First, it is important to note there are many types of product management systems used in industry. Two that are often mistakenly interchanged: Product Data Management and Product Life Cycle Management (PLM).<\/p>\n
PDM Solutions <\/u><\/p>\n
These platforms primarily manage CAD files \u2013 both 3D and 2D drawing files. This allows for the designers within an organization to share components throughout multiple projects. Along with this, it enforces product revision control.\u00a0 Ensuring everyone is on the same page significantly reduces quality issues. PDM systems feed information to the parent PLM system. Common information stored within PDM database:<\/p>\n
- \n
- 3D CAD File<\/li>\n
- Product\/Assembly Drawing<\/li>\n
- Part Number<\/li>\n
- Vendor<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
PLM Solutions<\/u><\/p>\n
Life-cycle management platforms are a cross-department resource tool. \u00a0This allows all disciplines (procurement, engineering, manufacturing, quality, marketing, etc.) to approve and review product-related processes for the finalized design. Within the engineering department, the PDM platform will push the required information to the PLM system. Fig. 1 shows the relationship between PLM, PDM, and other integrated systems. Common information stored within PLM database:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Bill of Materials (BOM)<\/li>\n
- Engineering Changes (EC)<\/li>\n
- Order History<\/li>\n
- Primary\/Substitute Suppliers<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
![\"PLM\"](\"http:\/\/blog.misumiusa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/PLM.jpg\")
<\/p>\n[Fig. 1]<\/strong><\/p>\n
Source: Institute for Information Management in Engineering (IMI)<\/a><\/p>\n
Benefits<\/u> of PDM Platforms <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n
The art of manufacturing is a constantly changing field. As we discover solutions for one issue, another may arise. Globalization has been one of the largest factors that push companies toward investing in a PDM platform. The obvious benefit of enhanced collaboration<\/u> is enticing when considering the location of skilled labor generally does not surround affordable manufacturing sites.<\/p>\n
Being able to have designers and engineers develop and critique a product remotely can not only lower overhead but forces the use of a centralized data<\/u> source. Having a central location for all related components will enforce permissions\/revision control. The largest cause of any quality issue can be traced back to human error. Omitting the mundane task of file management & organization will significantly reduce chances of claims<\/u> on the manufacturing floor.<\/p>\n
Likely the most underrated advantage of PDM systems is the increased productivity<\/u> they bring. One of the least exciting aspects of mechanical design is researching and procuring CAD files for purchased components. Many times this involves browsing several vendors\u2019 sites, downloading, importing, and examining CAD files.<\/p>\n