Product Data Management software

[jacques29]

I would like to implement a PDM software in my company to control the documentation generated during the product development life cycle.

I have already identify a software called "smarteam".

Does any of you already use it? If yes what do you think of it?

Do you know other softwares which could do the job?

Thanks

 

[josephv]

Hello,

I have not used Smarteam, but it appears to be a good product.

There is another product called PDM/Works that is very simple to use, and powerful.

Cheers,

Joseph

 

[MadMango]

There are hundreds of PDM/PLM programs out there, choosing one is a hard thing to do. Check this link out for a small list of available packages out there:

http://www.tenlinks.com/CAD/PRODUCTS/edm.htm

SmaterTeam is an "enterprise-wide" PDM solution, much like SAP2000 and ProductCenter. These are capable of handling everything from models and drawings to BoM info and vendor/customer/supplier info. Many enterprise-wide solutions can also offer "work flow" capabilities for automating ECNs. These usually cost Big Bucks.

PDMworks, Smart PDM and others are "less robust" PDM softwares and will usually only handle models and associated files and configurations. These are good if you don't want to invest the Big Bucks, or do not plan on controlling documents and files outside of Engineering.

A good starting point when choosing a PDM software is to have an idea of what you want the software to accomplish. The following link provides a good starting point:

http://www.gatewaygrp.com/VendorSelection.asp

Whoever you choose, make sure that the software will integrate with the way that your department currently does things. If you try to change your work methodology to "fit" the PDM solution you selected, you are in for a world of hurt.

Ray Reynolds
Senior Designer
Read: faq731-376
"Probable impossibilities are to be preferred to improbable possibilities."

 

[JNR]

We use SmarTeam. It is not necessarily enterprise wide and can be purchased in modular form to some extent. Until recently I would not have recommended it. It was not intuitive to use by any stretch of the imagination. Also it was way out of synch with SolidWorks revisions - and still is to some extent. (We only just loaded SW 2003!). Of course this comment applies to any 3rd party code that you rely on for you operations. However things have improved greatly and the fact that SmarTeam is now part of Dassault Systems along with CATIA and SolidWork is really helping.

It is certainly a very capable product. If you need to know more specifics email me and I will give you the phone number of our guru.

I would say that you should definintely go to the Oracle version.

Generally (and SmarTeam is no exception) unless you are going with a very basic system, PDM/EDM systems are very costly and time consuming to implement. Many large companies are backing off and rethinking their strategy, as it can be a very painfull experience (no, it IS a very painfull experience). You do not realize what you are getting into until you try it. My advice is to determine exactly what you need to achieve and how much control you need - bearing in mind future growth. Only buy as much as you need - no more!!!!!! And I don't care WHAT anyone claims, THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS "OUT OF THE BOX" PDM OR EDM software. You should budget 5 to 10 times the time and resources than you think to implementation and twice what you think to sustaining.

Having said all that - SmarTeam really has been worth it and we could not do what we do today anywhere near as efficiently (and in some cases not at all) without it.

 

[StarrRider]

Jacques29

I have to support JNR’s assessment. I have worked for several different companies that have purchased PDM/EDM packages that ended up getting put on a shelf because they didn’t look at the program long enough or allocate enough time or money to make it happen.

The demo’s always looks good and they do offer functionality that you will think you need. That is why they were created. The truth though, is that the programs have to be set up to work with your system and that takes a lot of skill and programming expertise that you probably do not have readily available.

If you do purchase one of the big systems, a good solution is to hire an expert to come in - let him learn your system and then set the program up. This takes time and these guys are expensive, but you will end up spending less in the long run. In any case, it is not for the faint of hart or anyone on a limited budget.

Good Luck

Lee

The best leaders inspire by example. When that is not an option, brute force and intimidation works pretty well, too.

 

[JNR]

Amen, Jacques29.

 

[RawheadRex]

Hi,

I spearheaded a SmarTeam implementation a few years back at my former company and have all the associated ailments to prove it. I'll just make a couple of simple points (without trying to pontificate on the subject) and let you digest my comments as you will.

1. As mentioned in a previous post the following statements are absolutely 1000% true:

- There's no such thing as "out-of-the-box" PDM software (each company's internal processes are unique unto themselves to expect a software product to conform "out-of-the-box" is unrealistic)

- Be very generous when budgeting for an implementation of (any) PDM software....regardless of what anyone who's trying to sell you a product tells you

- Implementing a PDM system is a painful undertaking anyone who would tell you otherwise is a snakeoil salesman.

2. SmarTeam is a quite functional product and as far as I know still available in a modular form (e.g. a version for managing SolidWorks files only, etc.). Once you understand it and what it can do you will find it a powerful tool.

3. However beware of bugs, I had many issues with failed vault operations.

4. A good understanding of database software such as Oracle or SQLServer (Access is okay and valid to a certain extent) is something that I would highly recommend.

5. Most importantly review your internal processes that you want to manage with the software and understand them thoroughly before proceeding with implementation. Be sure that the application engineer doing the installation understands how you see the product fitting into your day to day activities (and then tell him/her again). You'll want to have this defined and written even before purchasing the software so there won't be any surprises (having it with you when meeting with the sales reps and AE's initially is preferable and ideal).

6. Be sure that a product like PDM/Works won't serve your needs as well as SmarTeam. It is quite functional and easier to implement (relatively speaking....it is still not the holy grail of PDM by any means....we use it at my current company and somedays I wish for SmarTeam when we're attempting to resolve some unmentionable anomaly). Essentially what I'm saying is be certain that you've done your homework before proceeding and even then I would suggest doing it again.

Good luck,
Chris Gervais
Sr. Mechanical Designer
Lytron Corp.