PDM questions

[DanPihlaja]

OK, some back story:
We have 2 facilities: Automotive and Aerospace

Our Aerospace facility purchased Solidworks PDM and 2 CAD editor licenses. However, we were so backlogged with COVID, we dropped everything and switched to machining Ventilator parts for GM. So there was no progress implementing PDM anywhere for at least a year.

Now that we are getting back to normal, we are moving forward with some sort of PDM.

We had a big meeting to discuss PDM and what is needed to move forward. Management decided where in the shop we want to implement PDM. Then we talked about licenses and such. The idea was that the rollout would be for Aerospace only.

Once we got the quote from our VAR, there was significant sticker shock (even though we discussed this in the meeting that we had).

So, everything came to a screeching halt and now there is discussion of canning Solidworks PDM and using something else.

Our CEO got involved and dropped an email:
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Guys there are tons of PLM softwares out there, I think we should investigate this a little more to see what might work for both sides of the business.

Both sides of the business need QMS Software as well and many include or stand along side the PLM software. Also we must have a SQL based system.

Here are a few:
https://www.ispsoftware-solutions.com
https://www.qualityze.com
https://qt9qms.com/quality-management-software.aspx

Here are a few stand alone PLM Software Systems:
https://www.mastercontrol.com/product-d ... gineering/
https://www.synergissoftware.com/soluti ... ement.html
https://www.buyplm.com
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So, right now.....I am tasked with looking into some of these as a replacement for Solidworks PDM.

I know literally nothing about Quality Management Systems.....so not sure where to go with that one...

However, regarding PDM systems...it is extremely hard to review a PDM system without contacting the reseller for that system. I am hesitant to do that because these guys tend to be used car salesman and will tell you only positives.

So here are my questions:
1) What have you all used and what does and doesn't work (not limited to the links above....just was wondering if anyone out there uses them) as a replacement to Solidworks PDM?

2) How would someone go about reviewing a PDM system without contacting people who have previously used said system (like I am doing now... LOL)?

Thank you

[jcapriotti]

Of those, the only one I've heard of is Synergis. The rest don't seem to handle SolidWorks files and/or connect to SolidWorks PDM instead.

Synergis would be most comparable to SolidWorks PDM I think. Price is probably similar but it's been a long time since I reviewed it. You'll have to contact them and get ready for the sales pitch to get the true cost. They are dedicated to PDM/PLM so it may have functionality that SolidWorks PDM doesn't have so it might be worth a look.

There are software like Windchill and Teamcenter but if you think PDM is expensive then.....

[DanPihlaja]

Of those, the only one I've heard of is Synergis. The rest don't seem to handle SolidWorks files and/or connect to SolidWorks PDM instead.

Synergis would be most comparable to SolidWorks PDM I think. Price is probably similar but it's been a long time since I reviewed it. You'll have to contact them and get ready for the sales pitch to get the true cost. They are dedicated to PDM/PLM so it may have functionality that SolidWorks PDM doesn't have so it might be worth a look.

There are software like Windchill and Teamcenter but if you think PDM is expensive then.....

Thank you so much for the response!!

Yeah, I figured that Windchill and Teamcenter were expensive.
And I do plan on biting the bullet to contact someone and maybe get a demonstration of their software in action.
I wanted to get a feel for what the community liked using and didn't like using first though.


I don't want to limit discussion to just what was linked. So if there are any good ones out there that I haven't seen......

[jcapriotti]

DBWorks is another to consider that has been around for a while. GUI is a bit dated but has lot of PDM functionality

http://www.mechworks.com/
.

[jcapriotti]

Another one: https://www.designdatamanager.com/