This document discusses lessons learned from two long-term data projects: the KIM Project and ERIM Project. The KIM Project aimed to develop tools and strategies for product lifecycle management but faced challenges integrating data from different parts of the lifecycle due to information silos. The ERIM Project sought to manage data from KIM and other projects but also struggled with issues of storage, confidentiality, and data context. The document recommends using standards like STEP when possible and otherwise identifying essential information, simple storage methods, and natural workflows to avoid creating new silos and better manage existing ones.