PDM insight

[landrover77]

I am attempting to bring in some drawing control typically we have 200-300 componets per design and then 3/4 variations within a level 1 of change and then 20-30 (componets) changes within level 2 vaiations, which effect all of the level 1 machines, typically 20-30 changes.

We then build 6-7 deisgns, so in total several thousand drawings, models and assembles.

In addition i have about 30 years of microstation designs that need to be kept for archiving.

We operate predominatly in the Uk, but in the next few years i wouldlike to open our drawing store upto our deisgn houses in japan, USA and Italy.

Any suggestion as the route to go, obviously Team centre has cropped up as a possibility, or is insight a go way to go for the short term?

main management covers revision changes, model updates and Product life cycle management.

Plus does anyyone have any manuals or tutorials on these PDM as SE seem to be light in this areas.

many Thanks
james

 

[KENAT]

For potentially multiple sights I'd steer away from Insight.

However, we're in the process of finding a way ahead with PDM/PLM so I'm limited in what advice I can give.

 

[SunshineBuddy]

I am interested in this too. Although not over multiple sites.

Does anyone tie into to se with an access database? Im thinking this could be an easy solution (and low cost) to drawing management.

 

[KENAT]

Our sister site has an Access data base that assigns/logs part numbers and based on information put into it automatically assigns some file properties to the SE model file (not sure if it uses VB or XML or what).

However, that isn't completely the same functionality that a PDM system gives.

 

[SunshineBuddy]

Kenat.

that sounds good. Any ideas if its a company specific database? and if they are willing to release the code?

 

[KENAT]

It's company specific, I don't think the person who created it is still around. We're currently trying to modify it to support a new common number scheme across both sites and it's a nightmare.

I'm sure other places who know what they're doing have had more success.

However it should be made clear it doesn't provide any file management etc.

 

[SunshineBuddy]

how do you manage your drawing files then?

 

[KENAT]

Not very well frankly.

The files basically are just in a folder with some level of write permission. At our site only Doc Control can write/modify items in the secure folder. At the other site all the Solid Edge users can write/modify the folder.

Also for large products at our site we have terrible trouble with file management. Our procedures are somewhat limited and what we do have isn't enforced.

This is part of why we are looking at a PDM system per my first post.

 

[xmun]

Here's a SE Low Cost alternative worth investigating further. Checkout

http://www.designdatamanager.com

Supports mutliCAD and multi documents.

 

[toffeet]

I emailed them (Designdatamanager) for a quotation this morning. Haven't heard from them yet. Does anyone else know what it cost?

Solid Edge V19 SP1 on WinXP SP2

 

[toffeet]

Got the quotation this afternoon:

DDM Professional: One license supports Solid Edge, Solid works, Pro/ENGINEER, Inventor, IronCAD.

License Cost £1000 sterling License Support £300 sterling


DDM Office: Controls all your Office Documents, process flow, ECN (Engineering Change Note) Release Management, viewing PDF drawings, drag and drop document import.

License Cost £600 sterling License Support £150 sterling


DDM Web: Site Licensed Web based 'read only' access to all your DesignDataManager controlled documents, parts, assemblies, drawings, ECN etc..

License Cost (Site License, Unlimited User) £2,250 sterling License Support £1,000 sterling


One Day installation

Three Day DDM Training Course.


Solid Edge V19 SP1 on WinXP SP2