SolidWorks 2010 Data Management

Data Management

Design information forms the backbone of the intellectual property of the business. Companies need to store this valuable design data, easily, securely and aligned to the document release workflows of the business, allowing access to those people authorised to use the data.Collaborating, sharing knowledge and re-using data are critical to your success. But sharing often means wasting time searching for the right data. It means risking data loss when you accidentally overwrite files with older versions. It means wasting money when manufacturing uses the wrong version of a file. SolidWorks has two Solutions for any size business:

WorkGroup PDM

Generally for smaller design teams (1 - 5 Users) with simple requirements for secure check in/check out, revise with simple configurable workflows. This product is part of SolidWorks Professional and SolidWorks Premium. With the pace of product development today, just a few engineers can quickly create gigabytes of design data. It's easy for files to get lost or misplaced. SolidWorks Workgroup PDM provides a simplified set of data management features, making it a good way to get your feet wet with PDM.

A real solution
The common data management “solution” of storing data in flat files on local hard drives is no solution at all. It increases the amount of time you spend looking for files and the chance of accidentally overwriting or corrupting data.

Easy to use
SolidWorks Workgroup PDM is easy to implement and manage—perfect for individuals and small work groups. A SolidWorks Workgroup PDM license is included with each SolidWorks Professional and Premium® license.

Everything in its right place
Workgroup PDM helps individuals and small work groups control file revisions and manage project data securely and efficiently with little or no IT support. It consolidates design data in a secure central repository (or vault) where advanced search functions let you quickly retrieve files by name, date and version. Automatic version control protects data from overwriting.

Securing access to engineering data
Facilitating design re-use
Enabling a workgroup design environment
Automating revision control
Reducing time spent organizing and tracking design data
Providing rapid ROI with limited IT support

Enterprise PDM

Generally for slightly larger teams, who may require multi site development control, with secure check in/check out, higly configurable workflows / Engineering Change control and ability to provide ERP/MRP integration. Purchased as an add on to your SolidWorks license. Here's a list of the features and capabilities you can take advantage of.

Secure access: Protect your product design data by providing secure, managed access only to authorised individuals, over a network or via the Web. You also can give access to partners, customers, and supply chain partners.

Revision control: Help your design team avoid overwriting files, and assist purchasing and manufacturing in ordering and producing the correct parts.

Full document preview. You can view and print more than 250 file types–including SolidWorks, AutoCAD®, PDF, and Microsoft® Office–plus images, animations, movie files, and more. Other CAD platforms like Inventor® and Solid Edge® can be previewed using readily-available viewers.

Design data search and re-use: It's easy to find documents based on their names, contained data, attached metadata, workflow state, and other parameters. For even greater productivity, you can predefine, save, and share your searches.

Custom configuration: SolidWorks Enterprise PDM is fully configurable, so it works well within your unique team structure, design process, and industry.

Scalability: As your design organization grows, you'll work with the same high level of speed, functionality, and security.