What is Product Data Management?

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We have encountered many application names and abbreviations related to production. Different business systems like CRM, PDM, ERP, MRP, and MES will come into play, and I am sure there are a few more depending on your industry. I will not go into them in detail in this article, so I will briefly explain PDM and its advantages. 

PDM systems are indispensable tools for managing and optimizing complex product development processes. PDM collects and manages product-related documents, CAD (Computer-Aided Design) files, specifications, bill of materials (BOM), change requests, and all other relevant information in a centralized location. This increases efficiency, reduces error rates, and facilitates collaboration in the product development process.

Key Components of PDM:

• Data Management: PDM ensures that all product-related data is stored in a centralized location. This data can be accessed anytime, anywhere.
• Version Control: Different versions and revisions occur during the product development process. PDM ensures that these versions are tracked and controlled.
• Document Management: The PDM system stores and manages documents such as CAD files, technical drawings, and specifications.
• Bill of Materials (BOM) Management: The PDM system manages all product-related components and their relationships.
• Change Management: Managing and tracking the changes to be made to the product is realized with the PDM system.
  

How does PDM work?

• Data Collection and Storage: All data used in the product development process is uploaded to the PDM system and stored in a central database. While the documents are kept in a filestore (Windows Environment), their data is typically kept in a database (SQL).
• Access and Authorization: The PDM system controls users' access to data. Users can access, edit, or share data according to their authorization.
• Version Control: Different versions of each document and data are tracked. The system records the most current version and changes that have been made. (Version Control)
• Collaboration and Integration:  PDM makes collaborating easier for different departments and teams. It can also integrate with other software such as ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) CRM and CAD systems. This usually requires a collaboration bridge between PDM software and ERP. This can be done manually or automatically through software customization.
• Change Management: Changes made to the product are recorded and tracked in the system. The impact of the changes is evaluated, and the relevant people are informed. This is called Revision management and is controlled by the product lifecycle, which we call lifecycle.

Advantages of Using PDM

• Increased Efficiency: Collecting and managing data in a centralized location prevents wasted time and speeds up business processes. Centralized management and storage
• Error Mitigation: Version control and change management prevent errors. You always have access to the latest version and revision, and past models and documents can be accessed and stored here without changing the file name.
• Collaboration: Better collaboration between different teams and departments. Design teams and other departments talk about the same data. Data is dynamic and up-to-date.
• Traceability: Changes and transactions made throughout the product development process are recorded and traceable. All processes can be seen and monitored instantly
• Security: Data is protected against unauthorized access. Users are authorized, and their authorization ensures their access to the system.