The publishing lifecycle refers to the lifecycle of a publication. Publishing lifecycle management (PLM) is the process of monitoring and optimising each step of a publication's journey from initial concept to final publication. It supports the entire process from the very first idea, evaluation of the project, budgeting, detailed planning, to when the final product comes to life. Publishing lifecycle management covers sales and reprints until it is decided not to continue the publication. A good PLM system ensures that each stage is managed effectively, providing a clear overview and efficient workflows.

Publishing lifecycle management (PLM) is important for publishers because a title can be published in many formats and editions and may include many stakeholders and activities. An efficient PLM system helps publishers plan better, meet deadlines, and control costs. It reduces errors and ensures that everyone involved has a clear understanding of the process and status of the project. Many PLM systems also automate processes and streamline data entry, saving time and ensuring consistency throughout the organisation.

Publishing lifecycle management (PLM) software simplifies and streamlines project workflows, automates tasks, improves communication between teams, and reduces time spent on manual processes. PLM software is essential to keeping an overview of all project activities, making sure that they are carried out at the right time by reminding the responsible employee, and making adjustments if any activities are not done in time. PLM software can send notifications to stakeholders who need to approve the project or start negotiating contracts with authors or other contributors as soon as a project is approved. It also includes functions for budgeting costs and revenue.

Publishing lifecycle management (PLM) software should handle all stages of a publication, from the very first idea, planning, review, approval, and all the way to production and distribution to when the product is discontinued. Advanced PLM systems allow publishers to define stages at different levels of the hierarchy, such as title, ISBN, and impression, with flexibility for data entry or read-only access depending on the progress of the project.

Publishing lifecycle management is a vital tool for project planning, as the planning of a publication is very complex and includes many interdependent activities and many external and internal stakeholders who are each responsible for carrying out one or more activities at certain times. The project plan is usually revised many times, so you need to be able to quickly reschedule an entire project plan or change stakeholders in case someone is sick, no longer works in the organisation, or needs to dedicate their time to a different project. Advanced PLM systems also provide overviews of expected start and end dates for activities, and alert stakeholders about upcoming deadlines or delays. This ensures that projects remain on track and smoothly adapt to any changes.

Publishing lifecycle management (PLM) software usually includes features for budgeting and version control, which helps publishers manage costs, track expenses, and keep a clear record of changes in the project. A PLM system should allow you to make as many versions of a budget as you need and to compare the budget versions with each other. Some systems allow you to compare budgets with actual figures at title level, ISBN level, and impression level; this gives you detailed knowledge of when costs or revenue exceed expectations. These tools help publishers identify discrepancies, optimise financial performance, and ensure accurate record-keeping throughout the project.

Publishing lifecycle management (PLM) software tracks costs, revenues, and resource allocation, giving you a clear overview of the profitability of your publishing projects. Advanced PLM systems can help you calculate costs based on the information you enter on the project, for example number of pages, illustrations, paper type, cover type, etc. For physical publications the expected cost price per copy can be calculated automatically based on the ordered quantity. This functionality helps publishers make informed decisions about current and future projects by identifying profitable opportunities and minimising risks.

There are many benefits of using end-to-end publishing lifecycle management (PLM) software. It ensures consistency, improves collaboration among different stakeholders, and gives publishers a better project overview. It provides a seamless workflow from idea and planning to publication, reduces errors, and increases profitability. Notifications ensure that all stakeholders carry out their tasks on time. A PLM system includes a calculation planner that outlines the entire project plan. It also provides budgeting facilities and can make comparisons between different budget versions and actual figures. PLM software enhances operational efficiency and decision-making throughout the publishing process.

Many PLM software solutions integrate with other publishing tools, such as asset management and financial systems, which creates a smooth workflow and reduces the need for manual tasks. Integration capabilities help ensure that all aspects of the publishing ecosystem work together efficiently, from project planning to financial reporting.

A publishing lifecycle management system should include a replacement feature that you can use in case of sickness, vacation, resignation, etc. so that if a team member leaves others can pick up where they left off without losing track of project progress or important data. Tasks can be reassigned to a new stakeholder, left open for reassignment later, or selectively reassigned as needed, maintaining clarity and continuity within the project.