PDM Works
PDM Works
(OP)
We are thinking of upgrading to Office Professional(with the demise of Office)and I'm wondering peoples thoughts on PDMWorks. We started with (1) user and now have (3). We will be adding a couple more in the next year. I think PDMWorks would help us with file management, especailly with more users coming in. I'm just looking for peoples experiences with the software. Good and Bad.






RE: PDM Works
The biggest drawback, IMHO, is that it is not as strict as it should be. Pro/INTRALINK has different classifications like "Locked" and "Intent to Modify," but PDMWorks only has file ownership. Either you own a file, or you don't, and if you don't, anyone can make changes to it. Owned files can't be manipulated by anyone, even admins, so most users don't keep ownership on files unless it is necessary. The larger the user base, the more essential it is to have rigorous procedures in place. The Vault Admin utility (which is included) can help you do that, as well as frequent communication with the users.
RE: PDM Works
Chris
Sr. Mechanical Designer, CAD
SolidWorks 2005 SP0.1
RE: PDM Works
Bradley
RE: PDM Works
We normally work very independently of each other (using AutoCAD for the most part in the past). We do occasionally share a file, where I give someone else a part I've designed so he can use it in his design also. In the very rare times we've actually handed over a project from one person to another, it is a very clear hand-over... the origninator of the file may have nothing to do with that file in the future.
So, it seems to me that PDM would just be a hassle without a benefit for us. Our management has been sold on the idea, but I am the one sitting in front of the computer.
Is there something I am missing as a benefit from PDM?
Joe Dunfee
RE: PDM Works
As long as you are going to be getting SolidWorks Office Pro, set up PDM. The cost for software will be the same. Even if I was working alone, I would use PDM to store my files. You get a cool search tool, cool revision control and you can back track if you want. I have been blamed for changing things that I did not and PDM showed who changed it and when. PDM saved me that time. Get the training and have your VAR setup the vault and I am sure you will not regret it.
Bradley
RE: PDM Works
Chris
Sr. Mechanical Designer, CAD
SolidWorks 2005 SP0.1
RE: PDM Works
Jason Capriotti
Smith & Nephew, Inc.
RE: PDM Works
We will use for all data...not just solidworks. Noone has had any training(just a demo by VAR) and IMHO there is no need. It is very simple to use.
To get the best from these forums read FAQ731-376 before posting
RE: PDM Works
It's not perfect. It has it's flaws, but what program doesnt. I have a long list of enhancemnts that I have requested.
The benifits far outwieght the time it will take to get up to speed with the tool. It will be a pain for a week or two until you get the hang of it.
I personally dont think you need a VAR to set up your vault. It is simple to install. Read everything you can from SW on on forums like this and you will be fine. I think a half day to a day of training from your VAR will speed things up for you quite a bit though.
Josh
RE: PDM Works
SW office is no longer. You can upgrade to Office Pro for no cost until April 15th. When your maintenace comes due it will be increased to the Office pro cost of $1495. There is also specail offers for current office cutomers for SW Premium which includes routing and Cosmos Designer.
All in all I think it's an ok deal. You can stay on office with the normal maintenace fee or upgrade to pro for free (save $500 cause that was the $ difference between office and Pro)and pay an additional $200 in maintenace every year. You are basically recieving PDMWorks for no up front cost.
RE: PDM Works
Do you know what the seat price and maint for Office Prem is?
I was wondering what Solidworks would do since Inventor now has a vault tool much like PDM/Works that they offer as a free download.
Jason Capriotti
Smith & Nephew, Inc.
RE: PDM Works
This the info I was given. I'm told this whole issue will be discussed in a general session at SWW. I believe Office Pro is still priced at $5500.
1) Customers with SW Office can upgrade existing license to SW Ofc Pro, no addditional charge. Subscription service is $1495/yr. Expires April 15, 2005.
2) Customers with SW Office can buy NEW seats of SW Ofc Pro, at SW Office price ($5k, which is a $500 discount). Sub svc is $1495/yr. Expires April 15, 2005.
The real deal is with Premium package. It's SW Ofc Pro + Routing + CosmosWorks Designer. Not everyone needs this package, but price used to be ($7000 + $3000 + $4000 = $14000). Now it's only $10k.
RE: PDM Works
MimiN
RE: PDM Works
Chris
Sr. Mechanical Designer, CAD
SolidWorks 2005 SP0.1
RE: PDM Works
Brooks
Mechanical Designer
RE: PDM Works
A couple mistakes I made while installing PDMWorks was not remembering the PDMWorks administrator password. Also not remembering it takes a long time to rebuild the SolidWorks data base links. For us now, it is 1 hour 5 minutes.
Bradley
RE: PDM Works
Chris
Sr. Mechanical Designer, CAD
SolidWorks 05 SP0.1 / PDMWorks 05
ctopher's home site
RE: PDM Works
Chris, I had heard about some issues with SolidWorks recognizing a PDMWorks license after the install. Whats up with that? And when sp1.1 came out I was told not to ugrade to it an hour later by my VAR without a explanation of details. Have you experienced any troubles with your 1.1 upgrade of the vault.
Brooks
Mechanical Designer
RE: PDM Works
I have not heard from anyone NOT to install SP1.1.
After the install, you just need to link to the PDMW license. Your IT dept should know, it not they can call support.
Chris
Sr. Mechanical Designer, CAD
SolidWorks 05 SP0.1 / PDMWorks 05
ctopher's home site
RE: PDM Works
Also, this thread might be worth checking out if you are not planning to upgrade SW and PDMW at the same time:
Thread559-112334
RE: PDM Works
I come from and aerospace back ground. Big time CATIA v4 user. I recently left aerospace to go to a small company...that basically just welds great big steel plates together and bolts them to truck frames.
The company has been using Mechanical Desktop 5...since about 1942 I think. I have finally convinced my superior that upgrading to Solidworks would be a good idea.
We would be getting office pro. And therefore PDMworks. Being from aerospace, I am used to cumbersome drawing release processes. But now, as we are only tow engineers in the place. We essentially hold the drawing up and ask, "Does this look ok?"....and down it goes to the shop.
I'm quite torn whether I want to opne the pandora's box that is PDM....
any thoughts?
RE: PDM Works
www.solidworks.com has more info.
Also check out users personal web sites in this form. A loy of good stuff for SW.
Chris
Sr. Mechanical Designer, CAD
SolidWorks 05 SP0.1 / PDMWorks 05
ctopher's home site
RE: PDM Works
RE: PDM Works
John