Product Data Management

Product Data Management (PDM) is a category of computer software that aims to create an automatic link between product data and a database. The information being stored and managed (on one or more file serves) will include engineering data such as CAD models and drawing and their associated documents. The package may also include product visualization data. The central database will also manage metadata such owner of a file and release status of the components. The package will: control check-in and check-out of the product data to multi-user; carryout engineering change management and release control on all versions/issues of components in a product; build and manipulate the product structure BOM (Bill of Materials) for assemblies; and assist in configurations management of product variants. This enables automatic reports on product costs, etc. Furthermore, PDM enables companies producing complex products to spread product data in to the entire PLM launch-process. This significantly enhances the effectiveness of the launch process.

Most larger CAD vendors have some kind of PDM offering. Standard off-the-shelf CAD (Autodesk, etc) has PDM functionality built in. CAD vendors in an industrial niche usually have a separate closed offering (example, textile CAD - Lectra, Gerber, etc). Other are not industry specific and can handle multiple CAD systems (example UGS ‘s Teamcenter).