The Strategic Case for CLM: How Manufacturers Are Using It to Scale Customization Without Chaos

In this episode, we connect with Damantha Boteju, Configit's chief product and technology officer, to learn more about configuration lifecycle management and why manufacturers need consistent, connected configuration data for AI to deliver real, scalable business value.

David Greenfield, editor in chief

April 24, 2026

Key Highlights

Rather than chasing one "source of truth," manufacturers should focus on connecting existing systems like PLM, ERP and CRM through a shared configuration data backbone that reduces waste and ensures customers only order what can actually be built.
AI LLMs work on probability, not true logic, that’s why pairing AI with deterministic configuration engines is essential for delivering the accuracy and traceability that production environments demand.
Manufacturers that anchor AI projects in high-value, configuration-driven use cases and invest in clean, governed data before deployment are far more likely to achieve the ROI they're expecting.

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About the Author

David Greenfield, editor in chief

Editor in Chief

David Greenfield joined Automation World in June 2011. Bringing a wealth of industry knowledge and media experience to his position, David’s contributions can be found in AW’s print and online editions and custom projects. Earlier in his career, David was Editorial Director of Design News at UBM Electronics, and prior to joining UBM, he was Editorial Director of Control Engineering at Reed Business Information, where he also worked on Manufacturing Business Technology as Publisher.