Most users of Oracle Agile Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) are well aware the clock is ticking. Oracle announced Agile PLM’s official end of life is coming in 2027, meaning that updates, security patches, and technical support for the platform will cease.
As we approach this deadline, Agile PLM users are facing a “musical chairs” scenario. While the music is still playing, you can plan a smooth transition to a new system with the support of a trained Agile migration specialist. But these specialists are growing more scarce as Agile expertise becomes increasingly unnecessary.
Therefore, when the music stops, hundreds of Agile users may find themselves without a seat — or a functioning PLM solution.
Agile PLM is Fading Out, and So Are the Experts
The harsh reality is that the next generation of developers is not training on Agile PLM.
As existing Agile developers retire, many with 30+ years of experience, the pool of experienced professionals with Agile-specific knowledge is rapidly shrinking. There are system integration services like Zero Wait State, Domain Systems, and Accenture, who continue to support data migrations from Agile PLM, but they are only staffed to handle a limited number of Agile customers per year. These system integrators are relying on their existing talent with decades of Agile experience—so while they have deep expertise with Agile, they can only handle so much volume at once.
With capacity decreasing each year, those who wait to migrate may find it difficult — or even impossible — to secure the necessary resources.
Limited Capacity: Will You Be Able to Migrate in Time?
Migrating data off a legacy system like Oracle Agile PLM is a complex process. It’s not as simple as moving data from one database to another. Data quality, data integrity, and validation are essential for successful data migration.
Skilled solution experts can help address nuances in product data and business process configurations, and the best make it look easy. Waiting too long increases the risk of missing out on these specialists altogether because they will be booked for months—and in some cases years—as the pace of migration accelerates.
Consider the following:
- Shrinking Availability of Specialists: As experts retire, capacity shrinks. Those who don’t initiate their data migration plan now may face long wait times — or find no one available at all.
- Growing Backlog: As more companies realize the urgency to migrate, demand for Agile PLM expertise will surge. Those at the back of the line risk major project delays.
- Increased Risk of Security Issues: Without updates and patches, security vulnerabilities will emerge, posing a threat to data integrity and product data confidentiality. In a world where cybersecurity is paramount, staying on an outdated, unsupported PLM system is a dangerous gamble that becomes exponentially more dangerous when combined with a shortage of expert talent.
The Danger of a Last-Minute Migration
Many companies may find themselves scrambling to connect Agile PLM data to new systems or attempting a “lift-and-shift” without the technical know-how to manage product data migration, third-party supply chain data migration, or business process optimization. Here’s why waiting can backfire:
- Data Management Complications: Migrating datasets off Agile PLM and into a new PLM solution involves more than simply transferring files. Maintaining data quality and real-time data integrity is critical — and complex.
- Product Development Interruptions: Agile PLM isn’t just a database; it’s deeply embedded in product development workflows. Transitioning to a new platform without the right expertise can create costly disruptions and impact go-to-market timelines.
- Compliance and Quality Risks: Legacy systems don’t adhere to modern validation standards. Sticking with an outdated system puts quality management, regulatory compliance, and ultimately your brand’s reputation at risk.
- Increased Operational Costs: As Agile PLM becomes more obsolete, maintenance and patching costs for a legacy on-premise system can skyrocket, with companies forced to pay a premium for diminishing support resources.
Planning Your Migration Strategy: Don’t Wait for the Music to Stop
Moving off Oracle Agile PLM doesn’t have to be chaotic or rushed. In fact, by acting now, you can develop a strategic roadmap for a smooth transition that considers the unique needs of your product data, quality processes, and workflows.
An effective migration strategy includes:
- Assessment of Current Systems and Data Quality: Begin by analyzing your existing Agile PLM system and identifying data transfer needs.
- Validation and Data Integrity Protocols: Ensure your new PLM solution meets validation requirements and maintains data integrity during and after migration.
- Data Migration Plan: Engage an Agile PLM expert now to create a robust migration plan that addresses datasets, data quality, and end-to-end data management.
- Cloud Migration for Scalability: Consider moving to a cloud-based PLM solution to ensure scalability, automation, and real-time data capabilities that legacy systems lack.
Propel Software: Your Partner for a Smooth Transition Off Agile PLM
With the Agile PLM clock winding down, it's crucial to choose a partner who can not only lead you off the platform but also help you optimize and future-proof your entire product lifecycle management system.
Propel Software offers exactly that: a next-generation, cloud-based PLM solution that supports seamless data migration while enhancing your organization’s product development, quality management, and decision-making capabilities.
Propel understands the complex requirements of a successful migration strategy — from data validation and quality management to workflows and automation. Our migration experts and cloud-native infrastructure ensure that your business avoids the disruptions, risks, and vulnerabilities of operating on a legacy platform.
Propel goes beyond the basics of data transfer to deliver:
- Cloud-Based Scalability: Propel’s cloud PLM platform is designed for the demands of modern PLM, offering scalable, secure, and real-time insights that Agile simply cannot match.
- Comprehensive Data Integrity: Our focus on data quality ensures that your product information migrates seamlessly while maintaining accuracy and compliance throughout the transition.
- Optimization for Product Development Workflows: Propel brings efficiency and innovation into every step of product lifecycle management — from seamless ERP integration to supplier collaboration, from product design to product delivery, from concept to customer.
- Risk Management and Security: Propel’s cloud platform is continually updated to meet the latest in security standards, safeguarding your data from vulnerabilities that come with legacy systems.
If you’re concerned about the migration process, check out the webinar “Transitioning Off Agile: A Successful Data Migration Plan,” which outlines every key step to prepare for life beyond Agile. This webinar, hosted by Propel and Domain Systems, is the ultimate guide to developing a migration strategy that ensures a smooth transition off Agile and into a future-ready PLM system.
Don’t wait until the Agile PLM “music” stops, leaving your business vulnerable, unsupported, and scrambling to migrate. Propel is ready to help you make the switch confidently, securely, and with a clear path to long-term scalability and innovation.
