In the world of digital transformation, data is the most important “currency.” The current software landscape and PLM technologies are limited to providing a mechanism for decision effectiveness and data efficiency. This article explores the critical need for manufacturers to build a comprehensive digital footprint by transforming their approach to data. It examines the challenges posed by traditional methods, the limitations of current solutions and the practical steps required to develop a connected and efficient digital ecosystem. This transformation is vital for achieving smarter processes, operational efficiency and long-term competitiveness in the modern manufacturing landscape. The complexity of products and business models Manufacturing is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the increasing complexity of products and the shift toward digital business models. The changes are not just technical but extend into how companies operate and engage with their customers. At the heart of this evolution is the role of data in enabling more adaptive and efficient processes. From a practical sense, companies are looking at how to build digital interfaces to serve their internal and external processes including communications with suppliers, contractors and customers. All these communications must be “digitized”, which brings many questions about how to do so. […]