Integrated Cloud-Native CAD and PDM Software

CAD and PDM Integration eliminates the "gap" between design and data management, replacing manual file handoffs with a single, synchronized workflow.

The "Single Source of Truth"

In non-integrated systems, users often work on local copies of files. It is easy to accidentally edit an outdated version or overwrite a colleague's work. Integrated CAD and PDM ensures everyone looks at the exact same data. There are never any "copies" to manage. This plays a large role in eliminating manufacturing errors caused by sending the wrong file version to the shop floor.

Concurrent or Agile Engineering

File-based systems require "locking" a file to edit it, forcing engineers to wait in line (serial workflow). Integrated cloud-native systems allow branching, merging and simultaneous editing.This creates drastically shorter design cycles because teams work in parallel, not in sequence.

Automated History (Prevents Data Loss)

Manual "Save As" (e.g., Design_vFinal_FINAL.sldprt) are prone to human error and data corruption. Cloud-native CAD with integrated PDM automatically records every change in the background. The result, Zero Data Loss. You can always revert to a previous state, encouraging teams to experiment without fear of breaking the model.

Both. Onshape’s PDM is not a separate, add-on system; it is a core, built-in feature of its cloud-native platform. This architecture is designed to be effective for teams of any size.

For Small Teams: It provides immediate access to enterprise-grade data management (like version control, branching, and release workflows) with zero IT overhead, server setup, or maintenance.

For Large Enterprises: It scales automatically. As a true SaaS (Software as a Service) solution, it supports thousands of users, complex projects, and global supply chains without the performance bottlenecks, file-locking issues, or infrastructure management of traditional, on-premise EPDM systems.

Product Data Management (PDM) is crucial because a well implemented PDM solution can create a single source of truth for all product-related information, not just the 3D models.

While PDM manages CAD data for engineers, its real power is in how it securely controls versions and releases, and shares that data with the entire business. This ensures everyone—from design engineers to the shop floor—is working from the same, most current information, which drastically reduces costly errors, scrap, and delays.

Examples of PDM's Value Beyond CAD:

Purchasing & Supply Chain: A purchasing agent can instantly access the accurate Bill of Materials (BOM) generated from the Released design.

Engineering Change Orders: PDM automates the Engineering Change Order (ECO) process. When a change is needed, the system electronically routes all documentation (models, drawings, specs) to the correct managers, manufacturing leads, and quality inspectors for digital sign-off, replacing slow release management processes that can be blocking for engineers.

Manufacturing: On the shop floor, machinists can access the latest, approved 2D drawing or 3D model on a tablet to verify design and assembly instructions. This prevents the common mistake of building a part from an outdated version that was saved to a shared drive or sent as an email attachment.

IT & Maintenance (Zero vs. Heavy)

• Traditional PDM: Requires maintaining physical servers, installing client software, managing VPNs for remote access, and performing complex annual upgrades.
• Onshape: Zero IT overhead. It runs in a browser, updates automatically every few weeks, and requires no server hardware or installation.

Collaboration (Real-Time vs. Serial)

• Traditional PDM: Relies on Check-in / Check-out. To edit a file, you must "lock" it so no one else can touch it. This forces a serial workflow where engineers wait for others to finish.
• Onshape: Allows Simultaneous Editing. Multiple users can work on the same part or assembly at the same time (like Google Docs). There is no file locking or blocking.

Data Storage (Database vs. Files)

• Traditional PDM: Manages copies of files. You "get" files from a server to your local drive to work on them. This creates "silent errors" where references break if filenames change or files move.
• Onshape: There are no files. Your design is data in a central database. You never download, copy, or move files; you interact with the data directly in your browser.

Version Control (Immutable vs. Overwritable)

• Traditional PDM: Versioning is often manual or dependent on the user remembering to check in work. "Last saved" wins, and overwriting work is a common risk.
• Onshape: Uses Git-style versioning. Every change is recorded in an infinite history. You can "Branch" designs to test ideas safely and "Merge" them back without duplicating data. Versions and Releases are immutable, and individual design points can’t be overwritten.

Release Management (Built-in vs Bolted-on)

• Traditional PDM: The release process typically locks files, preventing anyone from working on them until the approval cycle is complete. It often functions as a separate "bolt-on" module requiring manual configuration and additional expenses.
• Onshape: Release workflows are built-in and non-blocking. You release an immutable snapshot of the design. This allows the team to immediately continue working on the active document (the next revision) while the approval process is underway, without ever locking the data.

It is easy to confuse these acronyms. Here is the breakdown:

• PDM (Product Data Management):
  • Focus: Engineering & Design.
  • Data: part numbers, revisions, technical drawings, BOMs.
  • User: Engineers and Designers.
  • Example: Onshape, SolidWorks PDM.
• PIM (Product Information Management):
  • Focus: Sales & Marketing.
  • Data: Marketing descriptions, high-res photos, translation for different regions, catalog specs.
  • User: Marketers and E-commerce managers.
• PMDM (Product Master Data Management):
  • Focus: The Whole Enterprise.
  • Data: SKUs, Global Trade Item Numbers (GTIN), tax codes, ledger codes, supplier details.
  • User: Data Stewards, Operations, IT.
  • Role: It is the "governor" that ensures the PDM data matches the PIM data and the ERP data.

Onshape PDM impacts the entire enterprise. Since engineering and design is the most upstream process in all product design enterprises, all downstream systems benefit from a “single source of truth” captured by PDM.