Global industry study shows: Sustainability increases business success

A study entitled "The future of product development - product lifecycle management in focus" by Aras Software, which surveyed 656 managers in the USA, Europe and Japan, found that sustainability increases business success. This is because the data analysis options required for this are proving to be the main obstacle. "In today's market environment, sustainability is not just about ticking off completed tasks, but about continuously improving business performance," explains Jens Rollenmüller, Regional Vice President at Aras. In his opinion, companies that have firmly integrated sustainability into their business processes work more efficiently, are more resilient to market changes and achieve better results - regardless of regulatory developments.

Using uncertainty for preparation

Rollenmüller advises against merely reacting to legal requirements: "Systems that are geared towards flexibility and efficiency from the outset automatically lead to compliance. Companies then not only meet current standards, but are already one step ahead of future requirements." Rollenmüller refers to regulatory developments such as the EU Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the future mandatory Digital Product Passport (DPP). These will remain in place, albeit in a watered-down form. "The regulations will not be repealed and could be tightened up again at any time," emphasizes the industry expert. "The current phase of uncertainty offers companies the ideal opportunity to prepare. Those who act now will create adaptable and future-proof structures."

Data problems slow companies down

The Aras study highlights the gap between digitally advanced and less prepared companies. Only 37% of respondents fully agree that their data and digital processes adequately support compliance requirements. 45% consider this to be only partially the case, while 18% admit to shortcomings. The biggest hurdles cited were incomplete data sets, poor data quality, a lack of skills and isolated data. "This is more than just a technical problem," says Rollenmüller. "There is a real business risk lurking here. If companies can't trust their data, they can't make informed decisions."

Intelligent systems lead to intelligent companies

The survey results show: PLM software helps to achieve sustainability goals. For example, 88 percent of PLM users state that they receive appropriate compliance support from their data and process world. Among non-users, however, the figure is only 60 percent. "PLM provides companies with the necessary infrastructure to track products, collaborate with suppliers and fulfill current reporting obligations," explains Rollenmüller.

Digital maturity also favors the use of technology: 87 percent of PLM users use AI in product development, compared to only 59 percent of companies without PLM. "PLM has long been more than just an engineering tool - it forms the foundation of sustainable transformation," emphasizes Rollenmüller. As regulation progresses, companies with strong digital skills are not only gaining compliance security, but also real competitive advantages. "Digital systems, sustainability and intelligent planning form a single unit," says Rollenmüller. "Together, they increase corporate performance and create sustainable added value."

Source: Aras