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Why Transitioning Off Oracle Agile PLM is Much Easier Than You Think

The transition from Agile PLM to the modern cloud solution Propel PLM has been seamless for those who have already made this move. Here’s why.

With Oracle Agile PLM facing its end of life, Enterprise Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) is undergoing a revolutionary shift. Moving to a more modern solution will be a pivotal change for many enterprises, impacting every facet of their product development lifecycle.  

Migrating from Agile PLM is no longer a bucket list item to cross off sometime in the future—it’s a critical need. The transition from Agile PLM to the modern cloud solution Propel PLM has been seamless for those who have already made this move. Here’s why.

Why Migrate from Agile PLM?

In the early 2000s, Agile Software enjoyed rapid growth. PLM was a new, emerging market that had only a handful of players at the enterprise level.

At its peak, more than 2,000 manufacturers worldwide were managing their product data with the Agile PLM solution. Businesses were driven for increased speed, flexibility, and collaboration to keep up with the constantly evolving market demands.  

But as companies look for ways to improve and streamline their product development processes even further, many are turning to Propel PLM. With its enhanced focus on collaboration, the ability to integrate with various business tools, and advanced analytics capabilities, Propel offers far more than your typical cloud solution. 

In terms of gaining functionality and efficiency, the leap from on-premise to cloud is huge—but with Propel, Agile PLM users can go even further.

Common Ground: Oracle Agile PLM and Propel

Agile and Propel share some common ground. Both focus on breaking down silos within an organization, promoting cross-functional collaboration, and providing real-time visibility into the development process. Additionally, both offer a centralized platform for managing product data and workflows.

Here are some Propel features Agile users will love:

  • Familiar Workflows – highly configurable with no code needed
  • List Views and Workspace Reports – similar to Saved Searches in Agile. 
  • Dashboard and Homepage Reports – For fans of Agile’s dashboard, but customizable for each user’s needs
  • Categories – Same function as Agile’s “Subclasses”
  • Tabs for Item, Change, and Quality pages 
  • BOM management, change management, and redlining

All of these features in Propel — tab layout, record pages, action placements, etc. — are designed to feel intuitive and will help new users with a seamless transition.

However, Propel goes beyond these similarities to provide additional features and capabilities that make it a more attractive option for companies looking to migrate their PLM solution.  

Next-Generation Features of Propel

User Interface: Propel's user-friendly interface and customizable workflows make it easier for teams to adapt and scale their processes to fit their specific needs, unlike Agile which may require a more rigid adherence to its processes.

Integration Capabilities: Propel integrates with a wide range of business tools and platforms via the cloud, allowing for a more streamlined and connected workflow. This integration ability not only improves data accuracy but also provides valuable insights into the entire product lifecycle. In addition to being a leading customer relationship management platform, Salesforce serves as Propel’s foundation. This includes streamlined data management, customizable workflows, and advanced analytics, providing businesses with the necessary tools to drive growth and success. With Salesforce as the base, companies can also benefit from seamless integration with other applications and systems, further enhancing their overall operations.

Advanced Analytics: Propel's advanced analytics capabilities provide real-time visibility into project status, allowing for informed decision-making and proactive management of potential roadblocks. Further, Propel users benefit from constant data analysis and iteration, allowing teams to learn from their past successes and failures and make improvements in real-time. This creates a more dynamic and adaptive approach to project management, allowing for faster and more efficient progress towards project goals.  

Considerations in a Propel to Agile PLM Migration

1. Evaluate your current Agile Configuration and Processes: Before making the transition, it's crucial to assess your organization's current processes and determine what is working well and where there are areas for improvement. This evaluation will help you identify the key features and capabilities you need in your new PLM solution.

2. Develop a data migration strategy: Data is the lifeblood of any product development process, so it's essential to have a solid data migration plan in place. This may involve mapping data from your current PLM solution to Propel or cleaning up and organizing data before the migration.

3. Test and validate: Before fully implementing Propel, it's important to thoroughly test and validate the new system. This will help ensure that all data has been migrated accurately and that any potential issues are identified and resolved before going live.

4. Plan for training and user adoption: As with any software migration, it's crucial to plan for proper training and support for your team. This will help ensure a smooth transition and encourage user adoption of the new PLM solution.

The Value of Engaging Domain as your Agile to Propel Migration Partner

In navigating the process of migrating from Agile PLM to Propel PLM, Domain Systems becomes invaluable. Domain Systems, with its specialized expertise in both platforms, operates as a pivotal facilitator, ensuring a streamlined and efficient migration pathway. 

The unique value of such a partnership can be dissected as follows:

1. Expertise in both Platforms: Domain Systems' comprehensive understanding of both Agile and Propel PLM systems equips them to identify the most effective migration strategies, foresee potential roadblocks, and mitigate risks efficiently. This dual expertise ensures that the migration leverages the strengths of both systems while minimizing disruption to existing workflows.

2. Customized Migration Planning: Recognizing that each organization’s needs and challenges are unique, a specialized partner like Domain Systems offers tailored migration plans. These plans are not only adjusted to the specific requirements of the business but also to the nuances of their current data structures and desired future state, ensuring a fit-for-purpose solution.

3. Risk Mitigation and Problem-Solving: The complexity of PLM migration includes technical, strategic, and operational challenges. With its methodical approach, Domain Systems systematically identifies potential risks at each phase of the migration and devises strategic interventions. This proactive problem-solving minimizes downtime and ensures business continuity.

4. Training and User Adoption: Domain Systems’ role extends beyond the technical aspects of migration to include comprehensive training and support. This ensures that all users are proficient in the new system, fostering a smooth transition and optimizing the adoption rate across the organization.

5. Data Integrity and System Validation: Ensuring data integrity is paramount in a PLM migration. Domain Systems’ meticulous approach to data mapping, cleanup, and validation guarantees that the migrated data retains its integrity, accuracy, and usability in the new system. This meticulous validation process underpins the confidence in data-driven decision-making post-migration.

6. Post-Migration Support: The value of a third-party partner extends into post-migration, offering ongoing support to address any emerging issues promptly. This ensures the new PLM system continues to function optimally, adapting to the organization's evolving needs.

Explore Propel PLM, the clear, low-risk solution for Agile users.


Domain Systems not only assures a seamless migration but will also enhance the capability of the organization to leverage its PLM investment fully. The strategic partnership of Domain and Propel combines technical acumen with an understanding of business processes, delivering a PLM solution that is both cutting-edge and deeply integrated into the fabric of the organization’s operations. Learn more about Domain’s services.

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Post by
Maggie Snellgrove
VP of Sales, Domain Systems, Inc.

Maggie Snellgrove has 20 years of Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) and Supply Chain Management (SCM) experience. Her clients range from start-ups to Fortune 100 companies across all verticals, including: high tech, medical device, aerospace and defense, CPG, and automotive.

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Maggie Snellgrove