesses or those with unique process needs may want to explore alternative PLM solutions offering greater ease of use or more straightforward customization options.

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