Considering switching from Smarteam to Adept or Activault

[bb007]

We are considering switching from Smarteam to Adept or Activault for our SW file mgt.
Anyone have any advice or comments on switching to one of those packages??

BACKGROUND INFO:
============================================================
We are a current Smarteam user with Solidworks. We have decided to replace Smarteam.

We have also reviewed Product Center, PDM Works, Conisio.
--Product Center -- felt too much like Smarteam

--PDM Works -- we liked the interface a lot, but we need remote access, and were nervous about potential problems with: the number of users we have, complexity of our models, volume of data we have to manage

--Conisio -- it seemed too new, we did not have any luck getting references through our VAR, foreign company (i.e., potential support issues -- like Smarteam), it's more than what we need

Company info:
--12-15 designers/eng's using Solidworks
--Additional 20+ need to view drawings
--Machine design and mfg company (seafood processing, typical 500 unique parts in a model, 1000-2000 total parts)

Main requirements for SW PDM:
--Vault
--Revision control
--Assist with multiple users working on the same model

Other requirements:
--Non-proprietary database for exporting info to inventory mgt program
--Need remote access -- viewing and check in/release
--Needs to be easy to use, easy to learn, low training costs
--Minimal bugs/problem
--Easy annual upgrades
--Minimal/no need for consultants
--Good support from manufacturer, fast response to bugs/issues

 

[ctopher]

My last job had 25 users with PDMWorks, also remote.
We never had any problems and it worked great. The only problems I had was with some users reluctant to use it because of laziness. On occasion the servers or network slowed down causing remote users frustration. But it is normal with any software.

Chris
Systems Analyst
SolidWorks/PDMWorks 05
AutoCAD 05
ctopher's home site (updated 06-21-05)
FAQ559-1100
FAQ559-716

 

[tar]

bb007,

Why are you dropping ST?

 

[bb007]

"Why are you dropping ST?"

- Many issues/problems over the past 5 yrs
- Not user friendly
- To many workarounds to get something to work right
- Expensive – purchase/maintain/upgrade/customize
- We only use about 20% of what the software can do
- Poor support
- To many middle men (Support Consultant->Reseller->Smarteam)

 

[Heckler]

Look at all your requirements I see only one real solution - PDMWorks. With a well trained VAR that has experience launching this type of Data Migration things should be seamless. I've been involved in two major data migrations and our VAR (GEI Technologies) stepped up with a realistic game plan. The company I'm with now is using Activault but a couple of us "powerusers" are going to bat for PDMWorks.

Best Regards,

Heckler
Sr. Mechanical Engineer
SW2005 SP 5.0 & Pro/E 2001
Dell Precision 370
P4 3.6 GHz, 1GB RAM
XP Pro SP2.0
NVIDIA Quadro FX 1400
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_`\(,_
(_)/ (_)

"Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success." - Henry Ford

 

[Cryo1]

bb007,

We looked at PDM solutions and came to the same conclusion about SmartTeam. Too many $$$ for what we needed. Too much overhead for what we need to do.

Adept looked good to us but they didn't have configuration control at the time we were looking at it. Otherwise, it seemed like a good product.

 

[bb007]

Cryo1,

What did your company end up purchasing?

 

[Cryo1]

We experience downsizing at time. The money for the PDM system wasn't there after that.

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

PDM - Which one? thread559-106196


Helpful SW websites FAQ559-520
How to get answers to your SW questions FAQ559-1091

 

[Cryo1]

CorBlimeyLimey,

We didn't make the final decision due to the cut backs at that time.

PDMWorks and SmartTeam didn't make the final round.