Product data management (PDM) is the use of software to manage product data and process-related information in a single, central system.
PDM includes computer-aided design (CAD) data, models, parts information, manufacturing instructions, requirements, notes and documents.
The ideal PDM system is accessible by multiple applications and teams across an organization and supports business-specific needs. Choosing the right PDM software can provide a company in any industry with a solid foundation that can be easily expanded into a full PLM platform.
At its core, a PDM system provides solutions for secure data management, process enablement and configuration management.
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Project managers, engineers, salespeople, buyers and quality assurance teams benefit from PDM systems' knowledge management and reporting capabilities. They allow companies to:
PDM systems capture and manage product information, ensuring that information is delivered to users throughout the product lifecycle in the correct context.
File ownership, version control (check-in and check-out of files), revision management, and release status are all managed by the PDM system.
Security and administrative functionality protects intellectual property rights through role management, project-based security and associated access privileges.
Workflow and process capabilities enable both internal product teams and external partners to participate in the product lifecycle.
A PDM system can help you establish, manage and execute automated workflow-driven processes that reflect company-specific best practices for change planning (what-if analysis), change incorporation (execution), and change verification and communication.
A PDM system can also support other established processes, including phase-gate standards.
PDM systems provide the visibility necessary for managing and presenting a complete bill of materials (BOM). It facilitates the alignment and synchronization of all sources of BOM data and all lifecycle phases, including the as-designed, as-planned, as-built and as-maintained states.
PDM systems provide change management capabilities that allow you to see the BOM before and after changes.
Lifecycle visualization provides sharing and on-demand representations of the product and its underlying assemblies and parts without requiring a CAD authoring tool or special technical knowledge. Digital mockup capabilities can reduce the need for costly physical prototyping.