If you’ve worked in the PLM space for any length of time, chances are you’ve encountered Oracle Agile PLM. We certainly have. For over a decade, it’s been the backbone of many of our client implementations. It brought structure, control, and stability to product data management. From BOM tracking to change control workflows, Agile PLM did its job and did it well.
However, all good things come to an end. For Oracle Agile PLM users, that moment will soon be upon them as Oracle has announced the of end of life (EOL) for its premier support for Agile PLM by the end of 2027.
Business needs don’t stand still. The ways teams collaborate, the speed of engineering cycles, and the systems that surround PLM have all evolved. And while Agile remains a respected legacy PLM software, the future clearly points toward platforms that are more open, more adaptable, and better equipped to support continuous improvement.
That’s where Aras PLM, also known as Aras Innovator, comes in. And that’s why we’ve made it the next chapter in our PLM journey. Aras PLM is a top contender to fill in the shoes of Agile PLM’s long reign. It is a compelling alternative which offers advanced functionalities that go beyond a mere replacement.
In this article, we will guide you how to successfully navigate Agile PLM’s end of life and why transitioning to Aras PLM is the best choice.
What is Agile PLM?
Oracle Agile PLM is a comprehensive PLM software that was acquired by Oracle in 2007. It is designed to manage all information and processes throughout a product’s lifecycle, including:
- Conception and design
- Manufacturing
- Service
- Disposal
For many years, Agile PLM was the default choice among product lifecycle management tools. It could manage product lifecycle data across sprawling global supply chains and helped companies handle everything from bill-of-materials to regulatory compliance.
However, Oracle officially ended its Agile PLM roadmap in October 2023. Version 9.3.6 is the final version of the platform and premier support for patches, updates, and security fixes will end on December 31, 2027.
After that, there will be no new releases, security updates, or technical support.
Why is Oracle discontinuing Agile PLM?
Here’s a breakdown of the reasons why Oracle decided to pull the plug on its PLM workhorse:
Technological obsolescence
Agile PLM was built for a different era. It is based on older technology stacks that are difficult to maintain, scale, and secure. For example, it lacks cloud native support, modern APIs, and latest UI/UX design.
Therefore, maintaining an on-premises or older generation PLM system like Agile PLM is becoming less viable for users.
Integration woes
Connecting Agile PLM with modern ERP, CAD, or MES systems has become increasingly challenging. Without latest support and updates, PLM integration with today’s AI, IoT, or real-time analytics platforms is a real headache.
These integration challenges also limit enterprises from utilizing new and emerging technologies.
Declining customer growth
Oracle realized that the platform’s growth has plateaued. Agile PLM’s customer base has become stagnant, less attractive to new clients, and cost sensitive.
Therefore, the company decided to stop spending further time and money on Agile and instead choose to invest their resources on future technologies.
Shrinking talent pool
Most of Agile’s developers, architects, and support engineers have retired or are near retiring. The younger cohorts of PLM software experts are more oriented towards latest product lifecycle management tools like Aras.
As a result, there’s a growing skill gap in both internal Oracle teams and external consulting partners. Because of all these reasons, Oracle recognized that rebuilding or retrofitting Agile was not viable and they announced its EOL with a definitive timeline.
Aras PLM: The top replacement for Agile PLM
There are a number of modern PLM solutions that can outmatch Oracle Agile PLM in capabilities and performance. But Aras PLM is one of the best PLM software available in the market today.
Aras PLM offers significant advantages over traditional PLM systems, which makes it more than just a mere replacement. It is built on the Aras Innovator platform, and is open, flexible, and low code. You can mold it to fit your company’s needs without an army of developers.
Here is how the platform can do better and more than other options:
Built for change, not just control
Agile PLM is excellent at enforcing structure, especially in highly regulated environments. But today, the ability to change and evolve systems quickly is just as critical as keeping them under control.
Aras is designed from the ground up to be adaptable. You can model new business objects, introduce custom workflows, and tailor UI forms all without destabilizing the platform. And these changes aren’t just tolerated; they’re preserved through upgrades. That flexibility lets us move fast without creating future headaches.
Low-code development platform
You don’t need to write tens of thousands of lines of code to get Aras to do what you want it to do. It offers a low-code environment that empowers businesses to rapidly configure, customize, and build new applications on the platform.
Configurations that don’t compete with stability
Every PLM admin knows the trade-off: introduce a change, and risk breaking something else. Aras shifts that mindset. Its platform allows you to create new item types, update workflows, or redesign forms through configuration, not custom code.
For us, the impact was immediate. We’ve seen client teams prototype new processes, get internal feedback, and deploy to production in days. It gives speed with confidence that your changes won’t break the system down the line.
Visibility that drives action
Dashboards and saved searches are often treated as secondary in PLM systems. In Aras, they’re central. Every user, from engineers to executives, can build dashboards that show real-time information on ECOs, release status, or quality issues—all without needing third-party BI tools.
Even better, these dashboards aren’t static. They’re interactive. You can click directly into records, drill down into linked data, or initiate actions. That kind of visibility changes how teams engage with PLM, and it becomes something they can use proactively as well.
Digital Thread that connects it all
Aras PLM offers a built-in Digital Thread that connects product data, processes, and people across every phase of the lifecycle, from design to manufacturing to service. Unlike traditional systems where information is siloed, Aras creates a dynamic, traceable link between related data and decisions, enabling teams to track context, changes, and impact in real time.
This end-to-end visibility improves collaboration, auditability, and decision-making, especially in complex engineering environments. Aras’s Digital Thread provides organizations with a living, evolving view of their products that supports innovation and regulatory compliance alike.
Collaboration where the work happens
PLM is all about people working together with data, and Aras supports this with built-in discussion threads, object subscriptions, and clear, role-based notifications.
This isn’t about creating another place to chat. It’s about keeping relevant conversation connected to the object it impacts, whether that’s a change request, a spec document, or a BOM. It reduces noise, improves traceability, and helps decisions stick.
A migration that’s more than just moving data
Switching PLM systems is a big decision. But in our experience, it’s also a valuable reset. We treat every Agile-to-Aras migration as a chance to re-evaluate what’s working, what’s outdated, and what can be simplified.
Clients have used this moment to consolidate attributes, eliminate dead workflows, and build smarter approval paths. The end result is a successful migration with a cleaner, more aligned system ready to grow with them.
Developer-ready without lock-in
Under the hood, Aras gives developers real power and structure. Through its Aras Markup Language (AML) and open APIs, we can extend functionality, build custom logic, and integrate with surrounding systems all while staying within Aras’s supported upgrade path.
This means teams aren’t boxed in. You can automate where needed, push and pull data across platforms, or build entirely new applications on top of Aras without compromising your core system’s integrity.
Comprehensive application library
Aras comes with a module of pre-built apps for various PLM functions, including:
- Requirements engineering
- Systems architecture
- Variant management
- Technical documentation
- Manufacturing process planning
These apps give Aras PLM innovative capabilities for digital transformation and long-term business growth.
Reasons to shift to a newer PLM software
Technically, you can still continue using Agile PLM; however, consider the following potential challenges.
Security risks
Discontinuation of Agile premier support will make the platform vulnerable to security breaches and cyber-attacks. Regular updates and patches keep the platform upgraded and immune to rising threats, but post-2027 there will be no mechanism against these security risks.
Compliance issues
PLM is tightly regulated by a range of compliance standards, particularly in industries like aerospace, automotive, and electronics. If you don’t transition from legacy platforms like Agile PLM, non-compliance with industry regulations can potentially lead to hefty fines and legal repercussions.
Operational Challenges
PLM software usually works in tandem with other business tools. Without ongoing support and updates, Agile can hinder your operational efficiency. It may lead to compatibility issues with newer enterprise systems and disrupt critical workflows.
Over time, this stagnation can slow innovation and increase the cost of maintaining outdated processes.
How to smoothly transition from Agile to Aras PLM
Legacy PLM migration is a long journey, but it’s a journey many must take in order to stay competitive. Before embarking on this journey, you should know these best practices to make the transition to Aras PLM as smooth as possible.
Evaluate current configurations
Document all existing customizations, integrations, workflows, and data models within Oracle Agile PLM. This will give you an idea how these are used and identify which are still relevant or need to be re-configured in Aras.
Data assessment and cleaning
Analyze the quality, volume, and complexity of data in Agile PLM. Identify outdated or inaccurate data that needs to be cleaned or archived. Data cleansing will ensure that only valuable and accurate information is migrated to Aras PLM. This aligns with data migration best practices, ensuring you only migrate accurate and relevant records.
Engage stakeholders
Take everyone onboard before making the shift to Aras Innovator. This includes your employees, suppliers, and customers. Engaging stakeholders early in the planning process ensures smooth user adoption and organizational alignment.
Define future requirements
Clearly articulate the business objectives and functional requirements for the new Aras PLM system. As mentioned earlier, Aras in many ways is more capable than Agile PLM. Therefore, you don’t simply have to replicate existing functionalities; instead, use Aras’s advanced capabilities to improve process and drive innovation.
Use expert support
Reach out to PLM consulting firms and specialists to overcome challenges. Expert support will help you migrate effectively and will help align Aras with your business workflows.
How long is the transition process?
There is no fixed time duration for the Agile-to-Aras PLM migration. It varies depending on the organization’s size, system complexity, and data volume.
However, based on real-world conditions, here’s an estimated timeline of the migration process with all the essential steps.
Planning and Strategy (1–2 months)
A comprehensive planning strategy develops a detailed project plan that outlines scope, timelines, resources, budget, and success metrics. It sets out a determined approach for data migration and identifies potential risks. It usually takes about 1-2 months to plan your migration strategies.
Data preparation and cleansing (1–2 months)
Data cleansing can happen in parallel with planning and strategy. It takes almost the same amount of time as planning and helps identify legacy data to retain or archive. Cleansing the data is also required to remove duplicates or obsolete entries.
Data migration and integration (2–3 months)
This is often the most critical and challenging phase that can take up to three months. In this step, you would need to create data maps between Agile and Aras PLM, design and implement integration strategies, and validate the migrated data after each iteration. Particular attention must be given to BOM accuracy, as inconsistencies or mismanaged structures can create bottlenecks during integration.
Customization and configuration (2–4 months)
Next, you would need to configure and customize Aras to meet your specific business needs. This usually takes anywhere between two to four months because you’ll have to take care of everything: rebuilding workflows, implementing core PLM modules in Aras, and using low-code tools for customization.
Testing and training (1 month)
Thorough testing and comprehensive user training are essential for a successful go-live. Comprehensive training programs and change management strategies ensure user resistance, communicate benefits, and ensure a smooth transition for employees.
Go-live and support (1–2 months)
Finally, it will take you a month or two to deploy the new system. We recommend a phased rollout strategy, starting with a pilot group or specific department, before a full enterprise-wide deployment.
After going live, you would have to provide dedicated support channels for users to address any issues or questions that arise after deployment.
When should you start considering migrating from Agile PLM?
Based on the estimated migration timeline above, it can take you anywhere between six months to a year to successfully transition from Agile to Aras PLM. Oracle Agile PLM’s EOL is approaching in two years from now; therefore, now would be a great time for Agile users to start planning their shift to Aras PLM.
This transition isn’t just about replacing one tool with another — it’s an opportunity to align your operations with the future of PLM practices and build a more adaptive, scalable digital backbone.
Conclusion
Oracle Agile PLM was the undisputed leader of PLM software for decades. But the legacy platform won’t be able to hold its ground in the future. We have a lot of respect for Agile PLM. It shaped how many of us approached structured product development over the last 20 years. However, looking forward, it’s clear that the next generation of PLM needs to be faster, more connected, and more adaptable.
Newer and better product lifecycle management solutions are on the horizon. And Aras PLM is at the top of this list with more flexible and advanced cloud-native PLM capabilities. It is a logical choice for Agile users.
That’s why we’re all-in on Aras. It’s not a like-for-like replacement. It’s a shift in how PLM fits into your business. And we’ve seen firsthand how powerful that shift can be when it’s done right.
Xavor has over 15 years of experience in PLM implementations. As a certified Aras Innovator and Oracle Agile PLM partner, let us take charge, and we’ll quickly shift your PLM modules from Agile PLM to Aras PLM with minimal risks and disruptions. Our PLM specialists have worked on both Agile and Aras, which allows them to migrate your data in full alignment with your business needs.
Drop us a line at [email protected] to start planning your PLM migration.