What is SOLIDWORKS PDM and How Does it Work?

PDM stands for Product Data Management. Think of it as the backbone of an organization’s data. SOLIDWORKS PDM offers not just a secure vault to store files, but also countless other features to help companies function much more efficiently and effectively.

Typically, once your organization grows beyond a few members or you need to start formally tracking changes to files, then it’s a sign to invest in a product data management software.

What is SOLIDWORKS PDM?

At its core, SOLIDWORKS PDM is all about managing your engineering data. This not only includes your SOLIDWORKS files but could include PDFs, ECO/ECNs, purchase orders, or any other data that needs to be stored in a secure manner. The data is stored in a central location, so everyone who needs access to the latest version of a file can do so without having to hunt down who has it.

With SOLIDWORKS PDM, engineers and designers no longer accidentally (or purposefully) step on each other’s toes while working on a file. With defined workflows, the right person at the right time has access to the file. They can then take ownership by checking it out of the vault to ensure they are the only designer making changes to the file. Then, with a simple check-in, the file can be put back in the vault with any design changes noted in the file history. 

How Does SOLIDWORKS PDM Work?

SOLIDWORKS PDM has two main interfaces: in Windows File Explorer and the SOLIDWORKS add-in. Depending on whether you are a SOLIDWORKS user or not, you would interact with the PDM vault in each interface.

Windows File Explorer

The Windows File Explorer interface behaves the same way it normally does, just with additional functionality. Beyond looking at timestamps of files inside of folders, SOLIDWORKS PDM gives users data visibility into revisions, bills of materials, and a tracked history without having to open additional tools. This reduces the ambiguity that surrounds a particular file by being able to instantly see who’s working on it and any associated files or projects.

SOLIDWORKS PDM File Explorer interface

SOLIDWORKS Add-in

Similar to the File Explorer interface, the SOLIDWORKS Add-in gives more information on a given part, assembly, or drawing. The biggest difference between the two interfaces is that this is built specifically for SOLIDWORKS users so they can access the PDM vault without having to leave the modeling environment. Being able to instantly take control of files that you just opened is a huge step up from shouting down the office to let everyone know what you’re working on.

SOLIDWORKS PDM Add-in interface

What Goes on Behind the Scenes?

SOLIDWORKS PDM has slightly more going on behind the scenes than you would expect by looking at either interface, as it is actually made up of two different pieces. The first piece is the Archive Server, which is where the physical files are kept. A PDM user is not directly accessing the files here, but it is installed on a central server location so the PDM clients can access it.

The other piece is the Database Server, which runs on Microsoft SQL. The Database Server holds just about every other piece of information for the PDM server, including part numbers, revisions, descriptions, and the history of the file. Just like the Archive Server, the Database is also installed on a central server.

Single server deployment for product data management

Depending on the complexity of the PDM vault, the two server mechanisms can be installed on the same server or on different ones as long as they communicate. Additionally, as your organization grows with SOLIDWORKS PDM, the servers can be replication at different locations to improve speeds with a distributed workforce.

When Do I Need Product Data Management?

If your organization has more than a few engineers working on files, or you want to start formally tracking revisions, then it might be time to purchase a product data management software solution. Clients often wait until a tragedy strikes before reviewing their PDM requirements, and then they are behind the 8-ball. This could ultimately come in a few forms, including manufacturing producing the wrong revision, ransomware attacks, or a critical assembly being corrupted. Ideally, you want to have your product data management system up and running before you really need it, so you can grow efficiently without the threat of disaster.

If you want to start investigating your options for product data management software with our team of experts, contact us here.