A PLM Titan Bids Farewell: Bernard Charlès Steps Down, Succeeded by Pascal Daloz
After more than four decades at the absolute core of the CAD and PLM industry, one of its most prominent profiles, Bernard Charlès (to the left) , is stepping down as Chairman of the Board of Dassault Systèmes. Having joined as a co-founder and driving the company’s evolution from a startup in the early 80s to a dominant force in PLM, Charlès has been pivotal to its success.
He became CEO in 1995 and was appointed Chairman of the Board in 2016. Today he has been succeeded as Chairman by the company's relatively new CEO (2024), Pascal Daloz (right). In a statement, Bernard Charlès said:
“I have, for personal reasons, requested to be relieved of my duties as Executive Chairman. As co-founder of our company, alongside Charles Edelstenne, I am delighted that Pascal Daloz is succeeding me in this role. Pascal and I have worked side-by-side for 25 years, and he has my full confidence to both lead the company and organize the work of the Board. This decision reflects the lasting continuity of the company’s governance, which is a key source of trust for our major customers around the world. I am firmly convinced that this new configuration creates the strongest conditions for the continued and successful development of Dassault. I love and am deeply proud of the company—its employees, its teams, its customers, its purpose, its values, and what we build together. At heart, I am a product and technology leader; this is my passion. I will remain fully available to the company to accelerate the adoption of the new AI driven 3D UNIV+RSES.”
"Throughout his career, Charlès has been a pioneer, leveraging a unique rhetorical talent to articulate innovations in a way that is accessible to the industries the company serves and is also universally valuable. This spans from the foundation of 3D design using the classic CAD solution, CATIA (1981), to digital mock-ups that, in Boeing’s hands, led to the creation of the 777—the world's first fully digitally designed aircraft (1995)—to pioneering work in PLM (1999) and the creation of the 3DEXPERIENCE platform (2011-12).
But true pioneering is never a straight line, and Charlès is the first to admit that navigating uncharted territory involves trial, error, and immense grit. Yet, by constantly looking toward the horizon, he has turned radical visions into the functional realities that define modern engineering today. Charlès has been persistent, and ultimately, his team has delivered results that work.
Click on the headline to read the full story on PLM&ERP News.
He became CEO in 1995 and was appointed Chairman of the Board in 2016. Today he has been succeeded as Chairman by the company's relatively new CEO (2024), Pascal Daloz (right). In a statement, Bernard Charlès said:
“I have, for personal reasons, requested to be relieved of my duties as Executive Chairman. As co-founder of our company, alongside Charles Edelstenne, I am delighted that Pascal Daloz is succeeding me in this role. Pascal and I have worked side-by-side for 25 years, and he has my full confidence to both lead the company and organize the work of the Board. This decision reflects the lasting continuity of the company’s governance, which is a key source of trust for our major customers around the world. I am firmly convinced that this new configuration creates the strongest conditions for the continued and successful development of Dassault. I love and am deeply proud of the company—its employees, its teams, its customers, its purpose, its values, and what we build together. At heart, I am a product and technology leader; this is my passion. I will remain fully available to the company to accelerate the adoption of the new AI driven 3D UNIV+RSES.”
"Throughout his career, Charlès has been a pioneer, leveraging a unique rhetorical talent to articulate innovations in a way that is accessible to the industries the company serves and is also universally valuable. This spans from the foundation of 3D design using the classic CAD solution, CATIA (1981), to digital mock-ups that, in Boeing’s hands, led to the creation of the 777—the world's first fully digitally designed aircraft (1995)—to pioneering work in PLM (1999) and the creation of the 3DEXPERIENCE platform (2011-12).
But true pioneering is never a straight line, and Charlès is the first to admit that navigating uncharted territory involves trial, error, and immense grit. Yet, by constantly looking toward the horizon, he has turned radical visions into the functional realities that define modern engineering today. Charlès has been persistent, and ultimately, his team has delivered results that work.
Click on the headline to read the full story on PLM&ERP News.
Dassault’s 2025 Pivot: Prioritizing Industrial AI Development Over Short-Term Growth
PASCAL DALOZ Dassault Systemès Boss: "True AI transformation takes time; that is why we are focusing on AI implementation throughout 2025 and 2026."
For the world’s second-largest PLM provider (after Siemens PLM), 2025 served as a transitional year, characterized by sluggish sales and nearly flat revenue growth.
Total revenue for 2025 reached $7.44 billion, representing a marginal 4% increase year-over-year. Software revenue mirrored this trend, rising 4% to $6.6 billion. Behind these figures lies a complex mix of stagnant markets, a strategic shift in the business model, and heavy investments in artificial intelligence.
The transition to a SaaS and subscription-based model created short-term headwinds. Furthermore, key European markets—particularly the automotive sectors in Germany, France, Spain, and Italy—showed significant weakness. This was compounded by declining revenues in the Life Sciences division, where Medidata saw a 2% contraction, and a slowdown for the former growth engine, Centric PLM.
Despite the weak figures, Daloz remains steadfast in his commitment to AI. He views the technology as the cornerstone of the company’s future:
"2025 looks to be a demanding year for Dassault Systèmes, but our ambition remains clear: we will lead the industrial AI transformation through 3D UNIV+RSEs. This is a long-term commitment that redefines how industries innovate, operate, and compete. Our vision is built on decades of industrial and scientific expertise, and we are now building the capacity to turn that vision into reality. However, true transformation takes time, and leadership in industrial AI starts with strong foundations. That is why, throughout 2025 and 2026, we are focusing on disciplined AI implementation and aligning resources around our strategic priorities to deliver measurable, industry-defining impact," stated the Dassault CEO.
Highlighting progress, Pascal Daloz detailed the launch of three AI-native generative solutions: virtual companions, generative experiences, and virtual twins as a service. This, he said, combined with the NVIDIA collaboration, has solidified DS’s market leadership.With AI now central to its business and technology strategy, the next step is sustaining that investment. But among financial and stock market analysts there was a shaky reaction to DS's latest report. As growth slows and the "SaaS Apocalypse" trade gains momentum, Dassault Systèmes finds itself at a crossroads. Click on the headline to read the full story on PLM&ERP News.
For the world’s second-largest PLM provider (after Siemens PLM), 2025 served as a transitional year, characterized by sluggish sales and nearly flat revenue growth.
Total revenue for 2025 reached $7.44 billion, representing a marginal 4% increase year-over-year. Software revenue mirrored this trend, rising 4% to $6.6 billion. Behind these figures lies a complex mix of stagnant markets, a strategic shift in the business model, and heavy investments in artificial intelligence.
The transition to a SaaS and subscription-based model created short-term headwinds. Furthermore, key European markets—particularly the automotive sectors in Germany, France, Spain, and Italy—showed significant weakness. This was compounded by declining revenues in the Life Sciences division, where Medidata saw a 2% contraction, and a slowdown for the former growth engine, Centric PLM.
Despite the weak figures, Daloz remains steadfast in his commitment to AI. He views the technology as the cornerstone of the company’s future:
"2025 looks to be a demanding year for Dassault Systèmes, but our ambition remains clear: we will lead the industrial AI transformation through 3D UNIV+RSEs. This is a long-term commitment that redefines how industries innovate, operate, and compete. Our vision is built on decades of industrial and scientific expertise, and we are now building the capacity to turn that vision into reality. However, true transformation takes time, and leadership in industrial AI starts with strong foundations. That is why, throughout 2025 and 2026, we are focusing on disciplined AI implementation and aligning resources around our strategic priorities to deliver measurable, industry-defining impact," stated the Dassault CEO.
Highlighting progress, Pascal Daloz detailed the launch of three AI-native generative solutions: virtual companions, generative experiences, and virtual twins as a service. This, he said, combined with the NVIDIA collaboration, has solidified DS’s market leadership.
Tufft 2025 för Dassault: ”Tillväxten satt på sparlåga när bolaget prioriterar industriellt AI-ledarskap”
Tufft 2025 för Dassault: ”TILLVÄXT på SPARLÅGA när bolaget prioriterar industriellt LEDARSKAP inom AI”
Pascal Daloz, CEO Dassault Systemes: ”Sann transformation tar tid, det är därför vi under 2025 och 2026 fokuserar på AI-genomförandet.”
2025 blev något av ett mellanår för den kommersiella tvåan PLM-marknaden, Dassault Systemes. Det har varit svårt att få till ett ordentligt tryck i försäljningen, vilket speglades i en närmast platt intäktskurva. Helåret 2025 stannade på 7,44 miljarder dollar (68,4 miljarder kronor), vilket bara är en marginell ökning jämfört med 2024: enligt DS rapport ett plus på 4 %. Mjukvaruintäkterna gick också de upp med 4 %, till 6,6 miljarder dollar (60,3 miljarder).
Bakom siffrorna döljer sig en utmanande kombination av tröga marknader, en strategisk affärsmodell-omställning, och en tung satsning på AI, som satt tillväxten på lägre prioritetsnivå än vanligt.
På affärsmodell-sidan var det övergången till SaaS och prenumerations-modellen som skapade vissa negativa effekter. Andra bitar var att för Dassault viktiga europeiska marknader och industrisegment uppvisade svag utveckling, inte minst automotive i tunga fordonstillverkande länder som Tyskland, Frankrike, Spanien och Italien. Lägg till detta minskande intäkter från den tidigare växande Life Science-marknaden, där DS Medidatas intäkter minskade med 2% och att tidigare tillväxtmotorn i DS, Centric PLM, minskade sina intäkter.
Men Dassault-chefen pekade i sina kommentarer till de svaga 2025-siffrorna framför allt på AI-satsningen som en tungt bidragande faktor. Han menar att AI har en enorm framtida teknologisk och kommersiell betydelse för bolaget:
”Absolut, och vår ambition är tydlig: vi ska leda den industriella AI-transformationen genom 3D UNIV+RSES. Detta är ett långsiktigt åtagande som omdefinierar hur industrier förnyar sig, verkar och konkurrerar. Vår vision bygger på årtionden av industriell och vetenskaplig kunskap, och vi bygger nu kapaciteten för att omvandla visionen till verklighet. Men sann transformation tar tid och ledarskap inom industriell AI börjar med starka grunder. Det är därför vi under 2025 och 2026 fokuserar på disciplinerat genomförande och anpassar resurser kring våra strategiska prioriteringar för att leverera mätbar, bransch-definierande effekt,” sa Dassault Systemes-chefen.
I detta pekade han vidare ut dels vad man gjort hittills med bl a lanseringen av tre kategorier av AI-nativa generativa lösningar: ”Virtuella följeslagare, generativa upplevelser och virtuella tvillingar som en tjänst.” Detta, menade han, har, i kombination NVIDIA-samarbetet, givit DS en ledande position:
”Ja, partnerskapet med NVIDIA exemplifierar vår ledande roll, där vi kombinerar virtuella tvillingar med accelererad databehandling för att definiera framtiden för Industry World Models.”
Avgörande för hur DS utvecklas affärs- och teknikmässigt hänger nu på AI. Hur ser satsningen ut?
Klicka på länken för att läsa mer på PLM&ERP News.
Pascal Daloz, CEO Dassault Systemes: ”Sann transformation tar tid, det är därför vi under 2025 och 2026 fokuserar på AI-genomförandet.”
2025 blev något av ett mellanår för den kommersiella tvåan PLM-marknaden, Dassault Systemes. Det har varit svårt att få till ett ordentligt tryck i försäljningen, vilket speglades i en närmast platt intäktskurva. Helåret 2025 stannade på 7,44 miljarder dollar (68,4 miljarder kronor), vilket bara är en marginell ökning jämfört med 2024: enligt DS rapport ett plus på 4 %. Mjukvaruintäkterna gick också de upp med 4 %, till 6,6 miljarder dollar (60,3 miljarder).
Bakom siffrorna döljer sig en utmanande kombination av tröga marknader, en strategisk affärsmodell-omställning, och en tung satsning på AI, som satt tillväxten på lägre prioritetsnivå än vanligt.
På affärsmodell-sidan var det övergången till SaaS och prenumerations-modellen som skapade vissa negativa effekter. Andra bitar var att för Dassault viktiga europeiska marknader och industrisegment uppvisade svag utveckling, inte minst automotive i tunga fordonstillverkande länder som Tyskland, Frankrike, Spanien och Italien. Lägg till detta minskande intäkter från den tidigare växande Life Science-marknaden, där DS Medidatas intäkter minskade med 2% och att tidigare tillväxtmotorn i DS, Centric PLM, minskade sina intäkter.
Men Dassault-chefen pekade i sina kommentarer till de svaga 2025-siffrorna framför allt på AI-satsningen som en tungt bidragande faktor. Han menar att AI har en enorm framtida teknologisk och kommersiell betydelse för bolaget:
”Absolut, och vår ambition är tydlig: vi ska leda den industriella AI-transformationen genom 3D UNIV+RSES. Detta är ett långsiktigt åtagande som omdefinierar hur industrier förnyar sig, verkar och konkurrerar. Vår vision bygger på årtionden av industriell och vetenskaplig kunskap, och vi bygger nu kapaciteten för att omvandla visionen till verklighet. Men sann transformation tar tid och ledarskap inom industriell AI börjar med starka grunder. Det är därför vi under 2025 och 2026 fokuserar på disciplinerat genomförande och anpassar resurser kring våra strategiska prioriteringar för att leverera mätbar, bransch-definierande effekt,” sa Dassault Systemes-chefen.
I detta pekade han vidare ut dels vad man gjort hittills med bl a lanseringen av tre kategorier av AI-nativa generativa lösningar: ”Virtuella följeslagare, generativa upplevelser och virtuella tvillingar som en tjänst.” Detta, menade han, har, i kombination NVIDIA-samarbetet, givit DS en ledande position:
”Ja, partnerskapet med NVIDIA exemplifierar vår ledande roll, där vi kombinerar virtuella tvillingar med accelererad databehandling för att definiera framtiden för Industry World Models.”
Avgörande för hur DS utvecklas affärs- och teknikmässigt hänger nu på AI. Hur ser satsningen ut?
Klicka på länken för att läsa mer på PLM&ERP News.
Siemens och NVIDIA gör verklighet av visionen: Inuti världens första industriella AI-operativsystem
ROLAND BUSCH (bilden till vänster), CEO, Siemens AG: "Ett typiskt exempel är övergången från passiv simulering av digitala tvillingar till aktiva autonoma intelligenta objekt."
Det är en intressant AI-resa som Siemens och NVIDIA har påbörjat de senaste åren. Den representerar en betydande transformation som började med ett strategiskt partnerskap 2022 för att bygga Industrial Metaverse genom att koppla samman Siemens Xcelerator-plattformen med NVIDIA Omniverse. Idag har detta samarbete nått en mognad som kan bidra till att omdefiniera branschen genom att ta upp AI till en verkligt banbrytande nivå – hur då?
Två tunga aspekter är att å ena sidan innehåller Siemens Xcelerator-portfölj det mesta som krävs när det gäller integrerad mjukvara och hårdvara för produktframtagning. Å den andra sidan har NVIDIA Omniverse, en avancerad OpenUSD-baserad realtidsutvecklings-plattform, utvecklat kapaciteten att förena AI, robotik, simulering och edge computing i en miljö. Tillsammans bildar detta en tung grund i det planerade AI-operativsystemet.
Utvecklingstakten i branschen är explosionsartad. Det som fanns tillgängligt 2022 har visat sig vara en blygsam grund jämfört med dagens toppmoderna teknik. Klart i sammanhanget är också att även om NVIDIA utvecklats till att bli den kanske mest attraktiva samarbetspartnern för PLM-utvecklare, är det tveksamt om någon annan konstellation har den holistiska kapaciteten att driva AI lika långt som NVIDIA och Siemens kan.
Det viktigaste argumentet är att ingen annan PLM-utvecklare har kunnat kombinera PLM och fabriksautomation i världsklass till en fungerande enhet lika effektivt som Siemens. Detta bygger på den sömlösa integration av program- och hårdvara, hela vägen från produktframtagning med CAD, CAE, EDA, ALM och andra digitala verktyg till de breda kapabiliteterna inom mekanik-, el-/elektronik-, mjukvaru- och smarta fabriksautomations-domänerna.
"Det som har gjort NVIDIA så vasst i detta är vårt primära mål att vara mer än bara en kapabel GPU-motor (Graphic Processing Unit), säger NVIDIAs CEO, Jensen Huang, och pekar på hur bolagets utvecklingsteam har strävat efter att skapa en viktig differentiator genom integration av hårdvara (GPUer), programvara (CUDA-plattformen) och system (nätverks- och DGX-plattformarna)."
Dessutom menar Huang att i takt med att efterfrågan på AI exploderar, är processorer för allmänt bruk för ineffektiva. Siemenschefen, Roland Busch, håller med:
"Genom att kombinera NVIDIAs ledarskap inom accelererad databehandling och AI-plattformar med Siemens ledande hårdvara, PLM-mjukvara, industriell AI och data, gör vi det möjligt för kunder att utveckla produkter snabbare med de mest omfattande digitala tvillingarna, anpassa produktionen i realtid och accelerera tekniken ända från chip till AI-fabriker", säger han och påpekar att de nu gemensamt ska bygga världens första helt AI-drivna tillverkningsanläggning redan 2026: Siemens Electronics Factory i Erlangen, Tyskland."
Men hur ser detaljerna ut och varför spelar den nya Digital Twin Composer en nyckelroll?
Klicka på länken för att läsa hela artikeln på PLM&ERP News.
Det är en intressant AI-resa som Siemens och NVIDIA har påbörjat de senaste åren. Den representerar en betydande transformation som började med ett strategiskt partnerskap 2022 för att bygga Industrial Metaverse genom att koppla samman Siemens Xcelerator-plattformen med NVIDIA Omniverse. Idag har detta samarbete nått en mognad som kan bidra till att omdefiniera branschen genom att ta upp AI till en verkligt banbrytande nivå – hur då?
Två tunga aspekter är att å ena sidan innehåller Siemens Xcelerator-portfölj det mesta som krävs när det gäller integrerad mjukvara och hårdvara för produktframtagning. Å den andra sidan har NVIDIA Omniverse, en avancerad OpenUSD-baserad realtidsutvecklings-plattform, utvecklat kapaciteten att förena AI, robotik, simulering och edge computing i en miljö. Tillsammans bildar detta en tung grund i det planerade AI-operativsystemet.
Utvecklingstakten i branschen är explosionsartad. Det som fanns tillgängligt 2022 har visat sig vara en blygsam grund jämfört med dagens toppmoderna teknik. Klart i sammanhanget är också att även om NVIDIA utvecklats till att bli den kanske mest attraktiva samarbetspartnern för PLM-utvecklare, är det tveksamt om någon annan konstellation har den holistiska kapaciteten att driva AI lika långt som NVIDIA och Siemens kan.
Det viktigaste argumentet är att ingen annan PLM-utvecklare har kunnat kombinera PLM och fabriksautomation i världsklass till en fungerande enhet lika effektivt som Siemens. Detta bygger på den sömlösa integration av program- och hårdvara, hela vägen från produktframtagning med CAD, CAE, EDA, ALM och andra digitala verktyg till de breda kapabiliteterna inom mekanik-, el-/elektronik-, mjukvaru- och smarta fabriksautomations-domänerna.
"Det som har gjort NVIDIA så vasst i detta är vårt primära mål att vara mer än bara en kapabel GPU-motor (Graphic Processing Unit), säger NVIDIAs CEO, Jensen Huang, och pekar på hur bolagets utvecklingsteam har strävat efter att skapa en viktig differentiator genom integration av hårdvara (GPUer), programvara (CUDA-plattformen) och system (nätverks- och DGX-plattformarna)."
Dessutom menar Huang att i takt med att efterfrågan på AI exploderar, är processorer för allmänt bruk för ineffektiva. Siemenschefen, Roland Busch, håller med:
"Genom att kombinera NVIDIAs ledarskap inom accelererad databehandling och AI-plattformar med Siemens ledande hårdvara, PLM-mjukvara, industriell AI och data, gör vi det möjligt för kunder att utveckla produkter snabbare med de mest omfattande digitala tvillingarna, anpassa produktionen i realtid och accelerera tekniken ända från chip till AI-fabriker", säger han och påpekar att de nu gemensamt ska bygga världens första helt AI-drivna tillverkningsanläggning redan 2026: Siemens Electronics Factory i Erlangen, Tyskland."
Men hur ser detaljerna ut och varför spelar den nya Digital Twin Composer en nyckelroll?
Klicka på länken för att läsa hela artikeln på PLM&ERP News.
Real-World Impact at Scale: Inside SIEMENS’ and NVIDIA’s First AI Operating System
Roland Busch (pictured left), CEO, Siemens AG: "A typical example is the shift from passive simulation of digital twins to autonomous intelligent objects."
It is an interesting AI journey that Siemens and NVIDIA have embarked on in recent years. It represents a significant transformation that began with a strategic partnership in 2022 to build the Industrial Metaverse by connecting Siemens Xcelerator platform with NVIDIA Omniverse. Today this collaboration has reached a maturity where it is set to redefine the industry by advancing AI to a truly cutting-edge level.
On one hand, Siemens' Xcelerator portfolio contains most of what is required in terms of integrated product realization software and hardware. On the other hand, NVIDIA Omniverse, an advanced OpenUSD-based, real-time development platform, developed the capacity to unite AI, robotics, simulation, and edge computing in one environment.
The pace of development is explosive. What was available in 2022 has proven to be a modest foundation compared to today's state-of-the-art. While NVIDIA remains the superstar collaborator for PLM developers, it is doubtful if any other partnership has the holistic capacity to drive AI as far as NVIDIA and Siemens can.
The overall most important argument is that no other PLM developer has been able to combine PLM and world class factory automation to a working unity as far as Siemens. This capacity is build on the seamless integration of software and hardware, all the way from product realization in CAD, CAE, EDA, ALM, and other digital tools to cover the mechanical, electrical/electronics, software, and smart factory automation domains.
”What has made NVIDIA so sharp in this context is its primary goal to be more than just a capable GPU (Graphic Processing Unit) engine,” says NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang (pictured right), pointing at how its development team have aimed to create a key differentiator through their integration of hardware (GPUs), software (CUDA platform), and systems (networking and DGX platforms).”
Moreover, Huang believes that as demand for AI explodes, general-purpose processors are too inefficient. Siemens boss, Roland Busch, agrees:
"By combining NVIDIA's leadership in accelerated computing and AI platforms with Siemens' leading hardware, software, industrial AI and data, we enable customers to develop products faster with the most comprehensive digital twins, adapt production in real time, and accelerate technologies from chip to AI factories," he says and points out that they now, "have a joint goal of building the world's first fully AI-driven, adaptive manufacturing site by 2026: Siemens Electronics Factory in Erlangen, Germany."
But what are the set up details and why does the new Digital Twin Composer play a key role?
Click on the link to read the full story on PLM&ERP News.
It is an interesting AI journey that Siemens and NVIDIA have embarked on in recent years. It represents a significant transformation that began with a strategic partnership in 2022 to build the Industrial Metaverse by connecting Siemens Xcelerator platform with NVIDIA Omniverse. Today this collaboration has reached a maturity where it is set to redefine the industry by advancing AI to a truly cutting-edge level.
On one hand, Siemens' Xcelerator portfolio contains most of what is required in terms of integrated product realization software and hardware. On the other hand, NVIDIA Omniverse, an advanced OpenUSD-based, real-time development platform, developed the capacity to unite AI, robotics, simulation, and edge computing in one environment.
The pace of development is explosive. What was available in 2022 has proven to be a modest foundation compared to today's state-of-the-art. While NVIDIA remains the superstar collaborator for PLM developers, it is doubtful if any other partnership has the holistic capacity to drive AI as far as NVIDIA and Siemens can.
The overall most important argument is that no other PLM developer has been able to combine PLM and world class factory automation to a working unity as far as Siemens. This capacity is build on the seamless integration of software and hardware, all the way from product realization in CAD, CAE, EDA, ALM, and other digital tools to cover the mechanical, electrical/electronics, software, and smart factory automation domains.
”What has made NVIDIA so sharp in this context is its primary goal to be more than just a capable GPU (Graphic Processing Unit) engine,” says NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang (pictured right), pointing at how its development team have aimed to create a key differentiator through their integration of hardware (GPUs), software (CUDA platform), and systems (networking and DGX platforms).”
Moreover, Huang believes that as demand for AI explodes, general-purpose processors are too inefficient. Siemens boss, Roland Busch, agrees:
"By combining NVIDIA's leadership in accelerated computing and AI platforms with Siemens' leading hardware, software, industrial AI and data, we enable customers to develop products faster with the most comprehensive digital twins, adapt production in real time, and accelerate technologies from chip to AI factories," he says and points out that they now, "have a joint goal of building the world's first fully AI-driven, adaptive manufacturing site by 2026: Siemens Electronics Factory in Erlangen, Germany."
But what are the set up details and why does the new Digital Twin Composer play a key role?
Click on the link to read the full story on PLM&ERP News.
Accenture is the Leading Independent PLM/cPDm Service Provider – TCS & IBM finished Second...
Most people know who the largest leading developers of PLM platforms are, but what about the service providers? Industry analyst CIMdata has taken a closer look and in its 2025 reports identified who the leading players are in the PLM sector, focusing specifically on the critical area of collaborative Product Definition management (cPDm) which can be described as a more comprehensive evolution of Product Data Management (PDM) that manages complex product data across the enterprise.
Here is CIMdata's definition: "cPDm as a strategic business approach is using consistent solutions to manage the entire product or plant definition lifecycle across the extended enterprise (OEMs, suppliers, partners, customers) through best-practice processes and integrated technologies like PDM, collaboration, and visualization. It's about enabling real-time, unified access and control over product data (CAD, specs, changes) for all stakeholders, moving beyond internal data management to shared, collaborative management for faster, more efficient product development and reduced errors."
Given this definition, who are the ten largest independent players in terms of cPDm-related services revenues? CIMdata detailed it in their 2025 reports and a June webinar, highlighting the top players 2024.
Their results confirm established consultants as key independent service providers: Accenture leads the pack with approximately $2.2 billion in cPDm-related revenue, followed by Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) with nearly $1 billion, and IBM securing third place with about $780 million.
The remaining top ten, in descending order, include DXC Technology, HCLTech, Wipro, Deloitte, Capgemini, MHP, and Atos, reinforcing the dominance of major consulting firms in this specialized service area.
The digital tools and platforms that these service providers are using span the entire field. Accenture, for example, provides comprehensive PLM services, helping clients digitally transform engineering and R&D by managing products from concept to disposal, using platforms like Siemens Teamcenter, Dassault Systèmes 3DEXPERIENCE, and PTC's Windchill. Their offerings focus on integrating PLM with Digital Thread/Twin, BOM management, data governance, and AI, aiming to boost innovation, efficiency, and sustainability for manufacturers, as recognized by industry analysts like CIMdata.
The leading commercial software and platform developers in PLM, according to CIMdata’s latest 2025 reports – covering 2024 – are Siemens Digital Industries Software (revenues around $7.0 billion), Dassault Systemes ($6.7 billion), Autodesk ($5.5 billion), Ansys ($2.5 billion), and PTC ($2.3 billion).
Click on the headline to read more on PLM&ERP News.
Here is CIMdata's definition: "cPDm as a strategic business approach is using consistent solutions to manage the entire product or plant definition lifecycle across the extended enterprise (OEMs, suppliers, partners, customers) through best-practice processes and integrated technologies like PDM, collaboration, and visualization. It's about enabling real-time, unified access and control over product data (CAD, specs, changes) for all stakeholders, moving beyond internal data management to shared, collaborative management for faster, more efficient product development and reduced errors."
Given this definition, who are the ten largest independent players in terms of cPDm-related services revenues? CIMdata detailed it in their 2025 reports and a June webinar, highlighting the top players 2024.
Their results confirm established consultants as key independent service providers: Accenture leads the pack with approximately $2.2 billion in cPDm-related revenue, followed by Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) with nearly $1 billion, and IBM securing third place with about $780 million.
The remaining top ten, in descending order, include DXC Technology, HCLTech, Wipro, Deloitte, Capgemini, MHP, and Atos, reinforcing the dominance of major consulting firms in this specialized service area.
The digital tools and platforms that these service providers are using span the entire field. Accenture, for example, provides comprehensive PLM services, helping clients digitally transform engineering and R&D by managing products from concept to disposal, using platforms like Siemens Teamcenter, Dassault Systèmes 3DEXPERIENCE, and PTC's Windchill. Their offerings focus on integrating PLM with Digital Thread/Twin, BOM management, data governance, and AI, aiming to boost innovation, efficiency, and sustainability for manufacturers, as recognized by industry analysts like CIMdata.
The leading commercial software and platform developers in PLM, according to CIMdata’s latest 2025 reports – covering 2024 – are Siemens Digital Industries Software (revenues around $7.0 billion), Dassault Systemes ($6.7 billion), Autodesk ($5.5 billion), Ansys ($2.5 billion), and PTC ($2.3 billion).
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PLM&ERP News: A Year-End Thank You to Our Readers — Merry Christmas 2025 &...
The PLM&ERP News' editorial office will be closed for the holiday season from December 23, 2025, through January 7, 2026.
We would like to thank our readers for an incredible year. In our industry, 2025 was defined by major headlines, transformative shifts, and vital discussions regarding the future of our field. We hope you all enjoy a well-deserved period of rest and recovery before we begin 2026.
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Emixa Expands Siemens-Focused PLM Powerhouse into the Nordics with the NEXTAGE Group Acquisition
TAPIO JUURAKKO, CEO of Nextage: "EMIXA's technology portfolio and international experience provide great value for our customers."
Dutch PLM and integration consultant Emixa is acquiring Nordic PLM consultant in the Siemens sphere, Nextage Group, with 34 employees, revenues of just over $7 million, and Sweden, Denmark, and Finland as main markets. No purchase price was disclosed.
The significantly larger Emixa, with 530 employees and owned by private equity firm Holland Capital, is, like Nextage, specialized in solutions for design, manufacturing, and simulation, with a focus on Siemens Digital Industries Software's "arsenal" in the Xcelerator portfolio. Emixa works primarily with the full spectrum of Siemens software: The Teamcenter platform as the PLM backbone, CAD design in NX and Solid Edge, simulation in the Simcenter suite, Polarion on the ALM and software management side, and Tecnomatics for digital manufacturing. But it also uses technologies such as SAP ERP, the low-code platform Mendix, and Boomi integration.
Nextage also builds its business on Siemens software, around which it has created an interesting solution, NVP, a standardized PLM platform built on Siemens Teamcenter, "best practices", and deep PLM experience. A strong point is the record-breaking fast implementation. "Users can be up and running in ten days, including tools for CAD management, product structures, and document management," PLM&ERP News stated in an article a few years ago.
Emixa has a background that isn’t uncommon in the PLM consulting industry, where consolidations among the major PLM developers' partner side have been a hallmark of the past half-decade. The company is described in the press material as a digital transformation actor and was formed through the acquisition and rebranding of several specialized companies, starting with Holland Capital's acquisition of Magnus Digital in 2020. By 2021, PLM Solutions and Dimensys had merged, and the three companies merged to form Emixa. In the following years, Emixa continued to grow through further acquisitions, including Appronto and OnePLM, all to sharpen its PLM, low-code, and integration expertise. In 2024-2025, the group was rebranded under the name Emixa, unified its ID, and continued its expansion, especially in Eastern Europe.
With today's announcement of Emixa's acquisition, the company is expanding into the Nordic market, marking an important milestone in Emixa's European expansion.
“An exciting next step for Nextage and our customers. We have built a solid foundation in the Nordics, and with Emixa’s complementary technology portfolio and international experience, we can offer even more value and capacity to our customers,” says Tapio Juurakko (pictured), CEO, founder, and owner of Nextage Group.
“A deal based on Siemens technology that accelerates the digital transformation in Nordic industry,” says Siemens Digital Industries Software’s Nordic chief, Zandra Nilsson.
Click on the headline to read more on PLM&ERP News.
Dutch PLM and integration consultant Emixa is acquiring Nordic PLM consultant in the Siemens sphere, Nextage Group, with 34 employees, revenues of just over $7 million, and Sweden, Denmark, and Finland as main markets. No purchase price was disclosed.
The significantly larger Emixa, with 530 employees and owned by private equity firm Holland Capital, is, like Nextage, specialized in solutions for design, manufacturing, and simulation, with a focus on Siemens Digital Industries Software's "arsenal" in the Xcelerator portfolio. Emixa works primarily with the full spectrum of Siemens software: The Teamcenter platform as the PLM backbone, CAD design in NX and Solid Edge, simulation in the Simcenter suite, Polarion on the ALM and software management side, and Tecnomatics for digital manufacturing. But it also uses technologies such as SAP ERP, the low-code platform Mendix, and Boomi integration.
Nextage also builds its business on Siemens software, around which it has created an interesting solution, NVP, a standardized PLM platform built on Siemens Teamcenter, "best practices", and deep PLM experience. A strong point is the record-breaking fast implementation. "Users can be up and running in ten days, including tools for CAD management, product structures, and document management," PLM&ERP News stated in an article a few years ago.
Emixa has a background that isn’t uncommon in the PLM consulting industry, where consolidations among the major PLM developers' partner side have been a hallmark of the past half-decade. The company is described in the press material as a digital transformation actor and was formed through the acquisition and rebranding of several specialized companies, starting with Holland Capital's acquisition of Magnus Digital in 2020. By 2021, PLM Solutions and Dimensys had merged, and the three companies merged to form Emixa. In the following years, Emixa continued to grow through further acquisitions, including Appronto and OnePLM, all to sharpen its PLM, low-code, and integration expertise. In 2024-2025, the group was rebranded under the name Emixa, unified its ID, and continued its expansion, especially in Eastern Europe.
With today's announcement of Emixa's acquisition, the company is expanding into the Nordic market, marking an important milestone in Emixa's European expansion.
“An exciting next step for Nextage and our customers. We have built a solid foundation in the Nordics, and with Emixa’s complementary technology portfolio and international experience, we can offer even more value and capacity to our customers,” says Tapio Juurakko (pictured), CEO, founder, and owner of Nextage Group.
“A deal based on Siemens technology that accelerates the digital transformation in Nordic industry,” says Siemens Digital Industries Software’s Nordic chief, Zandra Nilsson.
Click on the headline to read more on PLM&ERP News.
”Realizing Autodesk Boss, Andrew Anagnost’s AI Vision” – A Winning Concept for VAR Partner...
In-Depth with JOHAN ANDERSSON, CEO at SYMETRI Owner Addnode Group: ”XX”
AI emphasizes that competence is a cornerstone for success in PLM and the integration of things like CAD, CAE, CAM, PCB, and software design. Autodesk's partner ecosystem is no exception in a product development world that is moving towards more and more electrical/electronics, software, and online capabilities, alongside mechanics.
Of course, this places high demands on holistic competence to manage integrated processes in product development. This is where Autodesk's VAR partners, such as Symetri, will play a key role in enabling customers to "translate" AD's rich software flora into sharp AI-driven product development systems. I have discussed the matter with Addnode's Johan Andersson.
"We are well positioned, with heavy technical expertise in areas such as configuration, PDM/PLM, IoT, BIM, GIS, and have deep insights into the challenges and value of connected data strategies and solutions to realize the value of AI," he says, among other things.
But what trends are driving this development? Analyst CIMdata points out a number of important factors. In summary, it is concluded that more services will be needed to meet the needs.
Some key takeaways are:
• PLM continues to expand connections to other mission-critical business systems. Generally, system integration is crucial
• Supporting digital threads and preparing for AI-powered productivity requires higher levels of integration
• The cloud as a technology platform is becoming increasingly important, e.g., in the perspective of cloud-to-cloud, cloud-to-premises connectivity – and AI is driving cloud implementation
• AI requires companies to ensure correctly structured data
• Low-code applications in factories are gaining traction.
How do these points line up with Autodesk CEO Andrew Anagnost’s view on the matter? Very close; here’s the gist of his keynote at AU 2025:
The future is here, and the world’s product developers must embrace the transition to cloud-connected, AI-based workflows that adapt in real time and end-to-end to changing project needs. Not just to sharpen productivity, but also to reshape how entire design and construction ecosystems collaborate around a single, shared source of truth.
“AI and automation are laying the foundation for a new era of design that is faster, smarter, and more resilient—and unlocking unlimited capacity,” said the Autodesk boss, pointing to the launch of three AI-native industry clouds: Forma (for AEC), Fusion (Design & Manufacturing), and Flow (Media & Entertainment). “With these, we are moving users beyond files to continuous, data-rich, and AI-assisted collaborative environments.”
The ones who will put this into practice at the world’s midmarket companies are partners like Symetri. But what needs to be done? Why does size matter?
Click on the headline to read more on PLM&ERP News.
AI emphasizes that competence is a cornerstone for success in PLM and the integration of things like CAD, CAE, CAM, PCB, and software design. Autodesk's partner ecosystem is no exception in a product development world that is moving towards more and more electrical/electronics, software, and online capabilities, alongside mechanics.
Of course, this places high demands on holistic competence to manage integrated processes in product development. This is where Autodesk's VAR partners, such as Symetri, will play a key role in enabling customers to "translate" AD's rich software flora into sharp AI-driven product development systems. I have discussed the matter with Addnode's Johan Andersson.
"We are well positioned, with heavy technical expertise in areas such as configuration, PDM/PLM, IoT, BIM, GIS, and have deep insights into the challenges and value of connected data strategies and solutions to realize the value of AI," he says, among other things.
But what trends are driving this development? Analyst CIMdata points out a number of important factors. In summary, it is concluded that more services will be needed to meet the needs.
Some key takeaways are:
• PLM continues to expand connections to other mission-critical business systems. Generally, system integration is crucial
• Supporting digital threads and preparing for AI-powered productivity requires higher levels of integration
• The cloud as a technology platform is becoming increasingly important, e.g., in the perspective of cloud-to-cloud, cloud-to-premises connectivity – and AI is driving cloud implementation
• AI requires companies to ensure correctly structured data
• Low-code applications in factories are gaining traction.
How do these points line up with Autodesk CEO Andrew Anagnost’s view on the matter? Very close; here’s the gist of his keynote at AU 2025:
The future is here, and the world’s product developers must embrace the transition to cloud-connected, AI-based workflows that adapt in real time and end-to-end to changing project needs. Not just to sharpen productivity, but also to reshape how entire design and construction ecosystems collaborate around a single, shared source of truth.
“AI and automation are laying the foundation for a new era of design that is faster, smarter, and more resilient—and unlocking unlimited capacity,” said the Autodesk boss, pointing to the launch of three AI-native industry clouds: Forma (for AEC), Fusion (Design & Manufacturing), and Flow (Media & Entertainment). “With these, we are moving users beyond files to continuous, data-rich, and AI-assisted collaborative environments.”
The ones who will put this into practice at the world’s midmarket companies are partners like Symetri. But what needs to be done? Why does size matter?
Click on the headline to read more on PLM&ERP News.
Cloud is Key when Mainstream CAD Goes High-End, and ”Siemens DESIGNCENTER Solid Edge 2026...
DAN STAPLES, VP of Siemens DIS R&D: “With AI features like MAGNETIC SNAP ASSEMBLY the new version can deliver assemblies nine times faster.”
Make no mistake about it: Siemens Digital Industries Software’s R&D VP, Dan Staples, wants to get the user community onto the cloud. And it's no coincidence that Staples' favorite in the new version of the mainstream CAD solution is Designcenter X Solid Edge, the cloud version (X) that paves the way, not only for the cloud as a technical platform, but even more so for what it offers in terms of software performance, flexibility, scalability, and options to launch effective AI in every Solid Edge customer company.
”It is smarter, faster, and more flexible,” Staples says, pointing to a typical example of dramatically improved productivity that comes with the X-version:
”AI solutions like Magnetic Snap Assembly can speed up assembly creation by a factor nine. That’s a lot, and considering what comes along - benefits like anywhere accessibility, automatic updates, and reduced IT maintenance - it's even more. In parallel, it includes real-time collaboration tools, AI-driven assistance like Design Copilot, and with the new 'companion' in the Designcenter package, Siemens' high-end CAD solution, Designcenter X NX, comes tons of add-on opportunities for advanced design challenges within a one-click reach," he explained, adding that everything works seamlessly and compatible because both systems are based on Siemens’ kernal technology, Parasolid. Furthermore, accessibility is facilitated by the simplified, centralized cloud license management.
But Staples isn’t abandoning traditional on-premise or hybrid users either: “Whether you work in a local desktop environment, or in a mixed setup, with Designcenter Solid Edge 2026 you can induce substantial productivity gains everywhere.” It’s sound business logic, what's good for the broader Solid Edge community is good for Siemens too. However, the X solution and cloud arguments that Siemens bring to the table are attractive: ”Yes, many customers have already recognized the values and switched to cloud-based SaaS and Designcenter X Solid Edge,” Staples said.
In short, Solid Edge is in a growth mode, which is well deserved just on its technical merits. And the new 2026 version's 'rebirth' in multiple perspectives could well help push growth even further. AI and the Designcenter package, together with Siemens NX, via Designcenter X NX, becoming part of Designcenter X, as well as a whole range of add-on capabilities within CAD, CAE, and CAM that come with Designcenter X NX becoming available to Designcenter X Solid Edge users. Confusing? Everything will be clear with the guide in the PLM&ERP News article. Read more in the article below about the highlights when "mainstream goes high-end" in Designcenter Solid Edge's continued journey. Click the headline to read more.
Make no mistake about it: Siemens Digital Industries Software’s R&D VP, Dan Staples, wants to get the user community onto the cloud. And it's no coincidence that Staples' favorite in the new version of the mainstream CAD solution is Designcenter X Solid Edge, the cloud version (X) that paves the way, not only for the cloud as a technical platform, but even more so for what it offers in terms of software performance, flexibility, scalability, and options to launch effective AI in every Solid Edge customer company.
”It is smarter, faster, and more flexible,” Staples says, pointing to a typical example of dramatically improved productivity that comes with the X-version:
”AI solutions like Magnetic Snap Assembly can speed up assembly creation by a factor nine. That’s a lot, and considering what comes along - benefits like anywhere accessibility, automatic updates, and reduced IT maintenance - it's even more. In parallel, it includes real-time collaboration tools, AI-driven assistance like Design Copilot, and with the new 'companion' in the Designcenter package, Siemens' high-end CAD solution, Designcenter X NX, comes tons of add-on opportunities for advanced design challenges within a one-click reach," he explained, adding that everything works seamlessly and compatible because both systems are based on Siemens’ kernal technology, Parasolid. Furthermore, accessibility is facilitated by the simplified, centralized cloud license management.
But Staples isn’t abandoning traditional on-premise or hybrid users either: “Whether you work in a local desktop environment, or in a mixed setup, with Designcenter Solid Edge 2026 you can induce substantial productivity gains everywhere.” It’s sound business logic, what's good for the broader Solid Edge community is good for Siemens too. However, the X solution and cloud arguments that Siemens bring to the table are attractive: ”Yes, many customers have already recognized the values and switched to cloud-based SaaS and Designcenter X Solid Edge,” Staples said.
In short, Solid Edge is in a growth mode, which is well deserved just on its technical merits. And the new 2026 version's 'rebirth' in multiple perspectives could well help push growth even further. AI and the Designcenter package, together with Siemens NX, via Designcenter X NX, becoming part of Designcenter X, as well as a whole range of add-on capabilities within CAD, CAE, and CAM that come with Designcenter X NX becoming available to Designcenter X Solid Edge users. Confusing? Everything will be clear with the guide in the PLM&ERP News article. Read more in the article below about the highlights when "mainstream goes high-end" in Designcenter Solid Edge's continued journey. Click the headline to read more.