Product Data Management Fundamentals |
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Over the last few decades’ companies have been creating products using 2D and 3D CAD tools to design, test, and simulate their products. Over time many have created tens of thousands of files that can’t be stored in the same way as a traditional “blueprint”. Managing these files is a difficult task and often times it is completely overlooked. Many files are lost, recreated, or manufactured to the wrong revision which causes lost time and more importantly, higher product costs. The basic solution methodology for dealing with these issues is Product Data Management (PDM). A basic PDM system will manage files during the design process and manage all the changes made before production begins. The system will store all files in one secure location, prevent multiple users from working on the same document simultaneously, and keep track of revisions. Depending on the system, more functionality might be included. Web access and lifecycle management are examples of some extra functionality in certain PDM systems. A basic PDM system will be composed of a vault; integrated portals within a CAD package, and in certain cases stand alone clients that consume data. The vault is usually located on a network server so all users can access it. It is secure and the majority of users can only access it through the PDM system to prevent data corruption within the vault. The check in and check out functionality takes place within the CAD system being used. Certain users, such as employees on the shop floor, can access the files in a read only format using a standalone client without having the full CAD package installed on the machine. Those users can open and view documents but don’t have rights to modify the file. Basic PDM workflow: 1. Models are first loaded into the vault at an initial revision 2. A user will check out a file and it’s associated documents from the vault 3. The master copy is left in the vault so other users can open a read-only copy 4. After the user is done modifying the files, they are checked in and revisions are updated as necessary 5. Copies of the previous revision are left in the vault for archival purposes 6. The file is now free to be accessed by another user The main benefits of using a PDM system include reduced time-to-market, savings, and competitive advantage. User will always have access to the latest and correct revision eliminating manufacturing to the wrong revision. Files can easily be found using embedded searching tools within the PDM software. This helps to eliminate recreating models that were already created. Based on the structuring of the PDM system it is very difficult to misplace or delete a file. At this point in time most companies are not using a PDM system and are feeling the pain. Some might be interested in the prospect but the initial setup and the bulk loading of files seem like too much to handle. Most organizations still look at PDM implementation as a threat and not as the benefit it actually is. Just like the transition to 3D is an ongoing process and still not fully complete, the transfer to PDM for the majority of the market is a long way off.
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