#75: Scaling PLM Worldwide: What Works, What Fails

In this episode of Stay Sharp in Digital Engineering, hosts Juliann Grant and Jonathan Scott sit down with Dan Eslinger, Global IT Program and Innovation Manager at BWI Group. Dan shares his hard-earned insights on managing a global PLM implementation, the challenges of aligning teams across multiple cultures and time zones, and the lessons learned along the way.Key Topics Covered:Challenges of Global PLM Implementations - the complexities of managing PLM across different regions, cultures, and time zones.People, Process, and Technology - technology can be standardized, the biggest challenge is aligning people and processes.Standardization vs. Flexibility - balancing standardized global processes with local adaptations is a major challenge.Data Governance and Integration- issues with naming conventions, data migration, and integrating PLM with ERP and CRM systems are discussed.Adoption and Change Management - the importance of user commitment and handling the natural resistance to change.AI and Future Trends -  AI’s potential in engineering and manufacturing, emphasizing the need for high-quality data. Dan dives into the realities of rolling out enterprise systems across a global footprint. He also explores the role of AI in manufacturing, the need for change management, and why successful implementations hinge on getting people engaged and committed.Enjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to subscribe to Stay Sharp in Digital Engineering on your favorite podcast platform or check us out on YouTube.📩 Have questions or insights to share? Email us at [email protected] – we’d love to hear from you!Until next time, Stay Sharp! 🎧Music is considered “royalty-free” and discovered on Story Blocks.Technical Podcast Support by Jon Keur at Wayfare Recording Co.© 2026 Razorleaf Corp. All Rights Reserved.