From Chaos to Control: Why PDM Software is the Game-Changer for Product Data Management

In many businesses, especially those in engineering and manufacturing, managing product-related data can be a complex challenge. Traditionally, companies would store CAD files, technical documents, and other product data on shared network drives. However, this method has significant limitations, leading more organizations to adopt Product Data Management (PDM) software instead.

So, what is PDM software, why is it increasing in market share, and why is it a better alternative to shared network drives or other solutions?

Multiple users cannot easily collaborate on the same file, trace what changes were made between saves, and changes users make are not traceable to the user that made the changes.

PDM software programs solve these issues by providing a centralized system for storing and managing engineering files. As a software tool, it offers management tools for version control, metadata creation and control, and real-time multi-user collaboration, making it the ideal solution for companies that need to manage complex product data efficiently.

In the world of product development, there are several types of software systems, each with different roles. Understanding the distinctions between PDM, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems is crucial for selecting the right tool for your business.

Focuses on data management for product design and engineering teams. It handles CAD data, versioning, and document control, ensuring teams have the correct information to work on.

Used primarily for managing the financial and operational aspects of a business, such as accounting, procurement, and human resources.

While PDM manages product data, PLM is a broader system that handles the entire lifecycle of a product, from design to production, and eventually, retirement.

In essence, PDM software is vital for design data management, while ERP helps with business operations, and PLM ties everything together across full product life cycles.

PDM systems offer a wide array of features designed to streamline data management and collaboration. Here’s a closer look at some of the most valuable features:

Some PDM software is completely cloud dependent; but for this post we will focus on PDM software that can be run locally. For many, owning the hardware that runs the PDM is an important factor with several benefits:

⦿ Self hosted PDM’s allow for complete control over who has access to the files and who can access remotely. There need not be any 3rd parties involved in managing, storing or accessing the data you own.

⦿ Self hosted PDM’s allow for the security and access that make the most sense for you.

⦿ Self hosted PDM’s allow you to backup in whatever way is best for your needs.

Numerous users prefer the local control self-hosting a PDM so they can directly manage the data they own, instead of trusting 3rd parties.

Version control is one of the most important features of PDM systems. It ensures that every time a file is modified, a new version is created and stored. This allows engineers and designers to:

⦿ Keep track of all changes.

⦿ Roll back or restore to previous versions if necessary.

⦿ Avoid working on outdated or incorrect files.

By maintaining a history of file versions, PDM software helps teams prevent costly mistakes and ensures that everyone is working from the latest, approved version throughout the stages of the product development.

Did an unintended conflict take place between two users? Perhaps someone corrupted a file or something did not turn out and needs forking. No matter your reason for wanting a change, restoring previous versions is a welcome addition to any workflow.

Alibre PDM Restore Version functionality

In an increasingly remote and collaborative work environment, the ability for multiple users to work on projects together, allowing members to improve product performance. PDM software facilitates this by allowing:

⦿ Simultaneous access to files.

⦿ Real-time collaboration

⦿ Metadata that assign responsibilities and track progress.

⦿ Pre-Made project templates That allow for projects to be populated with appropriate folder
 structures as they are created for uniformity

This is a significant improvement over shared network drives, where there is less ability to collaborate and have structured systems like project templates.

Finding the right file in a large repository of product data can be like finding a needle in a haystack, especially when using a simple network drive. PDM systems feature robust search tools that make it easy to locate files based on:

⦿ File name
⦿ Keywords
⦿ Metadata (e.g., part numbers, project names).

This saves engineers and designers valuable time and reduces frustration by ensuring they can quickly access the information they need.

Finding files locked by user Max in the Micrometer folder

Data loss can be catastrophic, especially in industries where design files and product data are critical to business operations. PDM systems often include automated backups and disaster recovery features that ensure that data is always protected. When working on a part or a bill of materials (BOM), assembly, drawing, or anything else, regular backups keep files safe.

Alibre PDM, for example, has robust options to schedule backups, and how to retain them.

Alibre PDM Backups

In complex product development processes, understanding the relationship between different parts and assemblies is crucial. PDM software provides where used reports, also known as parent and child reports, which offer detailed insights into how various components are related. These reports are particularly useful for:

⦿ Tracking changes in an assembly.
⦿ Ensuring that modifications to children files propagate correctly to parent files.
⦿ Managing Bill of Materials and maintaining links with files that are moved.

By offering clear visibility into the dependencies between components, PDM systems help reduce errors and ensure the integrity of complex product designs. Additionally, Alibre PDM allows for users to move parts and assemblies into different folders and still maintain associativity between parts, assemblies, drawings, bills of materials and other files. This means that files can be moved around, but the assembly can be opened without asking for the new location of the files.

Alibre PDM Where-Used Report

In summary, software developers have made PDM software that offers features that go far beyond the capabilities of traditional shared network drives or other solutions. With version control, self hosting options that allow you to customize access and security, and tools for multi-user collaboration, PDM systems empower companies to manage product data more efficiently and securely.

Additionally, when compared to other systems like ERP and PLM, PDM’s focus on engineering document control and CAD data management makes it the ideal solution for engineering teams and product designers. By adopting PDM software, businesses can reduce errors, streamline processes, and improve overall efficiency in product development.

Investing in a PDM system is more than just a way to manage files; it’s a strategic decision that enhances your business’s ability to innovate and deliver high-quality products in a competitive market. From its source code to end use, it will be sure to benefit you.