Hi! Let me chime in a little bit. I am not a Vault expert. I know very basic concepts and I have been involved in several Inventor/Vault related issues.
Most of mechanical CAD users face a never ending question, "How to manage the data?" By using a dedicated tool (on-premise PDM tool like Vault or cloud PDM tool). Or, by using Windows File Explorer?
The answer actually depends. You need to understand your need first and then explore the possible solutions (tools). Typically, a PDM system can do the following.
1) Back up files, store files and their versions on a server, and record the change.
2) Allow multiple users to access the files collaboratively; each user has certain pre-defined abilities and access control; there are admins to manage the data and the users.
3) Automate certain file managing tasks like updating properties, migration, reverting, finding where used, and so on.
4) Replicate files, delete files, and freeze files.
5) Extract properties and BOM data from CAD files.
6) View or print CAD data (not editing) without loading the CAD tool.
I believe Vault can do all of above and more. However, deploying Vault does not mean you won't have data issues. You need to pre-define your design process and the data flow. Make sure all users are familiar with the procedures. There has to be somebody watching over and making sure the process is adhered.
Equally important, you shall not assume Vault can perform CAD operations like changing design, updating models, editing design files, and saving files. Those are not things that Vault can do.
Many thanks!
Johnson Shiue (johnson.shiue@autodesk.com)
Software Test Engineer