Human-Centered PLM, Practical AI, and the Future of Digital Engineering
What happens when you take a traditional PLM conference out of a corporate convention center and place it inside a Spanish bodega with a dirt floor? According to the attendees of the Share PLM Summit 2026, you create an environment where people—not technology—become the focus of the conversation.
In this episode of Stay Sharp in Digital Engineering, hosts Juliann Grant and Jonathan Scott welcome Razorleaf International team members Ashish Kulkarni and Luc Van Helmerijck to share their firsthand experiences from the Share PLM Summit in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain. The discussion explores standout presentations, emerging AI use cases, organizational change management, and why Share PLM continues to redefine what a modern industry conference can be.
Key Topics Discussed:
A Different Kind of PLM Conference
Unlike traditional industry events, Share PLM intentionally creates a more human-centered experience. The unique venue, informal atmosphere, and collaborative discussions encourage meaningful conversations about the people side of digital transformation.
The Mood Barometer: Measuring Change Management Success
One of the most memorable presentations came from Andreas Wank of Pepperl+Fuchs, who shared his company's PLM implementation journey through a "mood barometer." Instead of focusing solely on project milestones, the presentation tracked employee sentiment throughout the project lifecycle, highlighting the critical role organizational change management plays in successful PLM deployments.
Practical AI Use Cases in PLM
Antonio Casaschi from ASSA ABLOY presented eight real-world AI applications being used across the organization. Rather than discussing AI as a future possibility, the presentation demonstrated practical ways AI can help companies better capture, organize, and leverage institutional knowledge.
Key takeaways included:
- AI should augment people, not replace them.
- The greatest value comes from solving business problems, not simply deploying technology.
- Organizations should focus on current-generation AI capabilities rather than outdated perceptions of AI tools.
AI Happens With People, Not To People
A presentation from Share PLM co-founder Helena Gutierrez emphasized a powerful concept:
"Make AI something that happens with people and not to people."
Her framework highlighted how organizations can automate commodity tasks while elevating uniquely human contributions such as creativity, decision-making, and strategic thinking.
PLM's Role in the AI Era
While AI dominated many conversations, attendees agreed that PLM remains foundational. Rather than replacing PLM, AI is creating new opportunities to improve adoption, simplify implementation, and enhance productivity across product development organizations.
The Concept of "Cognitive Surrender"
Industry thought leader Jos Voskuil explored both the promise and risks of AI, introducing the concept of "cognitive surrender"—the growing tendency for people to outsource thinking to AI systems. The discussion balanced optimism about innovation with caution about maintaining critical thinking skills in an AI-driven world.
Networking That Actually Matters
Beyond the presentations, attendees highlighted the value of the event's networking opportunities. The informal setting fostered meaningful conversations among consultants, software providers, customers, and industry leaders, leading to potential partnerships, customer discussions, and collaboration opportunities.
Episode Highlights:
- Why Share PLM's unconventional format continues to resonate with attendees
- How Pepperl+Fuchs used employee sentiment to guide a PLM transformation
- Eight practical AI use cases being deployed at ASSA ABLOY
- Real-world examples of AI augmenting product lifecycle management
- The growing debate: Is AI evolutionary or disruptive for PLM?
- Lessons learned from industry leaders navigating digital transformation
- How Razorleaf's Clover integration platform sparked conversations across the event
Featured Guests:
Ashish Kulkarni
Director of Growth, Razorleaf International
Luc Van Helmerijck
Business Development and Strategic Alliances Leader, Razorleaf International
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