In today’s industrial landscape, data has become one of the most valuable assets a company owns. Design files, specifications, revisions, and production information must be managed carefully to avoid errors, delays, and costly rework. This is where Product Data Management (PDM) and collaboration systems play a critical role.
SolidFace Collaboration delivers a modern, simplified PDM approach, designed to help teams manage CAD data efficiently while enabling real-time collaboration across the entire product lifecycle.
Why Data Management Matters in Engineering
Engineering and manufacturing generate vast amounts of data, much of which becomes irrelevant if not properly organized. Without a structured system, teams face issues such as overwritten files, missing revisions, unclear ownership, and scattered information.
PDM systems were created to solve these challenges by centralizing product data, controlling access, and ensuring that everyone works with the correct and most up-to-date information.
A Brief History of PDM
PDM concepts date back to the 1980s, when product data was managed manually due to limited computing resources. As CAD adoption increased in the 1990s, PDM evolved into a digital solution integrated with design workflows.
Initially embedded within CAD systems as basic file and BOM management tools, PDM later emerged as a standalone discipline focused on organizing complex assemblies, multi-team collaboration, and product lifecycle control.
What Is Product Data Management (PDM)?
PDM is a system used to manage product-related data throughout its lifecycle—from initial design to manufacturing and beyond. It organizes, secures, and controls access to CAD files, documentation, and associated metadata.
PDM operates as a core component of Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), supporting design, engineering, production, and quality processes across an organization.
Who Needs a PDM System?
PDM is not limited to large enterprises. Any organization that designs products collaboratively can benefit from structured data management. If teams struggle with file versioning, missing data, unauthorized changes, or scattered storage, a PDM solution becomes essential.
Company size is irrelevant—what matters is the need for accuracy, traceability, and efficient collaboration.
PDM in Industrial Workflows
PDM data integrates directly with enterprise systems such as ERP and MRP, supporting resource planning, purchasing, inventory control, quality management, and production scheduling.
Industries ranging from aerospace and automotive to consumer goods and energy rely on PDM to coordinate design and manufacturing operations efficiently.
Key Capabilities of a PDM System
A robust PDM solution typically provides secure data storage, access control, version management, configuration tracking, and collaboration across internal and external teams.
It also supports the handling of diverse information types, including CAD models, drawings, specifications, costs, supplier data, analysis results, and documentation.
Benefits of Using PDM
PDM streamlines engineering workflows, reduces errors, improves decision-making, and shortens product development cycles. Teams can locate correct files faster, reuse existing designs, and maintain compliance with business and regulatory requirements.
By reducing wasted time searching for data or correcting mistakes, organizations significantly lower development costs and improve product quality.
SolidFace Collaboration as a PDM Solution
SolidFace Collaboration is a cloud-enabled PDM environment built directly into the SolidFace CAD ecosystem. It provides centralized data storage, real-time collaboration, and full version history without the complexity typically associated with traditional PDM systems.
The platform allows teams to share CAD data securely, manage permissions, and collaborate on the same models simultaneously—without exchanging files or risking data loss.
Core Features of SolidFace Collaboration
Version and history control ensures that every change is tracked and reversible.
Task management allows teams to assign responsibilities directly within the design context.
Branch, merge, and compare workflows enable parallel design exploration while maintaining control over final decisions.
Simultaneous editing allows multiple users to work on the same assembly or component in real time.
Secure access control protects intellectual property by defining who can view, edit, or export data.
Cloud-Based and Scalable
SolidFace Collaboration is designed to scale with organizations of all sizes. Its cloud-based architecture enables global teams to work together efficiently, without complex infrastructure or heavy IT overhead.
Addressing Common Objections to PDM
Concerns about cost, complexity, or company size often prevent teams from adopting PDM. SolidFace Collaboration addresses these concerns by offering an intuitive interface, easy deployment, and integrated functionality as part of the SolidFace CAD environment.
Rather than adding complexity, SolidFace simplifies data management and enables teams to focus on design and innovation.
Conclusion
As product development becomes increasingly collaborative and data-driven, effective product data management is no longer optional. PDM is essential for maintaining data integrity, protecting intellectual property, and delivering high-quality products on time.
SolidFace Collaboration provides a modern, accessible, and powerful PDM solution—helping teams manage data, collaborate efficiently, and turn design information into successful products.
