In this episode of the PLM Insights Podcast, host Andreas Lindenthal and guest Joseph Frascati explore whether companies should implement a single integrated PLM platform or opt for a best-of-breed approach with specialized tools connected by integrations. They discuss the pros and cons of each: a single platform can simplify workflows and reduce training complexity but may still require internal integrations and carry the risk of vendor dependency; while a best-of-breed model offers flexibility and access to best-in-class features but demands greater discipline in integration, data consistency, and ongoing maintenance. Joseph emphasizes that integration strategy—whether point-to-point, middleware, or event-driven—should be treated as a first-class concern, not an afterthought. They also touch on how AI and knowledge graphs can support integration and insights in federated environments, but only if a strong data architecture is in place. Cost considerations are discussed, with the conclusion that the right approach depends on a company’s business goals, system requirements, and negotiation strategy, and that a hybrid model—using leading modules from major vendors alongside specialized tools—often delivers the best balance of capability and flexibility.