Compare · Hardware PLM & QMS
Launchglass vs. Arena: launches that run themselves, without a PLM rollout.
Arena, part of PTC, is a mature system for controlling BOMs & documents across a supply chain. Launchglass is built for what happens between departments: enforced gates, automated follow-up and plain-English answers — set up by whoever owns the process, in an afternoon.
Why teams choose Launchglass
Why teams choose Launchglass to run their launches.
Live in an afternoon
Boards, fields & rules are set up in the browser by whoever owns the process — no implementation project, no consultant.
Automation that does the follow-up
Rules ask a person, a group or whoever owns the card for exactly what’s needed, with a due date — then remind them, and close the request the moment it’s answered.
Everyone takes part
Sales, operations, outside designers & customers can view, vote & comment through a link — without a PLM seat.
Answers without building a report
Ask “which launches are behind on tooling?” and get an answer from live data, linked to the cards it came from and limited to what you’re allowed to see.
Side by side
Launchglass vs. Arena PLM, side by side.
| Capability | Arena PLM | Launchglass |
|---|---|---|
| Getting started | Arena PLM: Up and running in a matter of weeks, per Arena; CAD connectors can add more | Launchglass: Set up in the browser, with no code, by whoever owns the process |
| No-code automation | Arena PLM: Rule-driven change approvals, as published | Launchglass: WHEN / IF / THEN rules on changes, schedules & any date on the card |
| Follow-up & who’s blocking | Arena PLM: Change approvals routed by rule | Launchglass: One queue per person of everything they owe, automatic reminders, and a live view of what every launch is waiting on |
| People outside engineering | Arena PLM: Licensed users, plus a separate supplier license | Launchglass: Share links let anyone view, vote & comment without a seat |
| Phase gates | Arena PLM: Phase-gate projects with milestones & tasks | Launchglass: Stage criteria the system enforces, with rules that ask for what each gate needs |
| Your BOMs & documents | Arena PLM: Controlled in Arena | Launchglass: Stay in your PLM or ERP — Launchglass runs the process around them |
Getting started
Launchglass runs alongside Arena PLM.
Get started free
Sign up in a minute, no credit card required. Or book a 15-minute demo on a process like yours.
Keep your system of record
Your records stay in Arena PLM. Launchglass runs the process around them, with data moving in & out by CSV.
Prove it on a real launch
Run one of your real launches on it before you commit to a paid plan.
Questions
Common questions.
When is Launchglass the better fit?
When launches & changes stall between departments and somebody spends their week chasing them. Launchglass enforces each gate, asks the right people for what’s needed, and shows who’s blocking — live in an afternoon, with no PLM implementation, and alongside whatever holds your BOMs today.
Can Launchglass work alongside a PLM system?
Yes. Your PLM stays the record of parts & BOMs. Launchglass runs the cross-department work around each launch or change — who has to do what, by when, and whether they did.
Get started
See it on a process like yours.
Get started free and run one of your real launches on it, or book a 15-minute demo first — so you can compare with your own eyes, not just a table.