MCP-Enabled Product Intelligence Is Here and Manufacturing Executives Are Betting on PLM to Deliver
400 Leaders Rank PLM #1 System for AI Agents to Access Through MCP and #1 Source of Data for AI Actions
Propel, creator of the first product value management (PVM) platform to transform how manufacturers develop, launch, and service products, today released research confirming product lifecycle management (PLM) as the central foundation for successful model context protocol (MCP)-enabled AI in manufacturing. MCP is the open standard that enables AI systems to securely connect to, and act on, data across enterprise business systems.
Commissioned by Propel Software and conducted by Talker Research, the survey polled 400 senior manufacturing professionals across high tech/electronics, industrial equipment, and medical device industries, from directors and managers to CxOs and board members, on adoption priorities, MCP readiness, and the role of product data in a connected AI strategy. Results reveal PLM is the most important system for AI actions.
MCP has crossed from early adoption into mainstream reality, and it's being led from the top. Ninety-six percent of CxOs and 85% of board members report increased organizational interest in MCP. This signals that adoption is a strategic priority. Overall, 91% of respondents report increased interest, with 63% describing that interest as dramatic or significant.
