BSH’s operations are geographically dispersed because the company has grown through acquisitions over the years. As far back as the 1990s, management realized the need for a global collaborative environment that would allow designers at different locations to benefit from each other’s work. After evaluating a number of leading systems, in 2000 BSH decided to standardize its worldwide development efforts on technology from Siemens Digital Industries Software, a business unit of Siemens Industry Automation Division. One of the reasons for this choice of PLM partner is the fact that Siemens Digital Industries Software is a proven global leader in the digital lifecycle management industry. “The leadership position of Siemens Digital Industries Software reduces the risk of this large investment,” says Tontsch.