In today’s age, data is very important. Everywhere you look, there is data: from AI and live data to huge collections of data that anyone can use. Furthermore, many privacy laws pay attention to protecting personal information. 

If you are the one who works with a bulk amount of data every day, you know it’s not just about having more data. There are several methods to manage data successfully. In case of product information, managing data can be challenging due to various versions and lots of digital documents. But product data management software can help make this simple and easier. It assists you in organizing and controlling product information so you can work effectively, better, and faster. This kind of software proves very helpful for large businesses as it keeps all the information in order and also saves time and effort. In short, everywhere, you may deal with data, and good tools make handling it easy and simple. 

What is product data management?

PDM or product data management is a system utilized to organize and save important files related to the design and engineering of the product. These files may be drawings made on a computer, 3D models, some technical details, manufacturing guidelines, or lists of parts needed to develop the product. PDM, also known as the company method to collect, store, and share overall product information. Product data management assists teams like engineers, designers, production workers, sales, and marketers to share data easily and collaborate with one another. 

When creating or handling products, there is a wealth of information required, for example, safety information, sizes, applicable lead times, product codes, product images, etc. For products that are based on exact measurements, having accurate and clear information about things such as pressure, electricity, and heat resistance is essential. This is the foundation of the function of the product and enables the product to be a market success.

Oxford Training Centre offers expert product management training courses that teach you how to manage products from idea to market success. Their training covers product development, lifecycle management, and marketing strategies to boost your career and business growth. Enroll today to gain practical skills and industry knowledge.

4 basic components of product data management

1. File management

It is the core of PDM software. During the product development, there is a need to handle many files such as designs, drawings, documents, and models. These files are large and occupy hundreds of megabytes or even gigabytes of space. PDM system places these files in the centre so that everyone can easily access and update them. 

Users can review previous changes if necessary and always work on the most recent version because of the software’s ability to track file versions. This avoids misunderstandings and missed work.

2. Change orders and Bills of Material(BOM)

Change orders are demands to alter a product’s design or specs. Changing them is important because numerous individuals might be affected, and errors can lead to delays or mistakes. PDM software can track each change request, who requested it, and when it was completed. Bills of Materials (BOM) specify all components and materials to construct a product. PDM makes BOMs accurate and current, preventing manufacturing and purchasing staff from making mistakes and saving costs.

3. Collaboration tools

This component of PDM software allows team members to work in a team. These tools let everyone share files, adding comments and providing feedback directly within the software. This reduces the requirement for extra emails or separate group conversations. Everyone has the opportunity to discuss and revise all things in one place, and teams can quickly work on various issues and speed up the process of decision-making. So, collaboration tools keep everyone aligned on project goals. 

4. Role management and access privileges

In product development, security is important to keep intellectual property and sensitive information secure. PDM software provides security by controlling who can see files and who can edit files based on roles and access rights. An example is an engineer who has full access to the design files, whereas suppliers may only see the parts that are important to them. This gives access control but also prevents unauthorized access to aspects of the file or keeps things from being accidentally altered. While controlling access to product data can’t guarantee perfect product data, complete security provides the best possible chance that your product data will be secure.

What are the top 4 benefits of product data management software?

Are you confused and enable to handle too much information? If yes then dont worry. Product data management software can assist you to orgnaize and share your product details easily. There are many advantages of PDM software for your business. Some of them are mentioned below. 

• Better teamwork: With product data management, every team such as sales, marketing, engineering and others work with latest information. This helps everyone to stay update and work on same page with smoothness. 
• Less mistakes: When you track every sigle change in your product then it reduces the chaces of errors. Furthermore, engineers also become careful and avoid to repeat the same mistake. Sales and marketing get the right facts to share with customers.
• Greater productivity: When teams are well managed and have fewer mistakes, you get work done faster. You can find data quickly, provide updates in a timely manner, and even speed up your supply chain. All of this means increased time and cost savings.
• Happier customers: Good product data gives you clear, correct information on your web site and catalogs. This ultimately helps customers trust your products and enjoy their experience.

Basic difference between PDM, PLM and PIM

PDM (Product Data Management):

• Stores and manages design and engineering documents.
• Primarily utilized throughout product development.
• Facilitates collaboration on technical documentation and CAD files.
• Emphasizes version control and secure storage.

PLM (Product Lifecycle Management):

• Manages the entire product data from concept to end-of-life.
• Adds inventory, sourcing, and distribution data to information from PDM.
• Monitors updates and changes as the product matures.
• Facilitates collaboration across departments (production, engineering, sales)

PIM (Product Information Management):

• Specializes in product marketing and sales information.
• Accumulates, structures, and delivers product information to customers and sales channels.
• Transforms technical PDM/PLM data into customer-readable content.
• Assists in enhancing product listings, catalogs, and webstores.