Excellent PLM with Excellent Customer Support
Updated November 10, 2020
Excellent PLM with Excellent Customer Support
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Overall Satisfaction with Arena
We use Arena as our PLM system. It is our QMS repository and all Engineering Change Orders are completed through Arena.
- Customer service
- Advanced search options
- Revision tracking
- Cleaner UI (more obvious button placement).
- More direct export/download process.
- Revise change order process to make it easier to upload redlines.
- Track BOM revisions to assist with NPI.
- Track CO's to assist with NPI.
- QMS document repository.
- Product Features
- Product Usability
Product features were the number one priority. As a startup, the customer support factor was also important to our organization.
It was easy to deploy and train users on in a very short amount of time.
Do you think Arena PLM and QMS delivers good value for the price?
Yes
Are you happy with Arena PLM and QMS's feature set?
Yes
Did Arena PLM and QMS live up to sales and marketing promises?
I wasn't involved with the selection/purchase process
Did implementation of Arena PLM and QMS go as expected?
I wasn't involved with the implementation phase
Would you buy Arena PLM and QMS again?
Yes
Arena's UI is more primitive but their search function is better. It's also a lot less expensive.
Using Arena
Yes; FDA. We use it for Engineering Change Orders and inventory disposition
We work in the office (essential workers) so we did not change how we use Arena
No, we limit the number of licenses so we did not expand to additional users.
Customizable, meets requirements for a medical device company, outdated user interface, competitive price point, and stellar customer service.
Fantastic. I immediately contacted our account rep and my problem was resolved very quickly.
Lessons for Success
Successfully implemented change orders. It's a good bare-bones option, no frills.
We really don't use it in a creative way due to the UI and limited functionality compared to other PLM's, such as Propel.
A lot of the button you're looking for are on the left, instead of the right, where you intuitively look.
Evaluating Arena and Competitors
Yes - Propel; it came down to cost/license.
We wouldn't, at Arena's price point, it does everything required.
Arena Support
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Quick Resolution Good followup Knowledgeable team Problems get solved Kept well informed Immediate help available Support understands my problem Support cares about my success Quick Initial Response | None |
No - Not needed
I was shocked when I called that someone answered on the second ring. My issue was immediately addressed and resolved within 24-hours.
Using Arena
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Like to use Relatively simple Easy to use Technical support not required Well integrated Consistent Quick to learn Convenient Feel confident using | Lots to learn |
- Creating a new item
- Engineering Change Order
- Search Function
- The user interface of forms is outdated and buttons are not where you would expect them to be.