PLM inherently touches multiple departments and areas of responsibilities.  The value of part and product data, files, drawings, specs and schedules for example, extend beyond the engineering and manufacturing departments.  But, the reality is various teams/groups in the organization invariably acquire technology solutions specific to their needs.  Hence the silos of data and disconnected processes are perpetuated.  It’s fully understandable.  Trying to get the different groups to collectively agree, define and budget can be challenging at best.  That’s why we have stressed the importance of senior management sponsorship to break down the barriers.  We talked about this in our last newsletter.