GitPLM

GitPLM brings product manufacturing information and design work into Git, with BOM and part management at its core. It suits small teams building products who want an on-premise workflow built around files and revision control. Its focused toolkit is a strong fit for teams already comfortable working with Git, though release hooks are limited to Linux and macOS.

Overview

GitPLM connects product designs with the manufacturing data that accompanies them. It combines source BOMs with partmaster data, rolls subassembly BOMs into a combined BOM, and gathers custom-component release data for manufacturing. Revision control, change management, BOM management, and API access are supported.

The maker describes GitPLM as a single, self-contained Go binary with no dependencies. Partmaster and BOM data are stored in CSV, while release configuration uses YAML. That file-based approach keeps the core workflow legible to teams familiar with Git, but it makes Git and structured data files central to how the product is managed.

Key features

Parts and BOMs

The terminal interface supports quick searches across columns, parametric searches within a column, editing, and datasheet links. This gives teams a direct way to find and maintain parts alongside their designs. Combining source BOMs across subassemblies is useful when manufacturing needs a complete product view rather than separate lists for each assembly.

KiCad and release data

GitPLM can serve a parts database to KiCad through its HTTP Libraries feature and reload that data when CSV files change. An optional authentication token protects the KiCad HTTP server. Release configuration can also run optional hooks, including tools such as KiCad’s InteractiveHtmlBom generator, to collect manufacturing release data.

The main platform caveat is specific: release hooks are documented for Linux and macOS, not Windows. Windows users can still use GitPLM, but teams whose release process depends on those hooks should choose another workflow or product.

Pricing

GitPLM is open source under the Apache 2.0 license. Its GitPLM plan costs nothing. There are no paid plans or usage limits stated, and no free trial is offered. The free plan has no published seat cap or quota, making it suitable for small teams that want to adopt the tool without a subscription commitment.

Platforms

GitPLM supports Linux, macOS, and Windows and is deployed on-premise. Its self-contained Go binary has no dependencies, which suits teams that want to run the tool within their own environment. Release hooks are documented only for Linux and macOS, so Windows support does not extend to that part of the workflow.

Who it's for

GitPLM is aimed at small product teams that want designs, part numbers, BOMs, and manufacturing release data managed in Git. It is a particularly good fit for teams using KiCad and comfortable maintaining CSV and YAML files. Teams that need release hooks on Windows should look elsewhere for that workflow.

Pros and cons

• Pro: It combines partmaster records, source BOMs, subassembly rollups, and manufacturing release data in one Git-centered workflow.
• Pro: KiCad can use the parts database over HTTP and reload it when CSV files change, keeping library data connected to the maintained parts records.
• Pro: The open-source Apache 2.0 license and free plan avoid a paid-plan or stated usage-limit barrier.
• Con: Release hooks are documented for Linux and macOS only, limiting Windows teams that rely on hook-based release steps.
• Con: Its terminal interface and CSV/YAML data model favor teams comfortable with Git and structured files; teams seeking a different style of workflow may prefer another PLM.

Alternatives

For a wider range of product lifecycle management options, browse Product Lifecycle Management Software.

• Cascadia PLM is worth considering if you want a freemium, self-hosted PLM with unlimited editors and viewers on its free Self-Hosted Core plan.
• Dokuly is another free, open-source, self-hosted PLM, delivered as a Docker stack.
• PDXpert PLM is a paid option with a three-week, fully functional evaluation for teams that want to assess a Windows or self-hosted PLM before subscribing.
• Oracle Fusion Cloud PLM is a paid cloud option; its Reviewer Cloud Service is priced at $100 a month, with a standard three-year term and a minimum of 50 hosted named users.
• Centric PLM is a paid alternative for readers comparing other PLM products.
• Infor Public Sector is a paid alternative for readers evaluating other software in this category.
• NETVIBES is a paid alternative with a free plan and free trial.
• Aptean Apparel PLM is a paid alternative with pricing provided on request.

Verdict

Choose GitPLM if a small product team wants free, on-premise management of designs, parts, BOMs, and manufacturing release data in Git, especially alongside KiCad. Its focused, file-based approach and open license are compelling for that team; Windows-dependent release hooks are the clearest reason to look elsewhere.