Better Solutions than PDM Works?
Better Solutions than PDM Works?
(OP)
I was wondering if anyone has found or heard of a better solution than PDM Works? We have the Enterprise version and it is overall a waste of time with all the issues and bugs. I have tried DBWorks in the past and it was just as bad with its own set of issues. There must be a better alternative out there.
Thanks,
BB
Thanks,
BB






RE: Better Solutions than PDM Works?
You're the first one I heard of commented that Enterprise PDM is a waste. We're on Workgroup PDM and would love to jump to Enterprise. What is your main complaint sir?
Colin Fitzpatrick (aka Macduff)
Mechanical Designer
Solidworks 2009 SP 4.1
Dell 490 XP Pro SP 2
Xeon CPU 3.00 GHz 3.00 GB of RAM
nVida Quadro FX 3450 512 MB
3D Connexion-SpaceExplorer
RE: Better Solutions than PDM Works?
RE: Better Solutions than PDM Works?
Several years ago my company decided to utilize PTC Windchill as their Enterprise pdm. They were told it worked with SolidWorks. Flashforward... I am still cursing that decision. Though we are in the process of upgrading to the latest version (2 versions newer than our current) of Windchill and the testing I have done is very promising.
So for what its worth... yes, PTC Windchill works. Is it better, I assumed not. Though your post makes me question that assertion.
As far as Windchill as a whole. It has its quirks, but is pretty powerful for rev control, configuration control, change notices, workflows, and general data managing needs.
-Dustin
Professional Engineer
Certified SolidWorks Professional
Certified COSMOSWorks Designer Specialist
Certified SolidWorks Advanced Sheet Metal Specialist
RE: Better Solutions than PDM Works?
RE: Better Solutions than PDM Works?
Colin Fitzpatrick (aka Macduff)
Mechanical Designer
Solidworks 2009 SP 4.1
Dell 490 XP Pro SP 2
Xeon CPU 3.00 GHz 3.00 GB of RAM
nVida Quadro FX 3450 512 MB
3D Connexion-SpaceExplorer
RE: Better Solutions than PDM Works?
SmarTeam (possibly dying now)
Keytech (independent)
Enovia (V6 is new path for DS and SolidWorks, but costs are issue)
Also, look up gold partners in the PDM section. There's actually quite a few choices.
Matt Lorono
Lorono's SolidWorks Resources & SolidWorks Legion
&
RE: Better Solutions than PDM Works?
What makes you say that SmarTeam is possibly dying? We're in the midst of evaluating EPDM / PLM solutions and SmarTeam is one of the options. I'd obviously rather not select a package that's on its last legs.
RE: Better Solutions than PDM Works?
One thing to keep in mind is software versions. SW releases both CAD software and PDM software at the same time which is really nice. Smarteam for example........If you're on SW 2009 and want to upgrade to 2010....you might have to wait because Smarteam might not be compatible with the new SW version. Smarteam will need to upgrade there software first before you can upgrade SW software. PITA from what I heard.........
Colin Fitzpatrick (aka Macduff)
Mechanical Designer
Solidworks 2009 SP 4.1
Dell 490 XP Pro SP 2
Xeon CPU 3.00 GHz 3.00 GB of RAM
nVida Quadro FX 3450 512 MB
3D Connexion-SpaceExplorer
RE: Better Solutions than PDM Works?
RE: Better Solutions than PDM Works?
Most of the problems I see are caused by users (and admins) not knowing how to use the software properly. Or worse yet, knowingly working around the system. We would have greatly benefited from a better implementation plan, too. "Learn as you go" does not work well with these systems.
RE: Better Solutions than PDM Works?
Agreed.
We generated and followed an extensive implementation plan. The one general statement that I believe is an issue with our situation is that we seem to be frequently fighting the software.
Not that the software is correct, but the company should have a willingness to be flexible to make best use of the pdm system. Typically the software is somewhat flexible to facilitate the use by multiple organizations, but we often find that we are doing a lot of extra work that the system doesn't want to do easily... simply to conform to our possibly outdated processes.
-Dustin
Professional Engineer
Certified SolidWorks Professional
Certified COSMOSWorks Designer Specialist
Certified SolidWorks Advanced Sheet Metal Specialist
RE: Better Solutions than PDM Works?
But if I were to pick one I would go with Aras http://www.aras.com/
It's free except for training and support in implimentation.
easy to get to work with other systems and customize to your needs.
-Joe
SolidWorks 2009 x64 SP 5.1 on Windows XP x64
8 GB RAM - Nvidia Quadro FX1700
RE: Better Solutions than PDM Works?
"Art without engineering is dreaming; Engineering without art is calculating."
Have you read FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies to make the best use of these Forums?
RE: Better Solutions than PDM Works?
Have any of your issues been submitted to SolidWorks and if so do you have a Service Request number that you can post? I will then look into this for you.
RE: Better Solutions than PDM Works?
Paraphrase from CEO of DS: we are not V5 and SolidWorks, we are V6.
SmarTeam is V5 (and will never be V6). It's already been handed off to a spin off company. The supply chain now being formed at DS is for Enovia V6.
Matt Lorono
Lorono's SolidWorks Resources & SolidWorks Legion
&
RE: Better Solutions than PDM Works?
Have you received a SolidWorks Service Request number for any of your issues from your VAR? If so please reply with the number and I will look into it for you.
RE: Better Solutions than PDM Works?
Thanks for the follow-up. I'd heard the bit about the spinoff in the time between your posts. Where can I learn more about this? Not doubting you, just performing due diligence in my evaluation process...
RE: Better Solutions than PDM Works?
Never mind. I'd searched for information on what was transpiring with SmarTeam but never had any luck. Tried again today (different search terms) and somehow ended up at www.fcsuper.com reading an article about the artizone spinoff. Many more links to follow, but I'm good for now.
Thanks again for the information.
RE: Better Solutions than PDM Works?
Matt Lorono
Lorono's SolidWorks Resources & SolidWorks Legion
&