5 Ways Built-In PDM Makes Engineering Data Management More Efficient

5 Benefits of Built-In PDM

The Onshape approach to engineering data management represents a fundamental shift in how we think about PDM. Instead of treating data management as an add-on system, it’s built directly into the core of the platform, creating several distinct advantages that address long-standing pain points in the mechanical engineering workflow.

1. Real-Time Sharing

Onshape’s cloud-native PDM eliminates traditional constraints through database-driven architecture that enables simultaneous access, similar to how teams collaborate in Google Docs. This approach allows engineering teams to share designs earlier in the development cycle without concerns about file management. 

Additionally, built-in PDM:

• Eliminates file-based bottlenecks in design processes

• Enables multiple engineers to work simultaneously

• Provides instant visibility of all changes to team members 

• Allows early sharing with supply chain partners

• Supports secure external collaboration

Early sharing enables faster feedback from supply chain partners and helps identify potential manufacturing issues before they become costly problems. The database architecture eliminates performance issues associated with transferring large CAD files, allowing complex assemblies to load and update instantly.

2. Comments and Tasks

Cloud-native PDM integrates communication directly into the design environment through comments and task management. Rather than scattered emails and physical notes, all design-related communication links directly to the relevant 3D models. 

More benefits include:

• Integrates communication directly within the design environment

• Links comments to specific 3D model elements

• Includes task management with due dates and priorities

• Provides clear assignment and accountability tracking

• Creates a searchable knowledge base of design decisions

Tasks can be created with due dates, priority levels, and specific assignees, ensuring clear accountability. The system maintains a complete history of comments and decisions associated with specific design elements. These integrated communications create a searchable knowledge base that includes technical specifications, supplier requirements, and design rationale. Task status updates automatically flow to relevant team members, keeping projects moving forward efficiently.

3. Streamlined Release Management

Release management transforms through customizable workflows and automated tracking. The system maintains a complete history of every change from initial sketch to final release. Release workflows adapt to match organizational processes while maintaining flexibility for different project needs. 

Onshape’s CAD and PDM platform also:

• Provides customizable workflows and automated tracking

• Maintains complete history from initial sketch to final release

• Creates automatic audit trails of all actions

• Enables efficient Engineering Change Order (ECO) processing

• Supports flexible approval processes

The approval process streamlines through clear visualization of pending releases and automated notifications. Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) move efficiently through the creation, review, and approval stages, with all actions automatically logged in the system's audit trail. This automation reduces administrative overhead while maintaining rigorous change control.

4. Mobile Access

Cloud-native PDM extends beyond desktop workstations, enabling team members to access, review, and approve designs from any device. Engineers can review and approve design changes from tablets and phones, with changes reflecting instantly across all users' devices. The system supports augmented reality visualization, allowing teams to view designs in their intended environment without physical prototypes. 

Additionally, cloud-architected PDM: 

• Enables review and approval from any device

• Supports real-time collaboration on phones and tablets

• Includes augmented reality visualization capabilities

• Provides instant access to the latest design information

• Eliminates delays in approval processes

This mobile capability transforms how teams collaborate and make decisions, eliminating delays caused by stakeholder availability. Engineering managers and reviewers can stay involved in the development process regardless of their location, accelerating approval cycles and keeping projects on schedule.

5. Analytics Dashboard

Comprehensive analytics dashboards provide unprecedented visibility into the product development process. Engineering managers can track activity patterns, resource utilization, and project progress in real time. The system clearly displays overdue tasks, upcoming deadlines, and team activity levels through intuitive visualizations. With this power, your team can:

• Tracks activity patterns and resource utilization

• Provides real-time project progress monitoring

• Includes release burndown charts

• Shows overdue tasks and upcoming deadlines

• Delivers comprehensive usage metrics

These dashboards include release burndown charts, release reports, and detailed usage metrics that identify bottlenecks and improvement opportunities. Security and compliance tracking helps organizations demonstrate regulatory compliance and protect intellectual property while providing valuable insights for process optimization and resource allocation.

The Path Forward, Brought to You by Modern PDM

The combination of these five benefits represents a fundamental shift in engineering collaboration. Organizations gain both improved efficiency and enhanced agility to respond to market opportunities.

As product development evolves, these capabilities become increasingly critical for maintaining competitive advantage in today's fast-paced market.