Résumé
This paper focuses on the observation of the way information tools are implemented in order to support the design process used in large scientific collaborations such as those acting at CERN, the European laboratory for particle physics. We first present a detailed description of a Product Data Management (PDM) tool implementation project for the various CERN design offices. Then we highlight some of the key dates and obstacles met during the process of such complex projects. As a result, we revisit the list of key success factors from the literature, either generally speaking [Pinto & Prescott 1988] or more specifically for ERPs [Nah et al. 2001] or agile software [Chow & Cao 2008]. The latter, for instance, focuses on delivery strategy and team capability. However, these lists of critical success factors do not cover the specific case of PDM implentation, and they do not always pay full attention to the complexity of the organisational context or of the products themselves, as met in large scientific collaborations. In addition, they might well not be adapted to non-industrial contexts, where the ROI (Return on investment) is not a relevant criterion of a project's success.