CAD File Management

Screenshot showing SOLIDWORKS UI with CAD model and data

PDM is a design-centered technology for engineers and designers that is focused primarily on organizing and managing engineering design data such as 3D CAD files, parts, drawings, assemblies, bills of materials, and associated documentation. PDM also provides version control and secure access to a central repository of product development data. PDM ensures the integrity and consistency of product data by enabling easy management of file structures, relationships, and metadata.

By improving efficiency, ensuring data accuracy, and facilitating collaboration, PDM systems are also essential to streamlining workflows. This leads to faster project completion and reduced errors. PDM lays the groundwork for PLM's broader enterprise capabilities, enabling seamless coordination and collaboration across various teams within the company.

Lifecycle Management

SOLIDWORKS 3D Model of Bowhead adaptive ebike with CAD data

PLM encompasses company-wide processes throughout the entire product lifecycle. It is beneficial for all industries and organizations, especially those with highly complex products that may be subject to strict industry regulations. While PDM is restricted to optimizing departmental processes, PLM takes on these, as well as expanded capability to reengineering and streamlining organizational processes.

PLM is purpose-built to manage the entire lifecycle for companies that make physical products, from concept and design, to manufacturing, distribution, maintenance, and disposal. PLM’s scope extends beyond design and engineering to include a diverse range of users, including supply chain, procurement, quality assurance, project management, marketing and sales.

Why do cloud-based platforms enhance the value of PDM and PLM systems?

Cloud-based platforms like Dassault Systèmes’ 3DEXPERIENCE platform significantly simplify the adoption of PDM and PLM systems and democratize PLM for the mainstream market. They overcome traditional barriers such as high costs, demanding IT infrastructure, and complex implementations. By offering lean, modular, and role-based solutions, cloud-based platforms enable businesses to start small and seamlessly scale as their data management needs evolve.

With a unified data model, cloud-based platforms securely manage CAD data and provide real-time access to the product development process. Because the product’s structure is a centralized solution that enhances efficiency and traceability, it supports collaboration without disrupting workflows.

Because cloud-based data management systems have lower upfront costs, they are accessible to companies of all sizes. "Testing the waters" with a cloud-based system before scaling up eliminates the need for disruptive solution overhauls. A commonly overlooked benefit of cloud-based systems is their ability to systematically retain knowledge. For example, when seasoned employees leave or a process changes, all critical information is preserved and remains available to all stakeholders for future use.

And because PDM is inherently a subset of PLM, companies that add capabilities find the two naturally align within a unified environment, especially in a cloud-based system.

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From the Top Floor to the Shop Floor

Product designers and engineers are the primary creators and managers of product data. With a cloud-based system, they can collaborate seamlessly on designs, manage revisions, and maintain version control. Cloud-based platforms like Dassault Systèmes’ 3DEXPERIENCE platform enable collaboration among engineering and manufacturing teams early in the design process, aligning design with production and thereby reducing downstream errors and delays.

Collaboration ensures product designs are validated for manufacturability, which all but eliminates the outdated practice of engineering departments throwing designs “over the wall” to manufacturing at the last minute.

Quality Assurance

SOLIDWORKS user interface showing quality approval chart

Compliance and quality teams rely on data management systems to ensure products meet quality standards and regulatory requirements. These teams use a data management system to track quality metrics, manage testing documentation, and maintain audit trails, which streamlines and automates the process of adhering to regulations.

Project Management

Project and program managers benefit from participating in a unified product development environment. With tools to oversee project timelines and resource allocation, managers can track progress, manage milestones, and coordinate across teams. The system ensures all critical stakeholders have access to project status updates, critical path issues, and more, which fosters transparency and collaboration.

Sourcing

SOLIDWORKS user interface for supply network management

Procurement and supply chain teams also play a crucial role by managing sourcing, supplier relationships, and material availability. With autonomous access to up-to-date bills of materials they can collaborate with suppliers and manage part substitutions, which streamlines procurement and ensures smooth production workflows.

Cloud-based solutions like Dassault Systèmes’ 3DEXPERIENCE platform can unify departmental processes into a cohesive, enterprise-wide digital environment. By implementing an interconnected system, organizations can streamline workflows, enhance collaboration, improve efficiency, and minimize the risk of errors or delays, ultimately gaining a competitive edge.

PDM and PLM: A Remarkably Robust Relationship

What is the difference between PDM and PLM?

Cloud-based PLM for SOLIDWORKS Users