Without a PDM software package, you are limited to "best practices" techniques amoung your engineers, designers and CAD operators.
I know many companies try to use the same methods to control thier 3d files as they have with thier 2d files, only to find out that it will only work for a short period of time (1-2 years at best). "Happy the Hare at morning for she is ignorant to the Hunter's waking thoughts."