I’m heading to SolidEdge University 2016 today. Although my attendance there will be focused on openBoM, I will spend some time learning about new data management capabilities available at SolidEdge ST9. Navigate to the following link to see Solid Edge University agenda. I captured some information about Solid Edge ST9 data management.
Built-in data management capabilities in Solid Edge ST9. The built-in data management capabilities of Solid Edge are significantly expanded in Solid Edge ST9. Find out how you can quickly take advantage of these new capabilities and get control of your design data.
Here are few essentials things Solid Edge ST9 built-in data management can do: Windows indexing capabilities, manage files and design changes; data properties (metadata), Design Manager utility to execute revision and release process. Finally, there is an option to connect to cloud-based file sharing software (eg. Dropbox) to backup and share design data.
Solid Edge ST9 built-in data management reminded me my blogging about PDM trajectories and future of multi-CAD and PDM. It looks like Solid Edge is following the pattern of providing a bundled PDM functionality. This is an option that became more popular for last 3-4 years. Because of CAD/PDM integration complexity and high demand for vertical integration, software vendors are trying to solve this problem for their own CAD and PDM systems. As a result, stable bundles became more popular. It solves the problem CAD-PDM version compatibility, updates as well as functional richness.
Bundled CAD-PDM functionality is available today for all existing CAD systems. Solidworks has long time bundle with variety of PDM options – Standard PDM, EPDM, etc. Autodesk has multiple PDM systems available today – Autodesk Vault, Fusion Lifecycle with cloud PDM. Cloud CAD systems such as Onshape and Autodesk Fusion360 are coming with embedded PDM functionality. CAD-PDM bundles can be clear benefits. At the same time the question of “double PDM tax” is the next one manufacturing companies will have to answer. My hunch that many companies are using multiple CAD systems at the same time.
What is my conclusion? Data management is getting more ubiquitous. Build-in data management can provide a better user experience to engineers and to solve multiple PDM issues related to CAD compatibility and functional requirements. At the same time, CAD-PDM bundles are creating data silos. It will raise questions about future data integration patters between PDM and other product lifecycle and data management systems involved in manufacturing process. Just my thoughts…
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Disclaimer: I’m co-founder and CEO of openBoM developing cloud based bill of materials and inventory management tool for manufacturing companies, hardware startups and supply chain. My opinion can be unintentionally biased.