ANN ARBOR, MI, USA, Jan 19, 2026 – CIMdata, Inc., the leading global research, consulting, and education firm specializing in Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) and the Digital Transformation it enables, announced the launch of a new global research initiative, “AI in Product Development.” While Artificial Intelligence (AI) currently dominates industry conversations, industrial organizations are facing a critical data gap.
Industrial organizations, as well as PLM software and service providers, currently lack neutral, fact-based data to understand how AI is being applied across the global and rapidly evolving PLM ecosystem. This absence of objective benchmarking makes it difficult for leaders to assess their progress, validate investment priorities, or build reliable, forward-looking digital strategies.
In response, CIMdata is establishing the industry’s first authoritative baseline for AI adoption. The research focuses on the “front end” of the product lifecycle—from initial concept and design through simulation and manufacturing planning.
Research Scope & Methodology: The study defines “AI” broadly to include AI assistants and copilots, generative AI (content and code generation), traditional machine learning (predictive analytics), and autonomous AI agents. Key areas of investigation include adoption patterns, investment priorities for 2026, and the primary barriers to scaling AI from pilot programs into full production.
“AI’s potential to transform many aspects of the product lifecycle is clear, but the gap between AI hype and reality remains wide,” said Peter Bilello, CIMdata’s President and CEO. “We want to cut through the noise to see what is actually happening—where companies are succeeding, where they are struggling, and what gaps currently exist between what industrial clients need and what solution providers are delivering. For the first time, we’ll have fact-based benchmarks to guide AI strategy across the global and rapidly evolving PLM ecosystem.”
How to Participate: The initial phase of the research program involves participating in a multi-track survey tailored to three distinct groups: Industrial Companies, Software Providers, and Service Providers. This ensures that every participant contributes to—and receives—insights relevant to their specific role in the PLM ecosystem.
The survey takes approximately 25 minutes to complete. Participants will take the survey that best fits their experience. All responses are strictly confidential and reported in aggregate only. Participants who complete the survey may opt in to receive a summary of the key findings, which will help inform their own AI strategy and planning decisions.
CIMdata also welcomes inquiries from solution and service providers interested in participating as research sponsors. For more information on sponsorship opportunities, to ask questions about the study, or to receive a survey link, please contact CIMdata at info@CIMdata.com.
About CIMdata
CIMdata, a global strategic management consulting firm, provides services designed to maximize an enterprise’s ability to design, deliver, and support innovative products and services. For more than forty years, CIMdata has provided industrial organizations, providers of digital technologies and services, and investment firms with world-class insight, expertise, and best-practice methods on a broad set of product lifecycle management (PLM) topics and the digital transformation they enable. CIMdata also offers research, subscription services, publications, and education through certificate programs and international conferences. To learn more, visit www.CIMdata.com or email info@CIMdata.com.
