PDM in Industrial Equipment Manufacturing

What is PDM and why is it important for Equipment Manufacturers?

Product Data Management (PDM) ) in the equipment manufacturing industry is the foundation for further digitalization. The goal of PDM is simple: to ensure that everyone always works with the correct and most up-to-date product data.

Common challenges in Equipment Manufacturing without proper data management

• Engineers working with different versions without control
• Production errors caused by incorrect drawings or miscommunication
• Difficulty locating drawings and BOMs
• Lack of traceability on who made which changes
• Engineering and production planning not speaking the same "data language"
• Changes not properly implemented throughout the value chain

How a PDM system organizes product data and addresses these challenges

Engineering in equipment manufacturing is often iterative and highly prone to changes. PDM supports this process by offering:

• Clear version and revision control
• Easy reuse of existing designs and components
• Insight into who changed what and when
• Controlled release of drawings
• Management of the engineering BOM
• Fewer production errors thanks to accurate data at the right time
• Integration with DMS or ERP systems
  This keeps the design process manageable - even with complex, custom-built machines - by centralizing CAD data, BOMs, drawings, and documents.

Benefits of PDM for engineering, production, and service

PDM helps equipment manufacturers manage their technical product data in a centralized, secure, and controlled way. It reduces errors, speeds up engineering, and improves cross-department collaboration. Consider the following advantages:

• Revisions, BOMs, and drawings always under control. No more confusion over file versions or revisions
• Secure collaboration on CAD data and technical documentation
• Error prevention
• More efficient workflows
• Less searching, fewer manual tasks
• Improved teamwork – multiple engineers can work safely in parallel
• Faster lead times – changes are implemented quickly and in a controlled manner

PDM as a foundation for growth

For many equipment manufacturers, PDM is the cornerstone of their digital transformation. It provides clarity and control in engineering and builds a solid foundation for further process optimization and scalability. Stay ahead of the industry through smart digitalization with the right data management solution.

Our PDM solution:

PDM is a vital link for modern equipment manufacturing companies seeking to increase their innovation capacity, product quality, and operational efficiency. It forms the digital backbone of the product development process.

PRO.FILE PDM is the Product Data Backbone with Multi-CAD Support

Collect all drawings, documents, and BOMs in one central location and integrate them with your ERP system. Experience the power of integrated MCAD and ECAD systems for mechatronic projects. A PDM system manages product data and information flows across departmental boundaries - serving as a bridge.

As the Product Data Backbone, PRO.FILE consolidates all mechanical, electronic, electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and software elements of a product into one unified BOM. All related documents are stored together in the database and accessed via a user-friendly interface. This ensures a clean and seamless process from development and data management to handover from the PDM system to ERP software.

PRO.FILE provides end-to-end transparency and insight into business processes and integrates with leading CAD and ERP systems. As the Product Data Backbone, PRO.FILE is the ideal foundation for sustainably implementing PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) processes.

PRO.FILE PDM is the Product Data Backbone with Multi-CAD Support

Read more in our brochure:

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Discover how it works! See it in action!
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FAQ’s - Frequently Asked Questions about PDM in Equipment Manufacturing

1. What is the difference between PDM and PLM?
PDM (Product Data Management) focuses on managing technical product data such as CAD files, BOMs, and documentation.
PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) goes a step further, incorporating process management and collaboration across the entire product lifecycle - from idea to service.
PRO.FILE is the all-in-one solution: the next-generation platform for PLM/PDM/DMS/CPQ & SpareParts Portal.
2. What are the benefits of PDM in equipment manufacturing when combined with CAD?
Can CAD files be automatically managed in PDM? Absolutely. A PDM solution with 3D CAD integration provides version control of technical drawings, BOM management, and component reuse, while preventing data loss or duplication. This enhances consistency and speeds up development.
PRO.FILE offers centralized data management with multi-CAD support.
3. Can PRO.FILE PDM be integrated with our ERP system?
Yes. PRO.FILE PLM is MultiCAD and MultiERP and integrates seamlessly with both CAD and ERP systems, ensuring a streamlined flow of information so that BOMs and product data can be transferred automatically from engineering to production - without manual errors.
4. How quickly can we implement PRO.FILE PDM in our organization?
That depends on the scope, but with our Quick Start Package, a fast and manageable rolloutis achievable.
5. What are the costs of PRO.FILE PDM?
Costs vary based on the number of users, desired functionality, and required integrations.
You might consider our Best Practice implementation approach. This provides a standard yet comprehensive setup of PRO.FILE, which can be expanded and tailored to your internal needs. A smart and efficient solution.

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