What is our primary use case?
We use Polarion ALM for software development, including requirements management, testing, change requests, and task tracking. We set up the environment by configuring items and reports based on user requests. Once the environment is prepared, users work with what we have set up. We collaborate with them to define their needs and then develop the technical solutions to meet them.
How has it helped my organization?
We also use Polarion ALM for traceability and compliance. It is particularly strong in areas related to software functional safety and cybersecurity. One advantage is acquiring templates and then easily modifying them to fit your specific needs.
What is most valuable?
It's extremely flexible. Configuring items is straightforward and doesn't require involving the supplier each time. We find the requirement management, test management, documentation, and dashboards very effective. However, we don't use DevOps-related features, such as integration with tools like SVN or Git, because we use Azure DevOps. The aspects related to requirements, testing, changes, tasks, and agile methodology are excellent, which is why we've been using it for a long time.
What needs improvement?
I also recently suggested that CMS consider incorporating generative artificial intelligence into the system. This could greatly enhance requirement checking, improve form, content, and clarity, and assist in defining tests and developing models.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Polarion ALM for ten years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The product is stable. In its environment, it performs well and can effectively manage large projects, especially when configured appropriately.
I rate the solution’s stability an eight or nine out of ten.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
2000 users are using this solution.
I rate the solution’s scalability an eight or nine out of ten.
How are customer service and support?
We have maintenance and standard support with Siemens for any issues that arise. For routine support, we have bronze-level support included with our licenses. For more specialized needs, such as new developments or specific projects, we collaborate directly with Siemens.
How would you rate customer service and support?
How was the initial setup?
For the installation, we collaborated with Siemens and some suppliers. While the process didn’t seem overly complex from my perspective, I mainly assisted with setting up the machine environment, which was more specific to our company.
The actual installation didn’t take much time. The major effort was defining the requirements and configuring the system with our methodology team, which took about six or seven months. The configuration process continuously evolves as the methodology team regularly makes changes, adjustments, and updates. However, once the requirements were defined, the installation was relatively quick.
What about the implementation team?
The actual installation was carried out by Siemens.
What other advice do I have?
The planning features focused on agile methodology, including sprint planning and micro-planning, are very effective. However, more structured planning is also possible, which could benefit users who are working with a standard waterfall methodology.
Generative AI could provide significant benefits in the future. It would greatly help evaluate the quality of requirements, define tests, and ensure compliance with rules, such as those for system engineering.
They have two people working with the support.
Overall, I rate the solution a nine out of ten.
*Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.