PDM software or PLM software: what's the difference?
The terms product data management (PDM) and product
lifecycle management (PLM) are often used interchangeably
and the best PLM software has evolved directly from earlier
PDM software designs. (In fact, we introduced our first PDM
software back in 1994.)
So, what's the difference between PDM software and PLM
software?
PDM software features
Although a few so-called PDM software solutions remain
little more than CAD file managers, most PDM software
includes these essential product data management functions:
- design documentation identification and revision control
- electronic data library for CAD files
- physical part attribute records
- supplier source records
- bill of materials management
- engineering change control with workflow
So, maybe PDM software is the same as PLM software...
PDM software: It's similar to PLM software
Both PDM software and PLM software are designed to
maintain a complete product evolution. PDM software and PLM
software centralize and control the "who, what, when, why,
how, at what cost" history of product data, while ERP or CAD
systems narrowly focus on the "right here and right now"
view.
PDM software and PLM software are designed to maintain a
complete product history. Both PDM software and PLM software
centralize and manage the "who, what, when, why, how, at
what cost" evolution of product data, while ERP or CAD
systems narrowly focus on the "right here and right now"
view.
But, most PDM software also misses a few things...
PDM software: It's different from PLM software
PDM software focuses primarily on engineering tasks,
specifically the design release and change cycle, and
doesn't offer a complete data view over the entire product
life cycle.
Since PDM software is often acquired to manage technical
design data, PDM software frequently makes assumptions that
limits its wider application. PDM software is generally weak
in accommodating non-technical documents (such as marketing
requirements) and physical item records (such as sales
brochures) or post-sales documentation and spares inventory
affecting product support, service, and disposal. At least
one PDM software application, for instance, defines a
limited number of unique change forms, so all departments
are forced to share a fixed set of design- and
production-related change processes.
Because PDM software often assumes users are engineers,
even simple capabilities can be too "techy". For example,
item search in PDM software often requires an understanding
of how item attributes are stored and indexed in the PDM
database as well as Boolean logic syntax — certainly not a
benefit to the average marketing manager or purchasing
agent.
PDM software doesn't provide PLM's comprehensive view of
the information that should be managed as part of your
product's life cycle. And, PDM data is typically locked in a
user interface that non-technical users may find too complex
for their own product data management needs.
The best PDM software isn't just PDM software - it's
PDXpert PLM
While PDXpert PLM software provides product data
management system features, its capabilities exceed even
the best PDM software. Unlike PDM software, PDXpert PLM
software supports the complete product life cycle with:
- Flexible document & part types that permit unique naming
and identification outside the engineering department
- Superior Google-like free-form text search that allows
non-technical users easy access to their own documents and
parts
- Virtually unlimited change forms and change workflows
that can be uniquely tailored to a specific department's
needs, so that upstream (marketing) and downstream (customer
support, field service) organizations can manage their part
of the product life cycle using their own change processes.
- Materials identification and reporting for simple and
cost-effective RoHS/WEEE/ELV regulatory compliance in
product maintenance and repair, hazardous material handling
and product disposal.
- Document and part dispositioning to clearly communicate
how items throughout the supply and distribution chains will
be affected by pending changes.
PDXpert PLM software eclipses older PDM software by
ensuring that your entire product data history, from product
definition to product retirement, is captured and maintained
by all groups within your organization.
Discover the better PDM software alternative: PDXpert PLM.
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