PDM - Which one? 3

[CajunCAD]

I am currently looking for an enterprise wide document management solution. I have looked up previous posts on this subject and while learning some things I would like to get some user input.

The PDM software I am looking for needs to be able to:
-handle SolidWorks files (looking at Gold Partners)
-handle MS Office, PDF, image, Protel, etc... files
-routing/approval of documents
-e-mail notifications
-web based to allow remote users to retrieve data (without installing a client application on remote machines - we would like to allow some customers to "log in" and see certain data - would also like to involve customers in non-conformance routings/approvals)
-ability to link production/quality documents to a part / PO / Job Order / Work Order / etc... (need to present traceability to clients upon demand)
-ability to link to ERP system thru custom programming (Made2Manage is our ERP system)
-file security - once a document is checked-in to the vault it cannot be modified unless checked out - can't be checked back in until it has been approved

I put together the long list of what I want to generate good responses. Any experience, good or bad, will be appreciated.

Louis

 

[engAlright]

lafelur -

Sounds like we are at similar stages of the game for upgrading PDM/PLM systems.

Our VAR has just recommended Conisio to us, we will be seeing a demo in the next few weeks. It is more in line with what we need, which is principally file management rather than BOM item management (which other systems like ProductCenter and Arean PLM are based on). User interface is also much nicer than anything I've seen.

I also looked at Adept and was quite impressed - pretty straightforward to use, support for distributed worksites over a WAN, ERP integration, nice workflow etc.. However it doesn't support multiple copies of documents existing at multiple server locations i.e. when I pull a document out of the system, it may be coming from a remote server rather than a local server (slow).

Please keep us posted on your search!

 

[mmlentz]

llafleur,

Adept appears to be a very nice product. Please be aware that it does not support multiple configurations. That is the sole reason we chose not to go with it.

Mike

 

[CajunCAD]

I did pick up on that during the presentation and it is somewhat of a disappointment.

What product did you go with Mike?

 

[mmlentz]

We decided on DBWorks. I tried the month-long trial and found the reseller (IPS) to be very helpful in answering our MANY questions. We'll be installing across the system in 2 weeks.

Mike

 

[CajunCAD]

I've got the evaluation copy downloaded, just haven't had the time to install and evaluate.

Any features in DBWorks that are significantly better than the competition?

Any features that could be improved but don't really hold you back?

Anything that you have had to develop a workaround for?

The internet presentations for software usually look really good. The vendor has chosen to demo it with things they know will work. I know I am asking several questions but the answers will help in decision making. If you have the time I'd also like similar feedback on the other programs you evaluated (pro's & con's).

I managed to get approval to attend SW World this year and I plan to spend time with the PDM vendors there to learn as much as possible about there products. Hoping to get PDM up and running here by March or April.

 

[mmlentz]

We haven't installed DBWorks for full-time use, so I can't really answer about work arounds or improvements. The 1 feature that, for us, makes DBWorks really stand out is the BOM creator.

We looked at several programs: ProductCenter, Synergis, MaxxDB, PDMWorks, DBWorks, Activault (I think it no longer exists), Conisio, SimplePDM, and DataDesignManager.

Several of these were quickly weeded out based on price, partner status with SolidWorks, or even miserable websites. We looked in depth at PDMWorks, Synergis, and DBWorks. Having used a PDM system at a previous job, I had many questions, and did not allow the web presenters to "gloss over" these items.

The key is to know what you want. Every company has different needs, and what works well for us may not for you. If you are new to PDM, learn what they can do, think about what you need, and pound them with the questions until you understand if it will meet your needs.

 

[mplafleche]

Cyco AutoManager is now a Gold Partner of SolidWorks and is a worthy candidate for companies looking to move to a document management solution. It can handle small workgroups with it's TeamWork platform as well as medium to large companies with Meridian. It runs on a SQL-based, MS SQL or Oracle database. It also has a BOM module that can hook into an ERP/MRP system like Made2Manage or SAP.

http://www.cyco.com

has more details.

 

[Maschau]

We are new to this, just joined the forum as I just this Company. There is a desperate need here for a PDM system. We've been actively courting PDMW and Auto Manager by Cyco.Smarteam is not in the $$ range we are looking at and we are just looking for this sight.

Any of these seem to be capable for most of our needs. Our concern! Secure approval & electronicly managing files and permissions. Simple enough isn't it? The main concern "Secure paperless approval"

Alexander Hahnl
L-3 ESSCO

 

[norseman83]

We too are looking into a PDM system. What we do here are mainly one-offs or 'custom' elevator cabs and entrances. We are mainly concerned with SW file management. Design of our product will start with equation driven assemblies (each one will be different). What we need (at a minimum)is to copy part/assembly/sub-assembly/DRAWING files,break references, re-reference, re-name, move file structure, and print entire part/sub-assembly and assembly DRAWING files for each unique job as efficiently as possible. We have looked at many SW PDM's (smarteam, Agile, DBWorks etc.). PDMWorks is not an option (too much $ for too little performance). Most can't handle our needs and SW Explorer doesn't handle drawing files. Javware seems most compatible with our needs at this point. Does anyone have any furhter suggestions?

 

[potter87]

Take a look at Conisio. We use Autocad and SolidWorks and haven't had a bit of trouble.

http://www.conisio.com

 

[potter87]

Here's a link to their informational document.

http://www.conisio.com/Download/Conisio6_Brochure.pdf

 

[mmlentz]

Norseman83,

To my knowledge, DBWorks will do everything you have mentioned.

 

[SBaugh]

norseman83,

You should post this a new thread and use this a reference if you need too.

Regards,

Scott Baugh, CSWP
3DVision Technologies

http://www.3dvisiontech.com

http://www.scottjbaugh.com

faq731-376
faq559-716 - SW Fora Users

 

[tar]

Kevin,

Sounds like you may be the resident expert on Smarteam.

Since your implementation what have been your experiences regarding software updates, i.e. ST keeping up with the latest SW releases. It seems to me that ST lags behind SW by a few releases.

We "completed" our implementation to ST about a year ago and are still limited to running SW2003.

Otherwise the program has worked well for us. Pretty much was the only game in town that would suit our needs; multi-site / vault, replication, workflow, part classification through custom data model.

We have some concerns regarding future support. ST seems to be throwing most of their resources toward the CATIA side lately.

Tom

 

[kcarpenter]

tar,
I wouldn't say I'm the resident expert as there are many others here who are involved with PDM systems to one degree or another. I just know what I know

Updates for ST with ANY supported CAD packages are lacking greatly IMO. This has been a major topic of discussion in other forums I frequent. I recently had a chance to talk to a Enterprise Customer Rep. face to face and expressed my two greatest concerns. First, support for new CAD releases/service packs. Second, poor web product development.

According to SMARTEAM, SW2K4SP4.2 is compatible with ST V5R12SP10, V5R13SP8, and V5R14SP3. SW2K5SP5 is compatible with V5R14SP7 with some toolbox limitations (but those should be resolved with the release of SP8 on Dec. 9th). SW2K5SP1.1 is compatible with V5R12SP11 and V5R14SP5. I personally don't see a reason to still be SW2K3 depending on what the version of ST your on. Only being a year old implementation I would guess you're using R14.

We learned back in '95 with our first seat of SW we were going to need a PDM system and when ST came about in '97 we were one of the first few U.S. customers. We just implemented multisite about 3 weeks ago, that was interesting. Take a database that has been in existance since '97 and see how it goes. We're currently waiting for our communications line to be installed in China to finish up the project.

I'm not so sure about the future support. I have not heard anything disruptive regarding the movement of resources to support CATIA. I think Dassault is positioning the products for different needs across CATIA and SW programs. Ideally CATIA would be teamed up with ENOVIA and SW with ST, but CATIA is also support by ST. I personally feel that support for ST w/ SW will continue at the same level as I have seen. What is concerning is that the ST group continues to route issues through their HQ in Israel. Thusly, response times on issues are delayed and if those happen to be "show stoppers" we're pretty much screwed for days.

I certainly extend my previous offer to talk one on one with you or anyone else regarding ST or PLM/PDM in general. Just let me know.


Kevin Carpenter
CAD Systems Specialist
Invacare Corp.

 

[EdHulse]

We have been using DBworks for many years now. As stated it is very customizable.

Web access
File Replication (servers here in Houston and Germany)
SAP intergration
WorkFlow
Handles any file type (MS Office, autoCAD.....)

We currently handle 75,000 files in DBWorks

Ed Hulse
Sr. Designer/DBWorks Admin

 

[mmlentz]

Ed,

We are getting ready to move to SW 2006 - our first version upgrade since using DBWorks. How do you handle new versions? Do you upgrade all files, or just current projects? Are you able to upgrade without bumping a revision?

Thanks,
Mike Lentz

 

[kcarpenter]

EdHulse,
I've not seen or used DBWorks personally, but it sounds like DBWorks fits your company well and has good modules to boot. We currently handle 228,000 files using 182GB of disk.

mmlentz,
I'm sure this applies to any application upgrade, but test, test, test, and test some more. We have a totally seperate test environment that mirrors our production systems. It has saved us alot of downtime, disruptions, and upgrade rollbacks. I'm sure Ed has more specific details than that regarding DBWorks. Good luck with your upgrade.

Kevin Carpenter
CAD Systems Specialist
Invacare Corp.

 

[mp1116]

Hello. I just joined this forum. I'm in IT but also support SmarTeam and SolidWorks. I agree with Kevin on the SmarTeam and SolidWorks comments. I haven't had any success in accessing the SmarTeam user forum and I never got a response from the "webmaster."

We are using SolidWorks 2005 and really need to update to SP 5, but SmarTeam has been slow to certify it. I'm trying to figure out if we should go with SP 7 or wait for 8. Sounds like it will be out in December?

We had been using SolidWorks and were in need of a PDM system. I was not here at the time, but SmarTeam offered the most functionality for what we needed at that time (~1999-2000) and we locked in a great price. Presently, I heard that we pay for what we get.

We use SmarTeam for Workflow, BOM Management, and document management. The system helped us with our ISO certification. Recently, we implemented Web-Editor. The database is on SQL Server 2000. I have to say that the system is way better than the manual processes that were in place before. I just think it can do way better.

 

[EdHulse]

mmlentz

We convert all the part files only. The only reason we do this is to speed up drawings and part files during opening. Released files are view only so there is noticable difference 2005/2006. Or office in Germany runs a script that pulls all security off part files-updates to new SW version and then places it all back.

This is all done outside DBWorks. Any drawings or Assemblies are updated as they are checked out for revisions.

Ed Hulse
Sr. Designer/DBWorks Admin