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Product data management

Product data management (PDM) is the use of software to manage product data and process-related information in a single, central system.

What is product data management?

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.

Related products: Teamcenter | Solid Edge

Benefits of PDM

Project managers, engineers, salespeople, buyers and quality assurance teams benefit from PDM systems' knowledge management and reporting capabilities. They allow companies to:

Improve productivity and reduce cycle time

A PDM system brings product and process knowledge together in a single, highly accessible and secure source that eliminates time-consuming information searches while facilitating information re-use and better decision-making.

Reduce lifecycle errors and costs

A single source of product and process knowledge enables enterprises to more efficiently manage and reconcile multiple application systems.

Greater visibility to products and processes

With a PDM system, enterprises can comprehensively manage product and process data including CAD data, parts information, documents, requirements, and other intellectual assets.

Secure data management

Capture, manage and deliver product information

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.

Process Enablement

Enable key stakeholders to participate in the product lifecycle

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.

Configuration Management

Align and synchronize BOM data and lifecycle information

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.

Product data management related products

Learn more

Solid Edge data management

Easy file management with no IT support necessary.

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Is your company feeling the competitive pressure to improve your top-line business result Product data management (PDM) software can help.