In the SME sector (small and medium enterprises) there may be a need for more efficient product management, but we are not clear on how to address this.
Perhaps you are familiar with the acronym PDM but do not know its function in depth or are not aware of the uses of this software tool. Below, we give you all the information you need about this system.
What is a PDM system?
PDM stands for Product Data Management. This type of software allows for the centralization of all the information regarding the creation and marketing processes.
A Product Data Management system collects all the information about the product and manages it in such a way that it is available to users during the product’s life cycle, arranging it in the precise areas and contexts.
This software allows access from multiple applications and equipment, so it is available to the entire organization and supports the specific needs of each business area.
Thus, any SME can benefit from a solid base of management and control of its products, including digitally assisted design, accurate information on parts, components and models, manufacturing instructions and their documentation requirements.
Is a PDM right for your business?
Choosing a Product Data Management software involves analyzing the type of company and the market volume it operates.
A PDM is ideal for small and medium-sized companies whose business model is not linked to several workplaces with an international presence and whose regulation and management is a complex framework.
In other words, if we are not dealing with multinationals, a PDM can serve as a guarantee of control, saving resources and constituting an affordable initial investment.
A PDM software is oriented towards the management of metadata and files related to the product designs of the company and is particularly useful for members of the engineering department since it saves the CAD files (three-dimensional digitalized models of the product) and manages the relationships between them.
PMD functionalities
The management software will ensure that the product data is error-free and perfectly accessible from any of the departments by centralizing the information.
From the product design team to the sales group will be able to access all the information about the product through a secure storage system that guarantees the privacy of the company.
A PDM provides secure data management solutions and handles process activation and configuration management. In addition, through a security and administration function, it performs role management that covers intellectual property rights and maintains project security through access privileges associated with each department.
Advantages of using PDM
The great beneficiaries of the implementation of a product data management software are the project managers, engineers, salesmen and buyers, as well as the quality control teams since these systems allow to:
- Find the right information quickly
- Improve productivity and reduce cycle time
- Reduce errors and development costs
- Improve the orchestration value chain
- Meet business and regulatory requirements
- Optimize operational resources
- Facilitate collaboration between global teams
- Provide the visibility needed for better business decision-making
