Intuitive Version Control for Better Hardware Design: How Cloud-Native CAD & PDM Changes the Game

In this blog, we’ll show you how to make the most of these features:

Workspace Protections and Agile Version Control

Onshape’s PDM system provides robust workspace protections and agile version control, allowing teams to merge changes seamlessly. This ensures that everyone works with the most up-to-date information and reduces the risk of design conflicts. The ability to track changes in real time and revert to previous versions if needed is a game-changer for hardware design.

Traditional PDM systems often required engineers to check files in and out, creating a serial workflow where only one person could work on a file simultaneously. This often led to bottlenecks and inefficiencies, especially in large assemblies. Onshape’s cloud PDM system eliminates these issues by allowing multiple users to simultaneously work on the same design.

Colleague Collaboration and Task Assignment Features

Collaboration is at the heart of Onshape’s PDM system. The environment includes colleague collaboration and task assignment features, making it easy for teams to work together efficiently. Whether you’re assigning tasks to specific team members or collaborating on a design in real-time, Onshape’s PDM system streamlines the process and keeps everyone on the same page.

Onshape’s cloud CAD platform allows for seamless communication between team members, regardless of their physical location. This is particularly useful for global teams working on complex hardware design projects. The task assignment feature ensures that everyone knows their responsibilities and deadlines, reducing the risk of miscommunication and delays.

Efficient Drawing Creation for Manufacturing

Creating drawings for manufacturing is a breeze with Onshape. The platform’s intuitive tools and features make generating detailed drawings that meet manufacturing standards easy. This saves time and ensures that your designs are ready for production without any hiccups.

Onshape’s cloud CAD system allows for real-time updates and collaboration, ensuring that any changes made to the design are immediately reflected in the drawings. Additionally, Onshape’s PDM version control system tracks all changes made to the drawings, making it easy to revert to previous versions if needed.

Enhanced Drawings in Release Workflows

Onshape’s PDM system allows drawings to provide the information needed during release workflows. One example is through automatic part number information updates. This ensures that all relevant details are included in your drawings, making it easier for manufacturers to understand and produce your designs. The release workflows also help manage the approval process, ensuring that only finalized designs are released for production.

Including part number information in the drawings is particularly useful for hardware design projects. It ensures that all components are correctly identified and reduces the risk of errors during the manufacturing process.

Better Document Sharing and Version Control Strategies

Efficient document sharing and version control are crucial for company departments to work together seamlessly. 

Onshape’s PDM version control system tracks all document changes, making it easy to see who made what changes and when. This transparency is particularly useful for large teams working on complex projects.

Drawing Management with a Cloud-Native CAD & PDM System

Managing drawings can be a daunting task, especially for large projects. Onshape’s cloud-native system streamlines drawing management, making organizing, accessing, and updating your drawings easy. The cloud-based approach also means you can access your drawings from anywhere, as long as you have an internet connection.

Onshape’s PDM and CAD system automatically saves your work, reducing the risk of errors and ensuring the manufacturing team has the correct information. Additionally, Onshape’s PDM version control system tracks all changes made to the drawings, making it easy to revert to previous versions if needed.

Design Information at Your Fingertips

Retrieving information efficiently is essential for any design process. Onshape’s PDM makes finding and retrieving information accessible through a workspace search and various views, including List View and Product Structure View. In each, the search results provide a comprehensive overview of all relevant details, ensuring that you have the information you need at your fingertips.

3 Key Features of Onshape’s Built-in PDM

Above is just a taste of what Onshape’s built-in PDM system can offer. In short, several key features that set it apart from traditional PDM solutions include:

Real-Time Collaboration and Version Control

Onshape allows multiple users to work on the same design simultaneously. Changes are tracked in real-time, and every modification is recorded in the system’s history. This means you can always revert to a previous version if needed.

Database-Driven System

Unlike file-based systems, Onshape’s PDM is built on a database. This allows for more efficient data management and eliminates the need for file check-in/check-out processes. It also means you can access your design data from anywhere, as long as you have an internet connection.

Integration with Agile Design Processes

Onshape supports agile design methodologies, allowing teams to iterate quickly and incorporate feedback throughout the design process. This is particularly useful for hardware design, where changes can be costly if not caught early.

Modern PDM, Easy Version Control

Onshape’s built-in PDM system offers a modern, efficient solution for version control in hardware design. Moving away from traditional file-based systems and embracing a cloud-native, database-driven approach, Onshape enables real-time collaboration, reduces the risk of design conflicts, and supports agile design methodologies.

Whether designing consumer products or automotive components, Onshape’s PDM system can help you streamline your design process and bring your products to market faster.