Oracle PLM Cloud vs Arena PLM

Creating and supporting great products requires innovation, data analysis, team collaboration, consistent quality, and safety checks, along with a strong commercialization plan. All this is impossible to manage without the right PLM software. With several PLM software options available on the market, it is not easy to choose one according to your requirements. We have picked out two SaaS PLM solutions: Oracle PLM Cloud and Arena PLM, and we'll discuss their strengths and differences.

Disclaimer: Although GoSaaS is an Oracle partner, this article is strictly dependent on research done based on material in the public domain and opinions formed by the author for the benefits of product companies making PLM software decisions. This in no way represents the opinion of Oracle Corporation.

1. Usage 

Oracle PLM Cloud

• Product revision control is automatic. If a new revision takes place, it is rolled up to the parent.
• For one item, there can be several change orders.
• Once all approvers have approved a document, the platform automatically approves the process. This can be set to automatic or manual.
• If a new vendor is added to the team, the team is updated at all places in the system.
• The user interface is modern, easy and intuitive.
• No limit on mass item uploading and creation.

Arena PLM

• Product revision control is manual, and there is no auto-rev-up for parent items.
• Only one change order is possible for one item.
• Even if all approvers approve a document, the platform still requires administrator approval for the process.
• There is no bulk permissions update, so when a new vendor is onboarded, the person must be manually added to every change order.
• The user interface could be updated.
• There is a limit on mass item uploading and creation.

2. Modules

Oracle PLM Cloud 

Built on the success of Agile PLM 9 from the ground up, Oracle PLM Cloud is part of Oracle’s SaaS suite. It is a Cloud PLM software that brings together product innovation, development, and commercialization with the help of:

• Innovation Management
• Product Development
• Quality Management
• Product Master Data Management
• Configurator Modelling
• Project Management
• GoCompliance- add-on
• GoTraining Hub - add-on
• Commercialization

Oracle PLM Cloud has every module to innovate, develop, commercialize a product, and governance & compliance.

Arena PLM 

Developed a few decades prior, Arena PLM was the first SaaS PLM in the market targeted at high-tech startups. It has come a long way since then and is used by hundreds of customers worldwide. With an interface similar to the old Agile PLM, the main modules in Arena PLM include:

• Product Development
• Product Record Control
• Change Management
• Project Management
• Quality Management
• Training Management
• Requirement Management
• Regulatory & Compliance

Though the PLM solutions modules are incredibly similar, Arena PLM modules generally lack the depth of features needed by larger or even mid-size deployment. Module-wise it lacks a detailed module dedicated to Innovation Management and Product Master Data Management and Commercialization. The compliance module supports necessary regulations as one roll-up engine is present, unable to support regulations such as Conflict Minerals. Additionally, there is no segregation between suppliers and manufacturers.

3. Updates 

Oracle PLM Cloud 

Quarterly updates with bug fixes.

Arena PLM 

Frequent updates

4. BOM, Workflows & Security Roles

Oracle PLM Cloud

Like other PLM software, Oracle PLM Cloud stores information regarding items, parts, products, BOM, documents, requirements, engineering change orders, and quality workflows. The solution also supports attachments and documents. Other than that, not only is the BOM history also stored, but workflows are also customizable. For security purposes, information can be visible based on assigned roles and approval history for change orders can be tracked.

Arena PLM 

Arena PLM stores information regarding parts, documents, BOM, and change orders, all of which can be directly modified. Change reviews are also automated.
The solution also captures electrical, mechanical, and software designs along with needed documentation. BOM history is also stored, and the solution also has an auto number wizard. Workflows are pre-built meaning there is no customization possibility. Arena PLM also allows access based on roles making information sharing secure.

5. Validation Rules Extensibility/Customizations/App Marketplace 

Oracle PLM Cloud 

Oracle PLM Cloud also has Application Composer, which allows the administrator to configure applications, layouts and make data model changes. Page composer allows configuration of application pages. This includes changing fields, managing saved searches and changing page layouts.

Arena PLM

Customizations of workspace terms, names, and workflows are not possible in Arena PLM. There is a validation package in Arena that validates change and document management, design controls, electronic records, electronic signatures, and quality management. Arena PLM does not have an Application Composer, Page Composer and a REST API layer.

6. Reporting and Analytics 

Oracle PLM Cloud

Ad hoc reports, dashboards, alerts and extensive reports can be created in Oracle PLM Cloud using Oracle Transactional Business Intelligence (OTBI). Report or dashboard can also be added to a Fusion page through Personalization.

Arena PLM 

Arena PLM can be used with Arena Analytics for insights and metrics for analysis.
Interactive and intuitive dashboards are also present without help from IT teams.

7. Platform, Database & Security

Oracle PLM Cloud 

Every customer has its own autonomous database based on Oracle Cloud Infrastructure Gen two cloud. Oracle is known for its databases, and they have it covered. Oracle is unique from a Security and Infrastructure perspective because they control everything from the hardware to the SaaS layer. Some large companies (Zoom) have recently selected Oracle Cloud Infrastructure due to its performance and security. Oracle has several options for regulated industries, including break-glass, where a company can control and approve individuals at Oracle that have access to any customer data layer. This is a unique offering.

Arena PLM 

Arena is most likely using another third-party cloud platform which has their own robust security. However, it was unclear whether Arena is just hosted on these platforms or uses native services. If it is only hosted and has not been updated, this may cause further investigation.

8. Integrations 

Oracle PLM Cloud 

Oracle Cloud Infrastructure has its Integration platform, which is extremely flexible and doesn’t require code changes to update business rules. It is fully integrated with Oracle PLM and has pre-built or partner adapters for 1000s of systems.

Arena PLM

It has integration capabilities with ERP systems of SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, Microsoft Dynamics, QAD, Expandable, SAP Business ByDesign, sage, xTuple, rootstock, Kenandy, EDA & MCAD systems of Altium, OrCAD, Mentor, Solidworks, Electronic component databases systems of Octopart, SiliconExpert Technologies, Q Point Technology, CRM systems of Salesforce, Zendesk, Quality Assurance & Control systems of 1factory and SSO systems of Ping Identity.

9. Implementation time, cost and free trials 

Oracle PLM Cloud

This can vary according to the customer’s needs, but the minimum is likely to be around 13 weeks. However, the time and cost from On-Premise to Cloud Migration can differ. Oracle does not offer free trials currently.

Arena PLM 

Arena PLM is easy to set up as the implementation process is short and configurations are fixed. The simplicity of features in Arena PLM is an advantage when it comes to implementation time and cost. This may be an issue if the company intends to scale up and may require more customizations. Along with ease in setup, it offers free trials, has a low initial cost.

Comparison Summary

Arena Government Cloud vs. Oracle Government Cloud 

Both Arena Government Cloud and Oracle Government Cloud provide robust, secure environments for managing critical operations, ensuring compliance, and supporting public sector organizations. However, the architecture, compliance features, and flexibility of these platforms vary significantly, catering to different operational needs. Below is a detailed comparison:

Compliance & Certification 

Oracle Government Cloud 
Oracle Government Cloud offers FedRAMP High, FISMA, and DoD Impact Level 5 certifications, making it suitable for highly sensitive government data and mission-critical operations. Its robust certification framework supports a wide range of compliance requirements across federal, state, and local agencies. Oracle also ensures that the environment adheres to ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) and CJIS (Criminal Justice Information Services) policies, further extending its reach into regulated sectors such as defense and law enforcement.

Arena Government Cloud 
Arena Government Cloud is primarily focused on FedRAMP Moderate compliance. While it is well-suited for most government and federal contractors, it does not meet the requirements for more sensitive information as strictly as Oracle’s FedRAMP High and DoD certifications. Arena's compliance stack makes it a solid option for government agencies with moderate security and compliance needs but may fall short for sectors requiring more stringent data controls like defense.

Security Architecture 

Oracle Government Cloud 
Oracle Government Cloud’s architecture is built on the Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI), known for its secure, multi-tenant isolation, zero-trust architecture, and end-to-end data encryption. Oracle controls the full technology stack from hardware to SaaS applications, ensuring an unmatched level of security oversight. Furthermore, Oracle uses advanced threat detection, AI-driven analytics for anomaly detection, and a "break-glass" feature, allowing granular control over access to sensitive customer data. Oracle’s government clients can implement highly secure environments tailored to their specific needs, with dedicated cloud regions for government use.

Arena Government Cloud 
Arena Government Cloud is hosted on a third-party cloud infrastructure, leveraging partners like AWS GovCloud. While AWS provides strong security controls and a broad range of certifications, Arena does not control the entire stack, which may limit customization options and increase reliance on third-party services for critical updates and security patches. Although Arena offers robust encryption and multi-layer security, its architecture may not be as customizable or extensive as Oracle’s when handling the most sensitive government data.

Integration & Extensibility

 
Oracle Government Cloud 
Oracle Government Cloud comes with a highly flexible and integrated ecosystem that connects seamlessly with other Oracle SaaS applications (such as ERP, HCM, and SCM) and third-party systems. It supports REST and SOAP APIs, which enable extensive integrations across government departments and private contractors. Additionally, Oracle’s Application Composer and Integration Cloud provide a low-code environment for customizing workflows and expanding system functionalities, making Oracle Government Cloud an ideal choice for large-scale operations requiring deep customizations and complex data integrations.

Arena Government Cloud 
Arena Government Cloud supports integration with various ERP, CRM, and quality systems but lacks the depth and extensibility offered by Oracle. Arena’s integration capabilities are more rigid, and although it connects to many third-party solutions, the customization of these connections requires third-party tools or vendor support. Arena’s limited API functionality means it may not scale as efficiently in complex environments or support as many customized workflows as Oracle.

Performance & Scalability 

Oracle Government Cloud 
Oracle Government Cloud leverages the power of Oracle's Autonomous Database, offering unparalleled scalability, performance optimization, and self-healing capabilities. The platform’s design is ideal for government agencies of all sizes, from small municipalities to large federal bodies, with the ability to scale resources dynamically based on demand. Oracle's Gen 2 Cloud infrastructure ensures high availability and optimized performance, making it well-suited for mission-critical applications that require uninterrupted service.

Arena Government Cloud 
Arena Government Cloud’s architecture is well-suited for small to mid-sized government operations, offering solid performance within those parameters. However, its third-party hosting and more limited resource scalability may result in performance bottlenecks for larger agencies or projects. The system is not designed for high-level data processing or compute-intensive tasks, which could present challenges for agencies with more complex needs or growing demands.

Cost & Implementation 

Oracle Government Cloud 
Oracle Government Cloud, being a comprehensive and scalable solution, requires a longer implementation period and a higher initial investment. The cost reflects its advanced capabilities, extensive compliance certifications, and the flexibility it provides in customizing government workflows. Oracle offers dedicated support for large implementations and ensures full compliance with governmental standards, but the complexity of the solution means a longer ROI period for smaller agencies.

Arena Government Cloud 
Arena Government Cloud is more budget-friendly and quicker to implement, making it appealing to small- to mid-size agencies with less complex needs. Its simpler configuration allows for a shorter time to go-live, and its pricing model is more competitive for organizations with budget constraints. However, as the needs of the organization grow, the total cost of ownership (TCO) may increase, particularly when considering the limitations in customization and scalability.

Conclusion 

Arena PLM is excellent for small businesses not expecting tremendous growth ahead. Arena has an interface similar to Agile PLM. It is relatively cheaper, and because of its set workflows, it keeps implementations simple. For scalable businesses that require flexible workflows, elaborate security models throughout ideation to commercialization, Oracle PLM Cloud is a better solution. Additionally, Oracle PLM Cloud’s user-friendly interface, Oracle Transactional Business Intelligence (OTBI) and autonomous database are considerable advantages to consider as well.

When comparing Arena Government Cloud and Oracle Government Cloud, it's clear that both platforms cater to distinct segments of the government sector. Arena Government Cloud provides a cost-effective, quick-to-implement solution for smaller agencies with moderate security and compliance needs. In contrast, Oracle Government Cloud offers a highly scalable, secure, and customizable platform tailored for agencies handling sensitive data and requiring robust compliance, including FedRAMP High and DoD Impact Level 5. For agencies prioritizing flexibility, security, and large-scale integration, Oracle Government Cloud stands as the more comprehensive solution, whereas Arena Government Cloud serves as a simpler, budget-friendly option.

To make the best choice for your business, contact our experts today!