What, Why And How Of Product Data Management

By TechDogs Editorial Team

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Overview

Have you seen the movie "The Devil Wears Prada?” Well, imagine if the main character, Andrea Sachs (aka Andy), was responsible for managing the data and information related to every fashion product featured in Runway magazine.

Andy would need to keep track of the designers, the collections, the pricing and the availability of each item; whoa that would be tiring! If some technology took care of everything, that would be awesome, right Andrea? Wouldn’t it be nice for Andy to just sit back and relax as the tool would perform the tasks?

Well, Product Data Management (PDM) systems are exactly what she needs! They help businesses organize and centralize the information related to their products.

A PDM system is like having an organized and efficient assistant such as Andrea Sachs to manage the product data for your business, ensuring that product data is always up-to-date and ready for use.

Read on to know how a Product Data Management system is not just an organizing tool but a lot more!

Imagine you're the CEO of an Ecommerce company that sells all sorts of products from quirky socks to stylish sunglasses. You've got a bunch of suppliers, each sending you product information in different formats. Some send spreadsheets, others send PDFs and some have their own online portals.

Managing all this data can be a total nightmare! You don't want your website displaying incorrect or incomplete information, leaving your customers confused and your brand reputation damaged.

However, don't sweat it! Product Data Management (PDM) is the answer to your problems. It is why more than 30% of the top manufacturers are using PDM to cut down the time spent on non-productive data management tasks by 25%! #ThatsInsane

There’s so much you can do to be productive but using a Product Data Management system is key to it. The first step starts with knowing the PDM system in detail and that’s why we are here – read on for everything you need to know about Product Data Management! What Is Product Data Management?

What Is Product Data Management (PDM)?

Product Data Management (PDM) involves utilizing software to facilitate communication and connection of product information between teams and systems that are geographically dispersed.

PDM is like the Avengers of product development tools, bringing together all the necessary components to create a seamless team! It connects different departments, even those using diverse tools and helps them communicate and collaborate on product information with ease.

With PDM, you can ensure that every drawing, model or document is stored safely in a central repository. This way, you can quickly find what you need without searching through endless emails or files. Plus, the search feature stores the entire history and associated relationships of each piece of content, making it a breeze to locate everything you need.

Wait, there's more! PDM also tracks each version and revision, making it easy to manage product life cycles and keep stakeholders up to date with the latest changes. It even automates manual tasks and ensures that required approvals happen before moving forward with new updates.

Before we learn more, let’s take a small detour and understand where this idea evolved from.

Where Did Product Data Management Come From?

Back in the day, engineers used to create product drawings and schematics on good old paper and then came the fancy CAD (Computer-Aided Design) tools that allowed for the creation of parts’ lists (such as Bills of Material structures - BOM). With all these advancements, the products grew and it was challenging to keep track of everything.

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Enter Product Data Management (PDM)! This was created to help companies connect and coordinate product information across different departments using enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems and CRM tools.

In 2001, the Open Icecat PDM was launched and it was a game-changer. It started in the tech sector but soon expanded to other industries. This data model sparked a wave of innovation as software vendors developed add-ons and improvements to the existing system.

However, PDM is just one piece of the puzzle. It's actually a subset of a larger concept called Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), which covers everything from launching new products to managing changes to existing ones and even retiring products at the end of their life span. It's like the entire life cycle of a product, from birth to retirement.

So, there you have it! PDM and PLM may not have capes or superpowers but they're essential tools in the world of product development. Without them, the process would be chaotic and we'd all be lost in a sea of paperwork and confusion.

So, what does PDM actually do?

How Does Product Data Management Work?

There are a lot of ways in which Product Data Management can work for you. It’s not just an organizing system that takes reliance on software but it does a lot more so that you can focus on what’s important. Here is how it works:

PDM system is a super organized database that stores all the essential product information for Ecommerce businesses.
It stores all sorts of important data, including product numbers, features, descriptions, inventory levels and manufacturer instructions.
Users can even add information from suppliers and manufacturers to keep everything in one place.
When integrated with other software, the PDM system links and syncs with your customer and supplier portals, so inventory levels are updated instantly when you fulfill an order or a customer returns a product.
This also means that your customers always have accurate and up-to-date information when they search for products on your website.
Your employees can also benefit from the PDM system by checking inventory levels and product specifications on demand.
The PDM system syncs with your eCommerce store, so you can easily update product information from a centralized location and it will automatically update the product listing across.

PDM systems help you keep everything organized, save time and focus on growing your business. The next part is all about why Product Data Management is the right tool for you!

Why Do We Need Product Data Management?

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Yes, no matter what your business is, PDM works for you!

It is important as studies show that engineers in organizations without a robust PDM system spend 25% more time on non-productive data management tasks. When it comes to designing a product, having to manage many distinct types of data is inevitable.

With PDM, you gain efficiency in organizing, tracking and re-using design data centrally with a single source of truth. Spending less time searching for CAD files, recreating data, updating systems or answering requests from non-CAD users is a major advantage.

Moreover, you can achieve your budget limits and schedule targets by eliminating non-value tasks associated with managing and sharing product data with PDM systems. Did we mention that all data stored is secured and user authorization can be set up?

That’s just one component of this awesome tool – let's see what else it has!

What Are The Components Of a Product Data Management System?

With a PDM system, you can organize your files and streamline your design and engineering processes. Nonetheless, what exactly makes up a PDM system? Let's look at the components that make it all possible:

CAD Management System

This helps engineers and designers keep track of the various phases of product production. It's like having a super-organized design assistant that helps keep all your files in one place! #LikeAndreaSachs
Revision Management

Think of this as your time machine for designs! It shows you all the previous versions of a product design so you can see how it evolved over time.
Data Security Management

Think of having a personal bodyguard for your product data. It ensures that only the right people have access to your files and keeps them safe from any sneaky cyber-attacks.
Remote Access

With this feature, you can work from anywhere! It lets you access your product data through the cloud or other digital channels, so you can collaborate with your team even if you're miles apart.
Compliance And Privacy

This feature helps you stay on the right side of the law when it comes to protecting your data. It has all sorts of cool safety features such as password protection and encryption, so you can keep your product data private and secure.
Engineering Change Requests

Think of this as your product design butler. It helps you keep track of all the important changes and makes sure they get assigned to the right team so that you can save time and money on rework.
External Collaboration

Imagine a secret clubhouse for your internal team! So, when needed, the tool lets you share ideas and data with your colleagues, whether they're in the same room or across the globe.

So, there you have it! These are the components of a PDM system that bring a major difference to your product data management processes. Now, how would that be helpful to your business?

Here’s how!

How Is Product Data Management Good For Your Business?

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We bet you’re curious to know the benefits of PDM. Product Data Management (PDM) can bring these advantages to your organization:

Higher Efficiency

Become a lean, mean engineering machine by driving efficiency and managing product data like a pro. Say goodbye to version control headaches and hello to streamlined workflows!
Better Global Collaborations

Collaboration makes the world go round and PDM can help you do it better! With real-time updates, idea submissions and feedback, your teams can work together seamlessly, no matter where they are in the world.
Excellent Quality Of Data

When it comes to quality, PDM has got you covered. Manage all your tools and data in one place, making sure there are no missing pieces or misinterpretations. Your data will be as clean as a whistle!
Document Control

Document control is a breeze with PDM tools. Keep track of employee training, electronic signatures, controlled printing and more. No more loose ends, no more worries!
Protects Your IP

With this tool, you can protect your intellectual property like a boss! Control who has access to your data and establish security labels for authorized users. With PDM, your secrets are safe!
Saves Time For Searches

Time is money and PDM saves you both! Say goodbye to endless searches for data and hello to standardized system-generated names. With PDM, finding what you need has never been easier.

If you think that was cool, wait till we unveil the future of PDM!

What Is The Future Of Product Data Management?

The future of Product Data Management is looking pretty exciting! One trend that's gaining popularity is Data Observability. It's a fancy term for keeping an eye on the quality of your data through automation and AI. This means you can catch issues before they affect downstream systems, even if you're not a data expert. Plus, you can find low-quality data without relying on strict rules with AI-driven data quality initiatives. So, you will spend less time worrying about data quality and more time designing products!

Another trend to look out for is the modern data stack. It's like a superpowered toolkit for data management! It automates pipelines, provides data visualization and transforms the unstructured data in your data warehouse. Plus, it's way easier to use than the old-school data stacks. The best part? You don't need a tech wizard to set it up as modern data stacks can be easily customized to your unique data needs, freeing up time for fun stuff like analyzing and designing. Who knew data management could be so exciting in the future?

Summing It Up

Using a Product Data Management system is like having the superpowers of Andrea Sachs at your fingertips. It brings together all the necessary components for seamless product development and management to ensure all information is easily accessible, organized and up to date. So, say goodbye to the headache of managing product data and hello to streamlined productivity with PDM!

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Product Data Management (PDM)?

Product Data Management (PDM) involves utilizing software to facilitate communication and connection of product information between teams and systems that are geographically dispersed. It acts as a centralized repository for storing drawings, models, and documents, ensuring easy access and efficient collaboration. PDM also tracks versions and revisions, streamlining product life cycle management and automating manual tasks for enhanced productivity.

How Does Product Data Management Work?

Product Data Management (PDM) operates as a super organized database storing essential product information for Ecommerce businesses, including product numbers, features, descriptions, and inventory levels. Integrated with other software, PDM synchronizes with customer and supplier portals, ensuring instant updates on inventory levels and accurate product information for customers. Employees benefit from accessing inventory levels and specifications on demand, while the system maintains organization, saves time, and supports business growth.

Why Do We Need Product Data Management?

Product Data Management (PDM) is crucial for businesses to streamline data management tasks, as studies show engineers without robust PDM systems spend 25% more time on non-productive tasks. PDM enhances efficiency by organizing, tracking, and re-using design data centrally, eliminating time-consuming searches and non-value tasks associated with managing product data. Additionally, PDM systems offer secure data storage and user authorization settings, ensuring data privacy and compliance with regulations.

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