PDM Introduction

pim intro

Brief Overview

According to some estimates, the product data management (PDM) software market can grow to $33 billion. Manufacturing businesses in developed markets will occupy a large portion of this market. However, the PDM solutions market should find more growth in developing markets with more affordable SaaS solutions.

Key Benefits

  • Improved Data Accuracy
  • Centralized Data Repository
  • Enhanced Collaboration
  • Efficient Product Lifecycle Management

What is Product Data Management (PDM)?

Product Data Management helps store, organize, tag, retrieve, and update product data at different stages of the product lifecycle. PDM software helps companies streamline and centralize critical product data such as:

  • Product Documentation
  • Bills of Materials (BOMs)
  • Engineering change orders (ECOs)
  • Design files (MCAD, ECAD)
  • Product Specifications

Product Data Management software allows accurate and consistent communication across channels about the product. PDM software creates a central product data storage and adds layers of access controls, data governance, and validation policies. The central database then acts as a single source of truth for all kinds of product data in the company. Thus, PDM software keeps enterprise intellectual properties and product knowledge within the company.

Data managers can add tags and naming policies to the product documents, allowing anyone to retrieve them easily. PDM software also keeps track of changes to the documents and product data. Thus, the software enables version control within the product data.

Thus, businesses using PDM software can benefit from a seamless global collaboration. Internal teams, such as production, and procurement, and external teams, like suppliers and channel partners, access the same data for the product version.

Without a PDM system, the teams may spend up to 50% of their time on non-productive tasks. Such tasks could be as simple as ensuring that everyone has access to the same version of the product data. PDM software makes this step so seamless that it is almost real-time. Data validation and approvals are another set of examples of tasks automated or at least expedited by PDM solutions.

Why do Businesses Need PDM Software?

The growing use of technology means businesses nowadays rely on fewer people. While it is efficient and flexible, it also means risking critical information about the company in fewer hands. Thus, businesses need a solution like PDM software that allows them to:

Protect IP & Preserve Knowledge

Preserve the knowledge collected over the years within the organization and enable transfer in times of need.

Improve Data Reliability Across Channels

Retrieving data from the same source helps your teams avoid duplicating outdated data and access the correct versions.

Enable Global Collaboration

SaaS PDM system allows teams across the globe to access the data on cloud servers.

Enrich Data Quality

PDM for manufacturers can integrate with CAD tools to capture all the relevant information about product design.

Faster Approvals & Data Management

PDM system expedites approval and workflows with electronic signatures, controlled print, and configuration of document safety features.

Raise the Efficiency of Engineering Teams

PDM software increases the efficiency of engineering teams with accurate and seamless product data access.

Different Types of PDM Software

You can use different types of PDM software, based on the dominant aspects of product data management and industry. Here are the main types of PDM software:

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Standalone PDM Software

These are dedicated PDM systems that focus solely on managing product data. Standalone PDM works better in environments data quality is critical but does not require integration with other enterprise systems.

  • Centralized data repository
  • Version control
  • BOM management
  • Document management
Examples: PTC Windchill, Siemens Teamcenter.

Integrated PDM Software

These systems are part of a more extensive enterprise solution, such as an ERP or PLM system. They provide PDM capabilities alongside other business functions.

  • Seamless integration with ERP and PLM systems
  • Unified user interface
  • Shared database
Examples: SAP PLM, Oracle Agile PLM.
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Cloud-Based PDM Software (SaaS)

These solutions are hosted on the cloud and offered as a service. They provide flexible and scalable solution, making them suitable for businesses of all sizes.

  • Centralized cloud storage
  • Real-time access
  • Scalability
  • Lower upfront costs
  • Seamless global access
Examples: Neurologik ProductHub, Autodesk Fusion Lifecycle, Upchain.

CAD-Integrated PDM Software

These PDM systems work seamlessly with CAD software and boast features biased toward CAD tools. They are ideal for engineering and design teams that need tight integration between their CAD tools and PDM systems.

  • Direct integration with CAD tools
  • Automatic data synching
  • Support for multiple CAD formats
Examples: SolidWorks PDM, Autodesk Vault.
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improved-collaboration

Open Source PDM Software

These are PDM systems whose source code is freely available for custom usage and enhancement. Organizations that need a highly flexible solution often prefer open-source PDM solutions.

  • Fully Customizable
  • Community support
  • Cost-effectiveness
Examples: Odoo PLM, OpenPLM.

Industry-Specific PDM Software

These PDM systems meet the specific needs of certain industries, such as aerospace, automotive, or electronics. Critical features of industry-specific PDM systems include:

  • Industry-specific templates
  • Compliance with industry standards
  • Specialized functionalities
Examples: Dassault Systèmes ENOVIA (aerospace), Arena PLM (electronics).
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Comparison Table

TypeDescriptionKey FeaturesExamples
Standalone PDMDedicated PDM systemsCentralized data, version control, BOM managementPTC Windchill, Siemens Teamcenter
Integrated PDMPart of a more extensive enterprise solution (ERP/PLM)Seamless integration, shared databaseSAP PLM, Oracle Agile PLM
Cloud-Based PDM (SaaS)Hosted on the cloud, offered as a serviceReal-time access, scalability, seamless global accessAutodesk Fusion Lifecycle, Upchain, ProductHub
CAD-Integrated PDMDesigned to work with CAD softwareDirect CAD integration, multiple CAD format supportSolidWorks PDM, Autodesk Vault
Open Source PDMFreely available source code for custom applicationsFully customizable, community supportOdoo PLM, OpenPLM
Industry-Specific PDMTailored for specific industriesIndustry templates, complianceDassault Systèmes ENOVIA, Arena PLM

SaaS PDM for B2B Manufacturing Enterprises

Neurologik’s ProductHub is a cloud-based PDM system addressing the need for product data management for B2B manufacturers. ProductHub offers a product data management environment to capture, enrich, and distribute product data across internal and external teams.

The PDM platform enables real-time collaboration and secure access to the unified product data across the supply chain. Dig deeper into how ProductHub covers the ground for a superb competitive advantage for your organization.

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Key Features and Capabilities of SaaS PDM Software

Modern SaaS PDM systems have various capabilities to streamline data management and improve efficiency.

1. Centralized Database

  • Unified Data Storage

    Central, cloud-based storage for all product-related data, including CAD files, BOMs (Bill of Materials), documents, and metadata.

  • Real-Time Access

    Provides real-time access to the latest data from anywhere. Thus, PDM ensures all stakeholders are working with the most current information.

2. Advanced Version Control

  • Version Management

    Tracks changes and maintains a history of different product data versions and revisions.

  • Rollback and Recovery

    Allows users to revert to previous versions if needed, enhancing data integrity and reducing errors.

3. Collaborative Tools

  • Team Collaboration

    Facilitates collaboration between internal and external teams with tools for real-time communication, document sharing, and project management.

  • Access Control

    Role based access permissions ensure that only authorized users can view or edit specific data.

4. Automated Workflows

  • Process Automation

    Automates routine tasks and workflows, such as approvals, notifications, and change requests, to improve efficiency and reduce manual work.

  • Workflow Customization

    Users can design and customize workflows to match their business processes.

5. Integration Capabilities

  • Seamless Integration

    Integrates with enterprise systems like ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning), CRM (Customer Relationship Management), and CAD software.

  • APIs and Connectors

    Provides APIs and pre-built connectors to facilitate integration and data exchange with other tools.

6. Robust Security and Compliance

  • Data Security

    Implements advanced security measures, including encryption, access controls, and regular security audits, to protect sensitive product data.

  • Compliance Management

    PDM software ensures compliance with industry standards and regulations. Examples of such compliance include ISO, FDA, and GDPR. PDM system will maintain comprehensive audit trails and documentation for all product data.

7. Scalable and Flexible

  • Scalable Infrastructure

    The cloud-based infrastructure can accommodate increasing data and users. Thus, SaaS PDM system scales with the firm’s growth.

  • Flexible Deployment

    Offers flexible deployment options, including public, private, and hybrid cloud environments.

8. Data Analytics and Reporting

  • Analytics Tools

    Provides powerful analytics tools to gain insights into product data, track performance metrics, and identify trends.

  • Custom Reporting

    Users can generate custom reports to meet specific business needs and empower their decisions with data-driven insights.

9. Mobile Friendliness

  • Mobile Support

    Mobile apps or responsive web interfaces enable users to access and manage product data from their smartphones or tablets.

  • Offline Access

    Some solutions offer offline access capabilities. Thus, allowing users to work with data even when not connected to the internet.

Integration Capabilities of Neurologik’s PIM Systems

Custom API integration facility
Integrate with Third-Party Applications
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CAD Systems

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SAP ERP

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Oracle ERP

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Microsoft Excel

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CRM

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Website

Pricing for Neurologik PIM

Neurologik’s ProductHub is a modular SaaS PIM solution, and enterprise pricing can vary based on several factors. You can connect with the business consulting team at Neurologik to discover the custom pricing for your business.

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Frequently Asked Questions

PDM software enables businesses to achieve superior efficiency, accuracy, compliance, and collaboration capabilities. These competencies result in faster innovation, deployment, and go-to-market for the organization. Thus, PDM software enables cost savings in regular operations and enhances the competitive position of the business.
Not really. Smaller businesses can achieve greater efficiency and better manage the risk of brain drain with PDM software. Deploying a custom or open-source PDM software may be costly for most small businesses. However, cloud-based PDM systems have a lower upfront cost. Thus, small and medium businesses can find SaaS PDM solutions more appropriate.
Yes, PDM software can integrate with other business systems such as ERP, CRM, and CAD tools. PDM software uses APIs to integrate with other enterprise systems.
Traditionally, large enterprises have banked more towards on-premises PDM software. However, on-premises PDM software have a high upfront development costs and infrastructure needs. Thus, on-premises PDM software has generally been out of reach for smaller businesses. Cloud-based PDM systems have grown faster due to their lower upfront cost and seamless availability.
Selecting the right PDM software depends on your business needs, data maturity, and resource availability. You can explore different types of PDM solutions to fit your business needs. Modular SaaS PDM systems like Neurologik’s ProductHub allow you to start small and add more features as you scale and your business matures.
Both online and in-person training options are available for Neurologik’s PDM software. The training options vary depending on the scale of implementation.