Whitepaper tips and tricks: Product data management systems ready for small, medium companies

Ann Arbor, MI – Product data management (PDM) systems have evolved, companies of all sizes can use them with success, minding a few best practices for PDM planning and implementation, according to a CIMdata white paper. Some advice and link to the white paper follow.

CIMdata, which describes itself as the leading global Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) consulting and research firm, published the white paper, “ Getting Started in PDM ,” which says PDM:

• Has evolved;

• Is applicable to mid-sized manufacturing companies in multiple industry segments; and

• Can work to the advantage of companies of all sizes.

The paper also covers key components of PDM that mid-sized companies should care about, how PDM can address critical business issues, and the most critical best-practices related to the planning and implementation of a PDM system. Additionally, the paper describes what mid-sized companies need to do to get started with PDM, how they should assess the suitability of different PDM systems on the market, and reviews Siemens PLM Software’s mid-market-focused PDM system—Teamcenter Express, which is among many mid-market PDM systems on the market today, CIMdata says.

“As PDM technologies have matured, their applicability to multiple industrial segments and organizations of all sizes has increased significantly,” explains Peter Bilello, CIMdata vice president. “Our research and experience indicate that many PDM systems have evolved to meet the needs of not just large enterprises, but also small- to medium-sized enterprises of all types. This evolution is an undisputable sign of general market acceptance for this data management-focused technology and the other Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) enabling technologies (such as visualization, enterprise application integration, digital manufacturing, etc.)” Bilello adds,
“There is no doubt that the extensive capabilities provided by many of today’s PDM systems have allowed enterprises in many industrial segments to better control and leverage their intellectual assets—to reduce cost, increase quality, and reduce delivery time.” Bilello also says a number of PDM suppliers are delivering robust preconfigured PDM systems that had been designed for mid-market companies.

Advice for implementing PDM
Bilello offered advice, saying that small- to medium-sized companies in the market for an enterprise-class data management solution should:

1 -Define their true short- and long-term business requirements related to creating and managing their product definition information;

2 -Look to PDM suppliers that can best address them;

3 -Plan for the implementation; and

4 -Ensure that internal and external support is provided when and where needed.

“Companies must remember that they should not only look to select the most appropriate PDM technology, but also the most appropriate supplier that shares their vision and has a proven track record of delivering quick and easy-to-implement business solutions.”
Also read:

3D Does It, which includes some

Product lifecycle management market growth should continue

– Edited by Mark T. Hoske , editor in chief
Control Engineering Information Control eNewsletter
Register here .

Do you have experience and expertise with the topics mentioned in this content? You should consider contributing to our CFE Media editorial team and getting the recognition you and your company deserve. Click here to start this process.