What is Product Data Management (PDM)?

Why is PDM Important?

Modern product development involves multiple teams and departments working on a shared pool of data. Without a structured system like PDM, businesses face challenges like inconsistent file versions, lost data, and inefficiencies. Here are the key reasons PDM is crucial:

• Improved Collaboration: Centralised data storage ensures all stakeholders have access to the latest information.
• Enhanced Productivity: Reduces time spent searching for files or recreating lost documents.
• Error Reduction: Ensures everyone works with the correct versions of files.
• Compliance Assurance: Tracks document revisions and approvals for regulatory compliance.
• Streamlined Processes: Automates repetitive tasks like updating BOMs or managing workflows.

What is a PDM System?

A PDM system is software designed to support product development processes. It acts as a single source of truth for design data, allowing teams to collaborate seamlessly, even across different locations. Common features of a PDM system include:

• Document Control: Manage CAD files, specifications, and drawings in a structured repository.
• Version Control: Maintain a history of changes and ensure the latest approved designs are used.
• Workflow Automation: Streamline processes like approvals and design changes.
• Data Security: Control access to sensitive files with user permissions.
• Integration Capabilities: Connect PDM with other tools like ERP and PLM systems.

Different Types of PDM Systems

When selecting a Product Data Management (PDM) system, it’s important to understand the different types available and the specific challenges they can address. The system you choose should align with your business requirements and the problems you aim to solve. Below, we outline five common areas where PDM systems deliver value, based on what customers frequently request.

1. Systems for Organising Drawings and Documents

In today’s 3D design world, the majority of products are developed using 3D models, generating a significant number of associated drawings and documents. A PDM system excels at keeping this data organised. By ensuring all designers work within the same system, you gain:

• Centralised control over all drawings and documents.
• Easy searchability and access from any office or location.
• Clear visibility of tasks, including what has been done and who is responsible.

For example, if a colleague is unavailable, you can quickly determine the status of a drawing, whether it’s approved or pending changes, without delays.

2. Systems for Sharing Drawings and Documents

Once a design is finalised, it often needs to be shared with various stakeholders beyond the design team, including those without access to CAD tools. A PDM system simplifies this process by:

• Allowing authorised users to view and utilise the necessary documents.
• Tracking all changes to provide a clear history of modifications.
• Reducing the workload for designers, as colleagues can access information independently.

This streamlined sharing fosters better collaboration and ensures consistency across departments.

3. Systems for Accessing Drawings and Documents

Many teams, both internal and external, require access to design data for specific products, even without CAD expertise. A PDM system enables:

• Design Managers: To approve drawings and add supplementary documents.
• Production Teams: To access cutting files and PDFs, ensuring they manufacture using the correct drawings.
• Procurement Departments: To generate Bills of Materials (BOMs) and place orders.
• Sales and Marketing Teams: To retrieve product data and images for quotations or promotional materials.

This ensures everyone across your organisation has access to accurate, up-to-date information, tailored to their needs.

4. Systems to Ensure the Latest Version of a Design

Maintaining version control is critical to avoid errors and confusion. A PDM system ensures that:

• Approved drawings are locked to prevent unintentional changes.
• Any design changes follow structured and controlled workflows.
• Manufacturing is always based on the correct, approved version of a drawing.

By managing version control effectively, businesses can minimise production errors and maintain a seamless workflow.

5. Systems for Reusing Information

A well-organised PDM system enables the reuse of existing data, saving time and resources. Key benefits include:

• Easy searchability of past designs and documents.
• The ability to copy and reuse entire designs or specific elements.
• Organised structures that facilitate efficient data management.

With a PDM system, you can maximise the value of your existing data while reducing redundant effort.

What is PDM in Engineering?

Engineering teams use PDM to manage complex design data and ensure consistency throughout the product lifecycle. Key benefits include:

• Data Reuse: Easily access previous designs for reference or modification.
• Change Management: Automate and track design changes to avoid production errors.
• Cross-Department Collaboration: Share CAD data with non-technical teams like procurement and marketing in accessible formats like PDFs.

What is PDM in Healthcare?

In healthcare, PDM systems manage product data for medical devices, ensuring compliance with stringent regulations. Features like version control, audit trails, and secure data storage help manufacturers meet industry standards while reducing risks associated with design errors.

Benefits of PDM Systems

• Improved Collaboration: Enables teamwork across departments and locations.
• Enhanced Productivity: Saves time by automating tasks like file searches and updates.
• Reduced Errors: Ensures teams work with up-to-date, approved designs.
• Better Compliance Management: Tracks document history and approvals for audits.
• Streamlined Product Development: Centralises data for faster decision-making.

Key Features of PDM Systems

• Data Management: Organise files with attributes for quick searching.
• Document Control: Manage access and ensure only approved documents are used.
• Workflow Automation: Define processes for approvals and change requests.
• Integration Capabilities: Connect with ERP and PLM systems for a unified workflow.
• Security and Access Control: Protect sensitive data with role-based permissions.

PDM and BIM in Ireland

The adoption of PDM systems in Ireland’s construction industry is growing rapidly, driven by the government’s mandate for Building Information Modelling (BIM) on public sector projects. PDM complements BIM by ensuring accurate data management and streamlined collaboration, critical for meeting tight project timelines and compliance requirements. 

How to Implement PDM Successfully

1. Assess Needs: Identify pain points and define goals.
2. Choose the Right System: Select a solution tailored to your industry.
3. Clean Existing Data: Organise and standardise files before migration.
4. Train Teams: Provide comprehensive training to ensure adoption.
5. Monitor Performance: Continuously review and optimise the system.

Find out more on Symetri’s BIM Consulting Services.

PDM FAQs